July News
NAAEE 36th Annual Conference
Funding Sources and Upcoming Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Fun Fact
Note: Virginia ’s annual Environmental Education Conference and partners meeting will not be held this year. We will be participating in the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference in Virginia Beach , VA on Nov. 14-17, 2007 . We encourage anyone interested in environmental education to attend this professional development to learn the latest in research, pedagogy, curriculum and other resources for teaching about the environment.
Online Registration Begins July 1
To register www.naaee.org/conference/registration
Teacher Scholarships
Deadline is September 1, 2007
Scholarships are available from the Foundation for Virginia ’s Natural Resources and the North American Association for Environmental Education for educators currently teaching in formal or non-formal settings or enrolled in a degree program or taking coursework that directly supports career plans as an environmental educator. The scholarship application is available on Virginia Naturally.
Photo Contest
Deadline is July 30
In partnership with the Albert I. Pierce Foundation, NAAEE has established a photography contest in conjunction with the upcoming NAAEE annual conference at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on November 14-17, 2007 . NAAEE seeks photos that will inspire people to achieve environmental excellence. The winning photos will show how the visual arts can create a kinesthetic and emotional connection to the Earth. The photography contest is one element of a larger effort by NAAEE to re-invigorate the use of arts and culture in the EE field.
www.naaee.org/conference/2007-our-world-pho
Authors Corner
Come to meet and interact with a variety of Virginia authors at this event which will take place during the NAAEE conference on Friday, November 16 from 12 noon - 2 pm in the exhibit hall.
Funding sources and upcoming deadlines
Edith Stevens Groundwater Educator Award
Deadline: July 14
The Groundwater Educator award was established to recognize leadership in the field. Anyone actively involved with the implementation and delivery of these education programs is eligible. For more information www.groundwater.org/aw/awards.html
2007 Chesapeake Bay Education Summit
Call for Presenters
Deadline: July 15
The Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE): Evaluating the Present, Exploring the Future
Experts and dynamic presenters are welcome to submit a proposal to share their knowledge and expertise in the following areas: Technology: Shaping the Frontier of Environmental Education; and MWEE Program Evaluations. www.vanaturally.com/pdf/2007_cbsummit.pdf
Toshiba America Foundation Grants
Deadline: August 1
The Toshiba America Foundation encourages teacher-led, K-12 classroom-based programs, projects and activities that have the potential to improve classrooms experiences in science, mathematics and technology. www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/about/HowApply.jsp
Keep Virginia Beautiful 2007 Awards
Deadline: August 15
Keep Virginia Beautiful is seeking award applications from businesses, civic groups, schools and government agencies for their efforts to deliver a more beautiful, cleaner and improved environment through new technologies, improved waste handing and public space stewardship.
Categories, criteria and award application form can downloaded at www.vanaturally.com/pdf/kab_awards.pdf Questions, contact Bob Hundley at 804-355-0085.
MWEE Partner Grants (for community and non-formal organizations)
Deadline: September 7
The MWEE Partner Mini-grant program supports efforts by community groups to provide youth with meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs). Funding is intended to help community groups build capacity for delivering and sustaining high quality, meaningful environmental education related to water and watersheds. The program will complement the Virginia Classroom Grants program designed for teachers. www.vanaturally.com/mweegrant.html
MWEE Classroom Grants (for K-12 schools and classroom teachers)
Deadline: September 15
Mark your calendar as the deadline for the next round of classroom grants for meaningful watershed educational experiences. Amounts of $500, $750 and $1,000 are available. www.vanaturally.com/classroomgrants.html
Chesapeake Bay Foundation MWEE Training for Non-Formal Educators
One Day CBF MWEE Training for Non-Formal Educators will be held in four regions throughout Virginia . Participants will learn to use the elements of a “Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience” as defined by the Chesapeake Bay Program. While investigating a local watershed by canoe or boat, participants also learn to connect watershed-based investigations, methods for teaching students in the field, content standards, and inquiry-based investigation planning with critical watershed issues. Basic canoe skills, hands-on boat activity, and team building are a large part of these experiences! No previous experience in canoeing or boating required. Questions? Contact: Deidra Cervenak, Director of Field Programs-Education Department, Chesapeake Bay Foundation DCervenak@savethebay.cbf.org. Click here for dates and locations and the registration form.
