Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Mapping Post-Wildfire Neighborhood Recovery


The recent spike in wildfires and their proximity to urban areas has led to an increase in attention to nature-society relationships. Researchers have begun to use spatial video and GIS data to determine how we should plan for recovery at the neighborhood level, once the damage to place and property is done. Read the full article here!



Sunday, December 28, 2014

High School Students- Joint Science Education Project Opportunity!

During this awesome, educational summer science and culture opportunity, students and teachers from the United States, Denmark, and Greenland come together to learn about the research conducted in Greenland, by getting first-hand experience.
The JSEP format has evolved over the years into its current state, which consists of two field-based subprograms on-site in Greenland: the Greenland-led Kangerlussuaq Science Field School and the U.S.-led Science Education Week.

Program Dates and Descriptions

Kangerlussuaq Field School (2 weeks) and Science Education Week (1 week): Tentative dates for JSEP 2015 are June 29th through July 20th.
Kangerlussuaq Science Field School: Students learn about and participate in polar science alongside researchers and teachers at field stations around Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. This area is a rural region with limited amenities. Participants live in dormitory style housing and share in cooking and cleaning responsibilities. This part of the JSEP Program is supported by the government of Greenland. Learn more and apply here!


Friday, December 26, 2014

28th Colorado State Social Studies Conference, 4/10/15



28TH COLORADO STATE SOCIAL STUDIES CONFERENCE

Theme: #cosocialstudiesthefuture
Good Technology, Better Advocacy, Best Practices

April 10, 2015

SPECIAL EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION, BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 2015:

$65.00 - Individual Registration
$30.00 - College/University full-time pre-service/Licensure Students

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

California Drought- How Bad is It?

We have all heard about how dry it is in many parts of the country lately- especially California. The parched soil is eroding after 2 long years of relentless drought conditions, and scientists are recognizing that we are entering uncharted territory. 

"Now, researchers say the severity of the situation is unprecedented in modern times -- the worst drought in 1,200 years." Read the full story here. 
 
What's left of Folsom Lake Marina

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Educator Academy in the Amazon and Machu Picchu



The July 1-11, 2015 Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru is a cross-curricular professional development workshop for K-12 formal and informal educators.
  
  • Participate in citizen science projects and inquiry-based field studies on a 1/4-mile Rainforest Canopy Walkway in one of the most biologically diverse environments on the planet.
  • Spend a day in an Amazon village as you explore the complexities of sustainability and the role of education in creating a sustainable future for Amazon children.
  • Work with fellow educators to explore strategies for using the Amazon as a vehicle for incorporating STEM education, inquiry-based learning, and sustainability science education into your classroom.
Project Learning Tree Certification, BirdSleuth resources, and 50 ASU PD hours are included. Academic credit and Machu Picchu extension are optional. Space is limited, so register early to secure your spot!

 
Deadline to apply for one of three $1,000 scholarships is March 1, 2015. Get all the details and download a syllabus and scholarship application at:

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Free Admission to RACE for Middle and High School Students!


"The History Colorado Center will always be a place for fun, hands-on learning. But it’s also a place to think and talk about important topics. This September, the History Colorado Center is proud to present the exhibit RACE: Are We So Different?RACE brings together the everyday experience of living with race, its history, the role of science in that history and the findings of contemporary science that are challenging its foundations."
For more information, click here!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

WWII Museum Professional Development Opportunity

The National WWII Museum is excited to announce a week-long professional development opportunity to take place in the summer of 2015 for middle school (5-8thgrade) science teachers. Twenty eight teachers from across the country will come to New Orleans to experience hands-on how necessity, knowledge, perseverance and skill lead to inventions, innovation, and careers in STEM—just like in World War II.
This seminar is supported by a grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation. Teachers will receive free room and board in New Orleans, a travel stipend, and all seminar materials free of charge.
The museum is looking for great young teachers nationwide, and the application period begins January 5th 2015. View more info here!

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program- Coming Up!

