Earth’s Connected Systems

Earth Science Week occurs annually in the second week of October and is designed to promote awareness of the dynamic interactions between natural and human systems, while engaging students in exploring how this knowledge is applied in the geosciences. One will notice while perusing the Events section of this Gazette that the title of this article is the 2014 theme of Earth Science Week, with a goal of deepening student understanding of the interactions between Earth systems – geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. One will also notice a plethora of potential funding opportunities – so many, they have been divided into School, Classroom & Teacher Grants and Student Contests. At the top of the list is the State Water Resources Control Board’s DROPS grant, which stands for Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools. The title of the grant makes sense, as the drought dominates our headlines with a running list of impacts from farmers struggling to get water to an increased incident of fire, a battle royale brewing in regards to groundwater management, hard questions on current and future water management, plenty of finger-pointing between neighbors regarding water use and some very frightening news regarding how long this drought may last.

There has also been a rise in news on the use of water dowsers, cloud-seeding and a prediction for ‘normal’ winter precipitation in California in the most recent edition of the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The curious thing about the DROPS grant is that it is ‘focused on school projects that reduce storm water pollution.’ What!? It may not seem to make sense at first, but one way to reduce storm water is to catch and conserve the water before it can become a run-off problem.The grant description goes on to state the State Water Board is looking for applications from schools that also ‘provide multiple benefits including water conservation and increased awareness of water resource sustainability.’ Projects must include an education/outreach component designed to increase student and public understanding of the project’s environmental benefits and the sustainability of California’s water resources directly related to the project.’

Sounds like a great opportunity to engage students in studies of Earth system interactions, while giving them an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills that can help in the drafting of a DROPS grant application, lay the groundwork for the class to engage in many of the other opportunities available this Fall, while helping make those Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards elements stick – and Project WET activities can help!

‘Just Passing Through’ (p:163 ) is a great place to start, as student engage in a simple simulation of how a stream may interact with the surrounding land – with and without the presence of vegetation – and how the resulting water flow can influence the processes of erosion, sedimentation and deposition. In the classroom, student knowledge from the simulation can be applied to understanding how these naturally occurring processes influence biological communities along streams, human communities built along streams past or present, the formation of the Central Valley, the presence of gold and spread of mercury in our streams – and how our actions can alter these processes. The activity is also a perfect set-up for ‘Rainy Day Hike’ (p: 169), which has students sleuthing out and mapping where and how water will flow across the school grounds in the next storm. Students are also mapping likely water pollutants, rates of flow, a rough study area percentage of permeable and impermeable surfaces and I add a rough estimate of tree canopy and ground vegetation coverage – All information that could contribute to a DROPS proposal. The activity also provides a nice introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) if you break the class into teams focused on a specific mapping element and they can see how each map provides a different layer of knowledge.  The maps can also provide a great way to bring knowledge gained from other activities back to how the information applies to the study area.

A case in point would be helping students understand the links between the potential contaminants they mapped and 1) How water moves contaminants (‘A-maze-ing Water, ’p: 231); 2) What are the potential combined effects of contaminated water moving off multiple properties (‘Sum of the Parts,’ p: 283) and 3) What are common Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can reduce water pollution from storm water run-off? The activity ‘Storm Water’ (p: 395) addresses this latter question and covers content addressing the very heart of the State Water Board’s DROPS grant. The activity has students run simple simulations based on our society’s storm water management philosophy that existed until very recently, then introduces them to ten common BMPs that are used to mitigate it. It should be no surprise most of the BMPs focus on slowing or capturing the flow of water, with the latter being the key element linking storm water reduction with the water conservation element of the DROPS grant. Most of the BMPs introduced in the ‘Storm Water’ activity have been implemented by and integrated into school activities around the state, including native plant and rain water gardens, rain barrels or cisterns, and the installation of swales, retention ponds or trees on the school grounds.

The ‘Storm Water’ activity also includes a component that has students map the storm drains nearest the school – another key addendum to the ‘Rainy Day Hike’ maps. ‘Color Me a Watershed’ (p: 239) should be added to this list, as it engages students in understanding how changes in land use can effect storm water run-off rates – which again begs the question of how does this apply to the school and any potential storm water controls.