Wild Weekends
July 1-29, York River State Park
Learn something new and exciting each time you paddle down the river. York River State Park offers kayaking and canoe trips along with a variety of other outdoor activities. For a complete listing of July activities and events visit www.virginia.gov/cmsportal2/cgi-bin/activity.cgi?site=2
Douthat State Park
- Junior Ranger Day Camp (Ages 7-9)
July 6, 9 am to 4 pm
- Junior Ranger Day Camp (Ages 10-12
July 13, 9 an- 4 pm
For additional information, call the park at 540-862-8100 or email douthatinterpreter@dcr.virginia.gov for a copy of the registration form.
Put a Lid on It! Environmental Education and Litter Prevention Workshop
July 12 , 9 am- 3: 30 pm, DEQ Southwest Regional Office, Abingdon
Discover easy ways to integrate litter prevention with environmental education lessons. Find out how to start a plastic bag recycling program in your schools. Help celebrate the newly formed Keep America Beautiful affiliate: Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful.
Workshop sponsored by Upper Tennessee River Roundtable and DEQ/VaNaturally.
Contact Carol Doss at 276-628-1600 to register. Click here for more information or click here to view the agenda.
Chippokes Plantation State Park Farm and Forestry Museum
Pork, Peanut and Pine Festival
July 14-15, Chippokes Plantation State Park
Celebrate Surry County 's proud agricultural history at the 32nd Annual PPP Festival. You will have a chance to shop the wares of over 225 craft vendors and enjoy ongoing entertainment. A wide assortment of native Virginia food vendors will be on hand with menus that include world famous pork barbeque, fried pork rinds, grilled pork chops, sausage, ham biscuits, peanut pie and more. You'll also find demonstrations, samples, and sales of Surry's leading products. Bring your appetite and plan to stay all day!
A Day in the Garden with "Ag in the Classroom"
July 16, 9 am – 3 pm, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
July 30, , 9 am – 3 pm, Lewis Ginter Botanical
Join “Ag in the Classroom” for a day at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to explore the use of outdoor spaces as an education tool to engage students in hands-on learning. Science, math, and social studies are integrated into activities designed to introduce students to the importance of agriculture in Virginia . Enjoy a tour of the garden and learn more about the many resources available to teachers. Workshops are provided free of charge by The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, a not-for-profit organization. Call 804-262-9887 ext. 322 to reserve a spot. www.lewisginterbotanicalgarden.org
Ag in the Classroom Institute
Teachers K-8
July 17, 9 am – 3 pm , Virginia State University
Agriculture in the Classroom provides elementary (k-5) teachers and middle school science (6-8) workshops throughout the Commonwealth. Workshops include hands-on activities, grade level appropriate lesson plans and other resources. Contact Sylvia Montgomery at 804-524-6967 or smontgomery@vsu.edu to register.
The 14th Forensic Science Educational Conference
July 19-21, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , VA
The 14th Forensic Science Educational Conference: "Teaching Forensic Science: Behind the Scenes" presented by: The American Academy of Forensic Sciences, VCU, and Court TV®. To register, go to www.modsimworld.com and click on conference registration. Next, scroll down to but skip Attendee and Exhibitor Registration buttons. Just below Attendee and Exhibitor Registration, you will find two K-12 Teacher registration links.