Hey, Educators!
Don't miss out on a chance to explore with the National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program. Applications are due January 4th, 2015!
2015 Program Highlights 

Selected educators will travel aboard the ship National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Endeavour on expeditions ranging from the Arctic, Holland and Belgium, Iceland, the Galapagos, Peru, Chile, Antarctica and more. While aboard, Fellows will share the importance of geographic literacy with fellow travelers, develop activities to bring back to their classrooms, and have an adventure of a lifetime. Prior to the expedition, all 2015 Grosvenor Teacher Fellows will travel to Washington, D.C. (April 16-19, 2015) with all expenses covered to participate in a pre-voyage workshop sponsored by National Geographic, and Lindblad Expeditions.

For more information and to apply, click here

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Grant Opportunity: American Friends of Russian Folklore Applications

Russian/American Educators' Exchange 2015 now accepting applications

American Friends of Russian Folklore invites middle- and high-school teachers to apply for the 2015 season of the Russian/American Educators' Exchange.
Participants travel to rural Russia to collect Russian folklore by filming holiday celebrations, recording local singers, interviewing villagers about traditional lore, and photographing local handicrafts. They experience Russian village life first-hand, living in a village house and eating the local food.
To qualify, you must:
  • hold a valid US passport
  • be employed as a teacher or curriculum specialist at a public or private school
  • teach or work with curriculum at the middle- or high-school level (grades 6-12)
  • prepare an American folklore presentation to share in Russia
  • commit to creating, using and disseminating curriculum materials that incorporate Russian folklore. The curriculum materials can be in any subject.
  • provide a letter of support from your principal
The program grant covers all expedition travel, food and lodging, including an orientation meeting before departure and flights between New York and Moscow. Participants are responsible for obtaining their visas (around $300) and for travel between their homes and JFK.

All educators who work with middle- or high-school students or curriculum are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to those whose schools are in rural areas --- Census Bureau Locale Codes 41,42, or 43.

Registration for each trip will close 60 days before the trip start date.

For details and application instructions, visit russianfolklorefriends.org or email us at info@russianfolklorefriends.org

This opportunity is presented by American Friends of Russian Folklore, a 501©3public benefit corporation.

Funding comes from the US - Russia Peer-to-Peer Dialog Program, with additional support from the Russian and East European Institute of Indiana University.

Friday, November 28, 2014

History Colorado: Doors Open, Doors Closed: Can We Laugh, Dance, Write Poetry, and Sing about RACE?


Special Panel Discussion on December 9th!
"This panel will introduce audiences to the concept of privilege, and examine the ways in which race shapes everyone’s lives. How do race and privilege impact our lives in often invisible world of the arts? How can we feel empowered to contribute to positive social change?" Get tickets here!

Visit History Colorado in Denver now through January 4th, and check out their exhibit RACE: Are We So Different? 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Geography Awareness Week- Lesson on GMOs!

GMO foods are a hot topic right now. Click here for a great lesson plan called "Is it Good? Is it Bad? Genetically Modified Foods" from the Arizona Geographic Alliance. Geared toward high schoolers, students will learn about GMO crops in the U.S., and write an argument about GMO use in our society.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

HAPPY GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK!

It is that time of year again, and #GeoWeek2014 is all about the "Future of Food". Use this week to educate yourselves, your friends, your students, and everyone else about the geography of food. Use National Geographic's resources, including lesson plans and games, or check out this lesson plan from the Peace Corps, all about what food tells us about a place!
Celebrate Geography Awareness Week, 11/16-11/22. 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

For Teachers: The Cartographer's Dilemma

Throughout time, maps have been created to serve different purposes. However, every map has some degree of distortion because of its spherical shape, and this means that there are no maps which represent the earth precisely.
To learn more, view the NatGeo video on map projections and distortions!

Friday, November 7, 2014

Mapping Income Inequality- The U.S. Ranks Below Nigeria




Check out this economic geography! The map illustrates income inequality around the world, measured by the Palma ratio. Countries in blue have more income equality, meaning less of a gap between the rich and the poor. Out of 86 countries, the U.S. was ranked 44th! Click here to read more about the study!


Thursday, October 30, 2014




Attention, Educators!
This February, CU Boulder is offering a workshop focused on engaging students in international issues. Materials are geared for 7th-12th grade. See more details here!                                             

 Saturday, February 21, 2015
           8:30 am-3:30 pm
University of Colorado, Boulder

Monday, October 20, 2014

Second Language Learning in the U.S.