An understanding of the climate, precipitation patterns and soil are key factors in determining what storm water and water conservation measures would be appropriate for the school site. As noted in previous Gazettes, the California extensions to ‘Discover the Waters of Our National Parks’ (p: 493) are a great way to introduce students at multiple grade levels to the array of California climate zones and the resulting effects on water availability, biological communities and the role of geography through the lens of National Park Service areas in California. A California extension has also been developed for the activity ‘Water Address’ (Guide 1.0) to further explore the interactions between local environmental conditions and organisms in the elementary and middle school grades – the California cards include state endemic species that are being studied as key climate change indicators. A logical extension for either activity would be to investigate natural ecosystems in the local area and interpret what they indicate about the local climate and compare this to the biological make-up of the school grounds.

‘A House of Seasons’ (Guide 1.0) remains a venerable hit in the primary grades, but I’d now consider using it with older students – with some modification – after what I observed in a workshop last Spring. Roughly 90% of the adults in the room drew nearly identical representations of how they perceive each season and it struck all of us that the representations were more reflective of climate zones east of the Mississippi River! The activity continues throughout the school year with students recording their observations of each season and reflecting on how their observations compare to their original perceptions.

Extending the warm-up procedure in ‘The Thunderstorm’ (p: 209) to include all senses gets students to think about how to use sensory awareness in observing the world, which can be reinforced by having them apply their senses – within reason – as they record their observations for the ‘A House of Seasons’ extension. Precipitation monitoring and mapping in Part II of ‘The Thunderstorm’ open the door to establishing or supplementing a school precipitation monitoring program – and as noted in previous Gazettes, local data can be gathered from the Western Regional Climate Center allowing middle school students to apply the precipitation mapping knowledge to their area to better understand precipitation patterns. The students could also apply the skills from ‘Color Me a Watershed’ (p: 239) to local precipitation data to calculate storm water volume estimates for the school grounds – All of which could be integrated into a school storm water reduction and conservation project.

Soil factors can also greatly influence any project involving the ground. ‘Wetland Soils in Living Color’ (p: 217) introduces students to basic soil properties and identification using a very simplified version of the Munsell color charts used by natural resource professionals, setting the stage for a visit by a local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or other professional natural resources team to discuss soil science and assessing the school grounds for a potential storm water reduction project.

Multiple interdisciplinary pathways can be built off the activities above to create a course of study that integrates multiple Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. There are also plenty of other Project WET activities that can enliven those potential pathways. A few examples would be having students apply the knowledge from ‘The Incredible Journey’ (p: 155) or ‘Seeing Watersheds’ (p: 187) to better understand where the school fits and interacts within the water cycle or within the local watershed; using ‘Get the Ground Water Picture’ (p: 143) to study how the school grounds and neighborhood may interact with water infiltration into a local aquifer; or engaging students in a more ambitious study of the interaction of Earth systems and human communities through time in the local watershed through ‘Make–a –Mural’ (p: 515). There are also past gazettes that outline the use of Project WET activities to address the water conservation element of the DROPS grant or using many of the activities mentioned in this article to tie into Fall waterway clean-up events. Please visit the ‘Websites of Interest’ to find additional information mentioned in this article and you’ll find information on Earth Science Week in the ‘Grants, Scholarships &Contests’ and ‘Autumn Events’ sections.  Hope you have a wonderful Fall!

Professional Development Opportunities

September 26-27, 2014 –  Forestry Institute for Teachers -FIT+: Brown’s Valley

FORESTRY INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS ALUMNI! It is not uncommon for participants to tell us that ‘we want more!’ at the end of a FIT session – HERE IT IS!!  FIT+ is a professional development educational event for those who have attended the Forestry Institute for Teachers.  FIT+ will feature Project WET and Project Learning Tree with an emphasis on Project WET. Each FIT+ session includes overnight accommodations, four meals, Project Wet curriculum guide, and guest speakers. Please register here to attend this first session at the UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center.