Professional Grant Development Workshop
July 23-25, George Washington University , Mt. Vernon Campus
Master the techniques of writing superior and winning proposals. This intensive three-day grant proposal workshop is geared for: 1) those who wish to strengthen their grant writing skills and 2) beginners who wish to acquire and master the techniques of preparing, writing and winning proposals from various funding agencies. The center of attention will be on how to effectively tell the story that leads to funding, be it for the researcher in the sciences and social sciences, educator and non-profit professional. Sponsored by www.granttrainingcenter.com
The JASON Project’s Monster Storms Curriculum
July 18, 8:30am – 12:30pm , Abingdon High School ,
The JASON Project’s Monster Storms curriculum will transport your classroom to the center of Earth’s most fierce and ferocious weather events. Students and teachers can journey through a hurricane, chase a tornado and harness a bolt of lightning by working directly with leading scientists. Fun hands-on, multimedia activities provide teachers a seamless way to incorporate standards for grades 5-8.The cost of the workshop is $200.00 per person and includes materials and lunch. If you are in the school systems of Roanoke City , Roanoke County , or Tazewell County , the cost of the workshop is covered by our partnership with your school system. All participants will receive a certificate for Continuing Education credits. To register, call 540-344-0991 ext.1768 or 888-332-7788 ext. 1768 or email Jason@blueridgepbs.org
Beat the Heat! Educator Workshop Series
City of Portsmouth Museum Education Department
Looking for ways to spice up next year’s lesson plan? The City of Portsmouth ’s Museum Education Department has the answer! Our multi-talented staff of art freaks and science geeks will be featured in a summer workshop series to provide Hampton Roads primary school educators with teaching tools that will make History, Math, Science, and English come to life in your classroom! Beat the summer heat by enjoying one or all of these re-certification opportunities. Workshop size is limited so sign up NOW! View the flyer.
- Monday, July 9th, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
“Edutainment: Blending Creativity & Curriculum”
- Monday, July 23 rd, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Project WET (K-12 th Grade Teachers)
Registration deadline is Tuesday, July 17 th at 5 pm .
- Monday, August 13, 9 am – 3:30 pm
Project Learning Tree (K-8th Grade Teachers)
Registration deadline is Tuesday, August 7 th at 5 pm .
WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands Educator Workshop
Aug. 15, 9 am- 3 pm , Bowman Library in Stephens City
Environmental Concern and Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Conservation District are offering this free workshop for teachers in the City of Winchester and Clarke, Frederick , Shenandoah, and Warren Counties . WOW! Offers basic introduction to wetland ecology, including soil, water and plants as well as wetland functions and values. Pre-registration is required. Contact Kara Bates at 410-745-9620 or kara.bates@va.nacdnet.net
WOW! Facilitator Training
Aug. 16, 9 am – 3 pm , Bowman Library Stephens City
Environmental Concern and Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Conservation District are offering this free workshop for teachers in the City of Winchester and Clarke, Frederick , Shenandoah, and Warren Counties . Learn the skills to teach WOW! and Wetland Youth Leadership workshops.
Pre-registration is required. Contact Kara Bates at 410-745-9620 or kara.bates@va.nacdnet.net
Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference
October 12 – 13, 2007
EPA Region III Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference being held at Shenandoah University on October 12 - 13, 2007 . This conference will provide opportunities for the volunteer water quality monitoring community to meet and learn about monitoring efforts in nearby states. In addition, t he Friends of the Shenandoah River (FOSR) is one of the hosts for this event and the "Water Window" developed using the FOSR and cooperating groups’ water quality data is going to be one of the featured topics .
The Commonwealth of Virginia Energy & Sustainability (COVES)Conference
October 16 – 18, 2007
Virginia Military Institute Research Laboratories, in conjunction with the Virginia Sustainable Future Forum, will host an energy and sustainability conference on behalf of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) and the Virginia Secretaries of Commerce and Trade; Natural Resources; and Information Technology. The Commonwealth of Virginia Energy & Sustainability (COVES) Conference will take place at the Virginia Military Institute, in Lexington , Virginia , from Tuesday October 16 th through Thursday October 18 th, 2007 . www.covesva.org/Register/Register.asp
Partner updates events & resources
Welcome New Partners
- Colonial Trail Elementary School
- Moody Middle School
- The Howard Gardner School
- The Sustainability Park
2007 Environmental Stewardship Award Winners Announced
Three individuals and one group received the 2007 Virginia Environmental Stewardship Awards during a presentation June 26, 2006 by Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant Jr. and Executive Director of the Virginia Petroleum Council Mike Ward .
The event marked the 12th year of the statewide environmental recognition program co-sponsored by the Virginia Petroleum Council ( a division of the American Petroleum Institute) and the Commonwealth. Awards were presented in four categories: education, organization, indididual and communication.