Many countries encourage and support the learning of multiple languages in school. By learning another language, you expand your mind and your ability to connect with the rest of the world. So, what other languages are students learning in the U.S.? See the infographic here!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Bring Geography Awareness Week into the Classroom!

This year, Geography Awareness Week (11/16-11/22) is all about FOOD! Origins, flavors, cultural aspects, production- you name it. National Geographic has some wonderful lesson plans about food for all ages- view this one, all about Food Crops in the Americas.

Monday, October 6, 2014

2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Do We Have an Internal GPS?

How do we know where we are? How can we find the way from one place to another? And how can we store this information in such a way that we can immediately find the way the next time we trace the same path? This year's Nobel Laureates have discovered a positioning system, an “inner GPS” in the brain that makes it possible to orient ourselves in space, demonstrating a cellular basis for higher cognitive function.


The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2014 was divided, one half awarded to John O'Keefe (middle), the other half jointly to May-Britt Moser and Edvard I. Moser. Congratulations to all three!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Earth Science Week, Oct 12-18, 2014


2014 Earth Science Week Theme:  Earth's Connected Systems.

Since October 1998, the American Geosciences Institute has organized this national and international event to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. This year's Earth Science Week will be held from October 12-18 and will celebrate the theme "Earth's Connected Systems."

Events and ways to participate include contests, local events, newsletter, and Earth Day Toolkits!
For full details, visit www.earthsciweek.org.
 

2015 World Affairs Challenge


Sign up now for the 2015 World Affairs Challenge! This challenge is an exciting academic competition that gives students an opportunity to think critically about global development. Through project-based learning in the research phase and on competition day, the Challenge helps teachers bring international affairs into the classroom in an innovative way. Together we develop tomorrow’s global leaders as students collaborate and envision solutions to global problems using 21st century                                                                                               skills. Register here! 

Monday, September 29, 2014

Student Video Contest : World of 7 Billion

Back by popular demand, the World of 7 Billion student video contest can help you bring technology and creativity into your high school geography classes. The contest challenges your students to create a short (60 seconds or less) video illustrating the connection between world population growth and one of three global challenges dealing with either the sixth extinction, available farmland, or global education. Students can win up to $1,000 and their teachers will receive free curriculum resources. The contest deadline is February 19, 2015. For more info, click here!


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Green Grant Opportunities!

Project Learning Tree is dedicated to empowering educators and educating youth about environmental issues. If your school is working on- or would like to start- a green project, like energy conservation or a school garden, you may be eligible for a grant!
 Check out Project Learning Tree!



Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Changing Demographics in Schools

Majority Minority! The National Center for Education reports that "...minorities—Hispanics, Asians, African American, Native Americans, and multiracial individuals—will account for 50.3 percent of public school students" in 2014, reflecting our rich cultural landscape in the U.S. More information on the change in our schools can be found here!


Friday, August 29, 2014

Free Lesson Plans on Global Sustainability!

Hello, educators!
As part of Western Washington University, Facing the Future is an organization on a mission to equip educators with tools to encourage critical thinking and global awareness. Their site offers lesson plans and curricula for kindergarten through college learning, and webinars for teachers. See the lesson plans!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Geo-Educator of the Week

This week, National Geographic's Geo-Educator of the Week is Diane White Husic. Diane teaches kids about their consumption, getting them to think about their impact on the environment and sustainability. This year, she is looking forward to attending the 6th U.N. climate conference in Peru, and sharing climate lessons with students and teachers in Lima. Read more about Diane here.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Personality Atlas!

What would an atlas of the world's personalities look like? What about a stereotype atlas, or an introspection atlasCLICK HERE TO SEE!