September 27, 2014 – Project WET Workshop, Palm Desert

COACHELLA VALLEY EDUCATORS! The Living Desert and Coachella Valley Water District invite you to an interactive day of investigation and hands-on activities that will enhance your ability to provide education about this valley’s most precious resource — water. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how water is managed and used in the Coachella Valley, as well as the sixty-four, interdisciplinary and Common Core aligned activities in the Project WET Guide 2.0 – plus excellent online resources. Please contact Maureen Perry at: mperry@cvwd.org or (760) 398-2661 x2550 to register.

October 11, 2014 – Project WET and the EEI: Carmichael

SACRAMENTO REGION EDUCATORS! Celebrate Earth Science Week by experiencing the use of hands-on Project WET activities and the state adopted Education & the Environment Initiative (EEI) curriculum to engage your students in Common Core and Next Generation Science Standard concepts within the context of water science and water issues in the Sacramento region.  This interactive K-12 workshop will include lunch and you’ll walk away with a Project WET 2.0 Guide and complete unit of the Education & the Environment Initiative (EEI) curriculum – Something for everyone! This is STEM learning at its best! Please register for this FREE workshop at etcmail@smud.org or 916-732-6738.

October 11, 2014 - ‘Water & Climate in California’: Santa Monica

LOS ANGELES AREA EDUCATORS! Heal the Bay invites you to join us for one or more FREE special focus Project WET workshops this fall. Each workshop is designed to maximize participant time engaged in activities, while helping you learn about current regional water issues and how to integrate concepts and skills relevant to these issues into the Common Core classroom. Please RSVP for your workshop(s) of choice at: http://keytothewatershedpwet.eventbrite.com

October 24-25, 2014 - Forestry Institute for Teachers +: Idyllwild

FORESTRY INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS ALUMNI! It is not uncommon for participants to tell us that ‘we want more!’ at the end of a FIT session – HERE IT IS!!  FIT+ is a professional development educational event for those who have attended the Forestry Institute for Teachers.  FIT+ will feature Project WET and Project Learning Tree with an emphasis on Project WET. Each FIT+ session includes overnight accommodations, four meals, Project Wet curriculum guide, and guest speakers. Please register here to attend this session at the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve.

October 28, 2014 – Project WET: Montclair

INLAND EMPIRE EDUCATORS! Please contact your school’s water provider for teacher substitute reimbursement information and join the Water Education/Water Awareness Committee for a professional development experience introducing you to the interdisciplinary, ‘hands on’ activities of Project WET.  Learn how to use these engaging activities to  integrate water concepts, knowledge of Southern California water resources and skills for the efficient use of water that also address  Common Core standards. Teachers within the WEWAC agency service area will receive a FREE Project WET Guide 2.0, a continental breakfast, and lunch! PLEASE REGISTER by October 3, 2014 by clicking here or contact Cindy DeChaine at (909) 621-5568 or cdechaine@tvmwd.com if you have any questions.

November 7, 2014  – Project WET Workshop: San Jose

SANTA CLARA VALLEY EDUCATORS! Santa Clara County educators are invited to participate in this FREE Project WET training, which will “immerse” participants in the world of water through the interdisciplinary, hands-on activities of Project WET. Mark your calendar for this workshop and please contact Janet Hedley, Education Outreach, at: (408) 630-2601 or JHedley@valleywater.org to register! 

November 8, 2014 - ‘Waterscape of the Los Angeles Basin’: Santa Monica

LOS ANGELES AREA EDUCATORS! Heal the Bay invites you to join us for one or more FREE special focus Project WET workshops this fall. Each workshop is designed to maximize participant time engaged in activities, while helping you learn about current regional water issues and how to integrate concepts and skills relevant to these issues into the Common Core classroom. Please RSVP for your workshop(s) of choice at: http://keytothewatershedpwet.eventbrite.com

November 15, 2014 - Project WET Workshop: Los Vaqueros

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY EDUCATORS! The Contra Costa County Water District invites you to this wonderful hands-on training and take-away materials for immediate use in your classroom.  You’ll experience a wide-range of activities that will spark student interest through investigations of their own environment– all of which have been correlated to Common Core Standards. An inspired start to the new school year! To register, please e-mail your name, address, phone number and the name of the school where you teach to padsecretary@ccwater.com no later than November 7, 2014.