Organizations
Fort Belvoir Military Housing ( Fort Belvoir )
This very ambitious program in northern Virginia emphasizes smart growth and new urbanism for over 2,000 homes. Included in the master planning and construction is a town center arrangement to reduce driving for nearby families. Homes in the project are built to be energy star certified to replace less energy efficient structures. In addition, an innovative storm water management system was developed to reduce the impact to local wetlands.Communications
Wayne Kirkpatrick (Stuart)
Mr. Kirkpatrick has made significant contributions to water quality monitoring of streams in southside Virginia . He has developed detailed training sessions for local students and teachers as a way to expand his monitoring efforts and increase awareness of the need to protect area rivers and waterways. He is a founding chair of Virginia Citizens for Water Quality Monitoring and a frequent speaker to schools, festivals, fairs and clubs. His work also includes coordination with Trout Unlimited and the Dan River Basin Association.Education
Jennifer Weatherly ( Sterling )
Jennifer is a student at Dominion High School in Sterling , Virginia . She established a school environmental club and organized students for a substantial storm drain marker and awareness program. This effort led to her recruiting local Girls Scout troops in addition to students to carry out the program and as a result, there are over 1,000 storm drain markers in the Sterling community. Ms. Weatherly was nominated by her environmental studies teacher, Mary E. Young-Lutz.Individuals
Dr. David Jones (Martinsille)
Dr. Jones established a “Trout in the Classroom” program to local schools. He contributed personal funds and extensive time to place eighteen aquariums in classes in Martinsville and Henry County Schools and an additional aquarium in the Virginia Museum of Natural History. He trained students and teachers in aquarium care and has plans to expand the program to schools in other surrounding counties. Dr. Jones is also working with the museum to bring more staff and focus to the program in areas throughout the Commonwealth.
Congratulations to the Clinch Valley SWCD
2007 Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Conservation Education District of the Year
The Clinch Valley Soil and Water Conservation District reaches over 4,000 students and nearly 75 teachers in 15 schools each year with conservation education and technical assistance.
The Clinch Valley SWCD considers their most important educational activity to be the "Natural Resources Festival." The festival, held for Russell County sixth grade students, features learning stations including: water, conservation, agriculture, maps, soils, litter and recycling and more. The District also participates in Russell County 's After School program and Summer School Programs in partnership with the 21st Century Program and the Russell County Public Schools.
Recently, the District in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Southwest Virginia Community College developed a web based course titled "Topics in Leadership Management for Conservation District Directors." The Clinch Valley SWCD can be reached at 276-889-4650 for more information on their educational programs.
Waiting for Link to community’s success page
Virginia Schools Outdoor Classroom/Learning Center Survey
A listing of classrooms at school locations across the state is being compiled by the Virginia Association for Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Foundation for Virginia ’s Natural Resources, the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Office of Environmental Education (VOEE). Please help by letting us know if your school has an outdoor learning center or an interest in developing one. www.vanaturally.com/outdoorclassrooms/oc_survey.doc
Virginia Schools Recycling Survey
The Virginia Recycling Association (VRA) and the Virginia Office of Environmental Education are conducting a needs assessment. Please complete the following online survey to help inventory Virginia school recycling programs and provide services that will assist schools in protecting Virginia ’s environment. http://vrarecycles.org/survey/index.php?sid=3
Questions? Contact Erica Trout , VRA Association Manager at vra@vrarecycles.org
PLT and Art Display Opportunity
Take advantage of an opportunity to display student artwork generated through PLT activities at the upcoming North American Association of Environmental Education Conference in November at Virginia Beach (www.naaee.org). If you are working with students this summer or fall on activities such as To Be a Tree, Looking at Leaves, Picture This, Make Your Own Paper, Tree Cookies, Adopt a Tree, Get in Touch with Trees, Web of Life, Planning the Ideal Community...[If you look at Index 1 on page 455 of your PLT PreK-8 Guide, you will find a list of 41 activities in the Visual Arts column.]... AND your students are generating artwork, then please help Lisa Deaton create a cool and inspiring display at NAAEE. Email lisa.deaton@dof.virginia.gov if you would like to participate in this opportunity.
Potomac Conservancy Summer Events
A calendar of all summer special events can be found www.potomac.org/calendar/index.html
First Cast links Trout Unlimited members across the country with young people who want to learn how to fly fish. Fly fishing is an ideal vehicle for encouraging young people to participate in environmental stewardship. In order to be a successful fly fisher, kids must develop an in-depth understanding of the aquatic habitat. This leads to a feeling of ownership of these natural resources and concern for their future. To download curriculum visit: www.tu.org/atf/cf/{0D18ECB7-7347-445B-A38E-65B282BBBD8A}/curriculum.pdf or contact Sally Armstrong, Volunteer Operations Organizer, sarmstrong@tu.org or 703-284-9420) if you have questions about the First Cast curriculum.