For Parents- Next Generation Science Standards

Marking a significant shift in how science is learned and taught in schools, Next Generation Science Standards focuses on STEM subjects. Take a look at the "Parent Q&A" to see what the standards mean for your child.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Job Position / Boulder County / Education Liaison

Boulder County has an opening for a fulltime Education Liaison to perform a variety of duties in natural and cultural history education. This position’s primary focus is to enhance, facilitate, organize and present natural and cultural history educational opportunities that relate to local environmental and historical themes, open space stewardship, and a conservation ethic. The position is housed in Longmont three days and in Boulder two days per week.
The online application closes Thursday, July 3, 2014.
Here’s the link for additional details: http://www.bouldercounty.org/jobs/opp/pages/default.aspx

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Dried up: Poverty in America's drought lands


See what Melinda Laituri, a geography professor at Colorado State University and COGA "Night With a Geographer" presenter has to say about how current drought in the US affects those least prepared for disaster.

http://national.deseretnews.com/article/1691/Dried-up-Poverty-in-Americas-drought-lands.html

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Workshop for Colorado Middle and High School Science Teachers


Earth Systems Science: Exploring Change in the Critical Zone
Teacher Professional Development Field Course for Middle and High School Practitioners
Join experts from the University of Colorado Boulder and other national-level organizations for three days of experiential learning, field-science research, hands-on activities and classroom resources focused on Earth Systems Science and the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory Program. Based from the inspiring CU Mountain Research Station on Niwot Ridge, with field explorations of local steams, ponds, snowfields, research sites and areas impacted by recent forest fires, this will be a fun, enriching and educational experience for all participants. http://sciencediscovery.colorado.edu/teacher-mountain-research-experience/

Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Resource Education Curriculum (REC) 2014

http://repository.uwyo.edu/ycc_rec/

The AirWaterGas Teacher Professional Development Program

 Drill rigs have become a common sight in Colorado and have raised concerns. Learn about ways to tackle the topics of climate change and issues surrounding oil and gas extraction with your students through a year-long blended learning experience.
http://spark.ucar.edu/airwatergas-pd

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Take a look at Colorado Nonprofit Association's website and us - Colorado Geographic Alliance - featured for Member Appreciation Month!

http://www.coloradononprofits.org/

National Geographic - Connect! Transform the Future

http://www.connectenergyed.org/?ar_a=1&utm_source=NatGeocom&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=education_20140412&utm_campaign=Content#
The Center for Science is a national collaborative network focused on advancing science and technology, starting with the nation's youth. For Connect! Transform the Future, six of its leading science centers have partnered with National Geographic and GE to educate students about energy, engage them in a conversation about the future of energy, and inspire them to be the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

11th International Conference of the Learning Sciences Boulder, Colorado, USA June 23-27, 2014

http://www.isls.org/icls2014/index.htm

Sheltered Instruction Using Project Learning Tree and Project Wild, Workshop, June 19 - 20, 2014

http://coloradoplt.org/workshop/sheltered-instruction-using-project-learning-tree-and-project-wild/

Climate Science Connections: Water in the West

Free online course for Colorado Educators,  June 2 - 30
This online course is build around panel discussions with hydrologists, policy makers, engineers, and science educators. In the course we explore challenges for water management in the Western US both at a large scale – using the Colorado River Basin Watershed as an example – and at small scale – using the Boulder Creek watershed as an example where flooding occurred on the heals of drought and wildfire damage.
https://www.canvas.net/courses/climate-science-connections-water-in-the-west

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Spatial Environmental Education

Zooming in to a satellite image to examine deforestation, visualizing the retreat of a glacier, and navigating a trail on a smartphone have become commonplace in the 21st century. For centuries, maps have stirred imaginations and inspired explorations of the unknown. Far from the static documents of the past, today’s maps can be manipulated and combined with other maps, charts, images, databases, videos, websites, and other data to help us understand spatial relationships. Geotechnologies make the maps and the everyday activities detailed above possible.  However, the technologies are effective because the people using them have cultivated a spatial way of looking at the world by examining patterns, relationships and trends through maps.  Decisions that use GIS include planning urban greenways, mitigating invasive weeds, locating optimal sites for wind energy, and studying the impact of groundwater withdrawal on aquifers, from a local to global scale. 



 http://blogs.esri.com/esri/gisedcom/2014/05/09/spatial-environmental-education/

Sunday, May 11, 2014

32nd Annual NSELA Summer Leadership Institute - The Road Ahead


Preparing to Lead Through Innovation
June 24-27, 2014
Colorado Springs, Colorado
COGA Coordinator Steve Jennings will be leading the field trip, The Impact of Fire in the Wildland-Urban Interface, on Saturday morning during this conference.  For more information, visit www.NSELA.org/SLI