November 15, 2014 - Project WET Workshop: Pacific Grove

MONTEREY AREA EDUCATORS! Teach your students all about water and its crucial role in our environment with Project WET Curriculum. Participants receive a Project WET curriculum guide and training on different lessons and online resources. Learn about classroom kits for Project WET lessons available from the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History for use in your classroom. Cost: $35 and Continuing Education Credits are available through CSU Monterey Bay. Please register here or contact Allison Watson at outreach@pgmuseum.org or (831) 648-5716 ext. 20 for more information.

November 18, 2014 - Project WET Workshop: Modesto

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY & MOTHER LODE EDUCATORS! The Stanislaus County Office of Education and Water Education Foundation invite you to join us for a Project WET workshop aimed at supporting Common Core & Next Generation Science Standards in the Middle – High school grades.  The interdisciplinary Project WET activities are an effective tool for integrating student knowledge of water resources with activities that include real-life based scenarios that provide strong foundations for STEAM and Service-Learning programs. A $30 registration fee includes materials and lunch. Please contact Sean Timmons for questions at: stimmons@stancoe.org/(209) 238-1336 or register for the training at: www.stancoe.org/SCOE/workshops

December 6, 2014 – Project WET Workshop: Chico

NORTH STATE EDUCATORS! This exciting workshop at the Chico Creek Nature Center will focus on ways to enhance water, science, and mathematics education by integrating the hands-on activities of Project WET with the place-based units of the California Education and the Environment Initiative – with a unique Nature Center twist. Educators will experience inventive ways to connect students to our amazing local environment and waterways using these Common Core aligned materials. Join us at the Chico Creek Nature Center for a day of education, fun, and get a free Project WET 2.0 book when you complete the training!! For more information or to register, please visit: http://bidwellpark.org.

January 9 – 10, 2015 –  Forestry Institute for Teachers +: Saratoga

FORESTRY INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS ALUMNI! It is not uncommon for participants to tell us that ‘we want more!’ at the end of a FIT session – HERE IT IS!!  FIT+ is a professional development educational event for those who have attended the Forestry Institute for Teachers.  FIT+ will feature Project WET and Project Learning Tree with an emphasis on Project WET. Each FIT+ session includes overnight accommodations, four meals, Project Wet curriculum guide, and guest speakers. Please register here to attend this session at the Walden West Science Center.

January 31, 2015 - ‘The Los Angeles River Watershed’: Santa Monica

LOS ANGELES AREA EDUCATORS! Heal the Bay invites you to join us for one or more FREE special focus Project WET workshops this fall. Each workshop is designed to maximize participant time engaged in activities, while helping you learn about current regional water issues and how to integrate concepts and skills relevant to these issues into the Common Core classroom. Please RSVP for your workshop(s) of choice at: http://keytothewatershedpwet.eventbrite.com

Websites of Interest

Current Conditions

What are the current water conditions in California and the West? The Water Education Foundation has aggregated a number of the best websites to get this information – and often the data – that can both be integrated into your classroom.

DROUGHT: More water to be had in state, report says

By recycling more water, capturing storm runoff and boosting efficiency on farms and at home, California would have more than enough water to cover its needs, even during a drought, the authors of a new report said Tuesday. Almost 14 million acre-feet of water per year – enough to fill Lake Shasta more than three times – could be saved with the adoption of aggressive technologies across the state, according to research by the Pacific Institute and Natural Resources Defense Council.