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The VA Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture , encourages environmental stewardship and provides consumer protection. Virginia agriculture is a diverse industry that encompasses traditional crops and products. Virginia ranks in the top 10 or 15 producing states in many areas and is well-known around the world for pork, tobacco, seafood, and other products. Several great resources to check out this summer are:
- A Guide to Pick-Your-Own and Select-Your-Own Virginia Farm Products
This guide is a comprehensive listing of Virginia producers who market their products directly to the consumer. These products include berries, vegetables, herbs, peaches, grapes, honey, apples, pumpkins, meats, poultry, eggs and dairy products. They are offered on a pick-your-own or fresh-picked basis on the farm or through farmers' markets or CSA's. This guide lists the operations alphabetically by county or major city. The availability chart indicates approximate times when products are available in Virginia. www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/index.shtml
Reduce your Food Ecological Footprint…Buy locally at a Farmers Market
A Farmers’ Market is a seasonal outdoor market of 'producer only' products. Items such as fruit, vegetables, wine, flowers, spun wool, soap, pork roast, herbs, and many additional fine delicacies can be purchased weekly from local vendors. It is a great place to find home grown groceries, outdoors!
For a comprehensive listing of all markets throughout Virginia visit: www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/States/State06.pdf/Virginia.pdf or www.virginia.org/site/content.asp?MGrp=1&MCat=4&MItm=68
Just Some Virginia Ag Facts —Did You Know
More Virginia Natural Resource Agency News
For the latest information about VA’s seven natural resource agencies visit www.naturalresources.virginia.gov/Agencies/agency.cfm and click on the agency link you need.
Assorted items of professional interest
Congress Considers Environmental Education
The House Education and Labor Committee is reviewing the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. Language is being introduced by Congressman Sarbanes (MD) to support environmental education to develop, improve, and advance environmental education standards; create an environmental education grant program for teacher training; and include environmental education as an authorized use for the Fund for the Improvement of Education. Virginia ’s Congressman Robert Scott (03) is also on the committee. For more information, visit www.eeNCLB.org.
National Student Competition for Its Cover Design Discover Magazine
For the first time ever, DISCOVER Magazine is to turn its Cover Design over to an American Science Student to highlight the "The State of Science in America ". This national student competition will yield drawing for October Issue. This issue will explore the status of America 's science labs, research universities and science education as well as technological advancements and international competition. The competition will be open to students grades three through eight who will be asked to depict the wonder and excitement of science. The deadline for submissionsis July 20, 2007 . Guidelines and details are available at www.discovermagazine.com The winning entry will be chosen by DISCOVER'S editors.
Fundamentals of Environmental Education Online Course
A 6-week online course about the fundamentals of environmental education will be offered this summer between June 25 and August 8. The course is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. The cost for this 3-credit hour course is $570.00.
The "Fundamentals of Environmental Education" online course was developed by the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in collaboration with national EE experts. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate quality environmental education into their instruction. Participants discuss the history, definition, and goals of environmental education; develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators; and interact with other educators from across the country. Past course participants have given the course excellent reviews.
For more information on registration, please visit the University of Richmond summer school web site at: http://summer.richmond.edu/school/ You may also contact the instructor, Patricia Stohr-Hunt, at pstohrhu@richmond.edu for additional information.
Birds of North America Online
From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds of North America Online is a comprehensive reference for life history information on over 700 different bird species that breed in the U.S. and Canada . Includes photo galleries, vocalizations, updated text, and video for many species. Subscription required.
http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/BNA/
EnergyTeachers.org
A network of educators sharing ideas for teaching about energy production and use as well as an online community for educators to share ideas about energy-related curriculum, including topics about the environmental impact of energy production and use.
http://energyteachers.org
- By replacing 4 standard bulbs with compact fluorescents, you can prevent the emission of 5000 pounds of carbon dioxide and reduce your electricity bill more than $100 over the lives of the bulbs.