Aquapedia: Stormwater

Prior to modern urban development, precipitation was typically absorbed by the ground after storms, with water slowly seeping into underground basins. But as more ground became covered by buildings, roads and other infrastructure, runoff was directed into swift-moving conduits designed to drain areas quickly and prevent flooding. Today, these conduits continue to send stormwater to the nearest surface system—streams, rivers, and the ocean. This is particularly the case in urban areas with impervious surfaces such as pavement.  Click here to review current and recent news headlines on the drought, water conservation and/or stormwater!

USGS: Streamer

Streamer lets anyone trace upstream or downstream along America’s major rivers and streams simply by picking a point on a stream. You can locate U.S. Geological Survey stream flow gaging stations, learn about current or historic stream flow, create concise or detailed reports for your upstream and downstream traces and print maps of your downstream and upstream traces. An excellent resource for use with Project WET activities such as ‘Seeing Watersheds’ (p: 187), ‘Blue River’ (p: 135), ‘A Snapshot in Time’ (p: 377) or ‘Sum of the Parts’ (p: 283).

The National Map

The National Map is a collaborative effort among the USGS and other federal, state and local partners to improve and deliver topographic information for the Nation. The geographic information available from The National Map includes elevation, aerial photographs, hydrography, geographic names, boundaries, transportation, land cover, current and historical topographic maps.  Tools in The National Map program allows the user to produce maps of the local area, delineate watersheds, calculate area and view changes in an area over time – All advanced versions of the skills introduced to students in the Project WET activities ‘Color Me a Watershed’ (p: 239) and ‘Seeing Watersheds’ (p: 187).

USGS: Runoff

When rain or snow falls onto the earth, it just doesn’t sit there, it starts moving according to the laws of gravity. A portion of the precipitation seeps into the ground to replenish Earth’s groundwater. Most of it flows downhill as runoff. If you have ever wondered how many gallons of water falls during a storm, use our interactive rainfall calculator to find out!   USGS also has information on water dowsing.

Regional Climate Centers

NOAA’s Regional Climate Centers (RCCs) are a federal-state cooperative effort. The six centers that comprise the RCC The climate data provided is a wealth of information one can use with Project WET activities ranging from ‘Wet Vacation’ (portal) to an extension of Part II of ‘The Thunderstorm’ (p:209). Click to find current California data summaries!

Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is a non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages working together to measure and map precipitation. Using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive web-site, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications. Click to learn how your class can participate in real hands-on science! 

Water Facts & Fun

Lots of free materials for California educators, including Project WET’s ‘Discover Storm Water,‘ a nationwide student activity book that explains what storm water is, where it comes from, how it can get polluted and can affect the environment and what we can do to prevent storm water pollution that was developed in collaboration with the California Department of Education. The DWR Education program also offers Project WET’s KIDS: ‘Discovering Drought’ as well.

CREEC Network                                                                 

For the 2014-2015 school year, The California Department of Education is proud to introduce a new and improved way for teachers to connect to exploratory, place-based, and environmental education instruction for students from pre-K through high school! With this site, we can help you easily access local student programs aligned to content standards and quality STEM instruction, as well as professional development opportunities that further support our collaborative educational endeavors.

Autumn Events

September 20, 2014 - California Coastal Cleanup Day

As part of the 30th anniversary of California Coastal Cleanup Day, school groups are encouraged to join their communities in cleaning up our coast and inland waterways at more than 800 locations throughout California. New this year, if you aren’t able to get your class out to a beach or inland waterway, you can do a cleanup at your school site through our official Schoolyard Cleanup Program! Find a detailed how-to, associated lessons, and instructions for participating in an international data collection and analysis at www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/schoolyard. For more information on how you can participate on your own or with your students, please visit http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html

September 20 – October 12, 2014 - COASTWEEKS 2014

If you have an event that should be included in the COASTWEEKS calendar, please click on the link below. We encourage events from throughout the state, not just along the coast. This celebration is a great way to expand your outreach and to participate in a nation-wide effort to encourage appreciation and preservation of our coast and inland waterways. Please do not submit Coastal Cleanup Day cleanup events to COASTWEEKS: http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/coastweeks/coastweeks.html

September 20, 2014 - Great Sierra River Cleanup

During the first five years of the Great Sierra River Cleanup, nearly 19,000 volunteers have removed 600 tons of trash and recyclables from watersheds throughout the Sierra Nevada. Hundreds of community groups have spread across 22 counties and over 1,700 river miles to pull appliances, cigarette butts, beverage cans, baby diapers, tires, furniture and more from the rivers and streams that supply the State of California with more than 60 percent of its water. This effort, in partnership with the California Coastal Cleanup Day, serves to promote good stewardship on all of our waterways, from the source to the sea. http://www.sierranevada.ca.gov/our-work/rivercleanup

September 21-23, 2014 - 2014 California STEM Symposium

This Symposium will bring together teachers, administrators, students, higher education representatives, program providers, philanthropic representatives and industry representatives to engage them in STEM education. The Symposium will have a special focus on increasing and supporting the participation of women and girls—as well as other underrepresented groups—in STEM fields. It will also highlight leaders in classroom innovation from across the state and attract student teams to showcase critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. http://cdefoundation.org/stemsymposium/

September 26 – 27, 2014 - Oroville Salmon Festival

Come see thousands of returning Chinook salmon! Every September, the streets of Oroville between Historic Downtown and the Feather River Fish Hatchery burst with activities during the Annual Salmon Festival. On this special weekend Oroville celebrates the thousands of spawning salmon that annually make their way from the ocean back up the Feather River. Environmental education, music, salmon tasting, tours of the hatchery and fun for kids and adults highlight this free event. For more information, please visit our website at: http://salmonfestoroville.org

September 27, 2014 – National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands in the United States. NPLD educates Americans about critical environmental and natural resource issues and the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands, while building partnerships between the public sector and the local community to enhance and restore America’s public lands.  For more information, check out: http://www.publiclandsday.org/

September 27, 2014 - National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Don’t flush those old prescriptions down the toilet! The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. Learn more about the concern about Pharmaceuticals in water supplies in this free webinar developed by Project WET. The program has removed 4.1 million pounds (2,123 tons) of prescription medications from circulation since it began in 2010. The program is anonymous and collection activities will take place at sites throughout the country: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html

September 27, 2014 - Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with free entrance to a local National Park! Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise. Learn about discounts and special offers from park partners and neighboring businesses at: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

September 28, 2014 - California State Parks 150th Birthday Celebration

California State Parks commemorates the 1864 establishment of the first state park in the world. On June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill granting 39,000 acres of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the State of California. This historic legislation was the beginning of not only the California State Park System, but the national park idea we know today. Join us at the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, 800 N St, Sacramento, CA for live music, a birthday cake and more. Free admission and street parking is available in the area. For more information, visit www.150.parks.ca.gov

October 10 – 12, 2014 - National Association of Geoscience Teachers Conference

If you are a K – 12 teacher, student of ecology, geography, or geology or parent of an interested student, join the experts in the field for this amazing, interactive, and educational Geology Conference! The fall 2014 NAGT conference at CSU Sacramento will offer field trip opportunities to the Sierra gold fields, the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta, local Sacramento geologic outcrops – and workshops on mineral use, reptiles in California, atmospheric circulation modeling, Next Generation Science Standards, and more! For more information and/or to register please visit our website at: http://nagt-farwestern2014.bpt.me

October 12 -18, 2014 – Earth Science Week 2014

Take part in Earth Science Week 2014! “Earth’s Connected Systems,” is the 2014 theme to promote awareness of the dynamic interactions of the planet’s natural and human systems and engage students and others in exploring the ways that geoscience illuminates natural change processes. By deepening our understanding of interactions of Earth systems — geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere — Earth science helps us manage our greatest challenges and make the most of vital opportunities. The program is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, ESRI, and other geoscience groups. http://www.earthsciweek.org

October 16 – 18, 2014 - California Agriculture in the Classroom Conference 

Common Core & California Crops. Through engaging workshops, farm tours, and dynamic speakers, this conference will provide attendees with a magnitude of resources that will connect students to the real world and help them develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.  For additional conference details, and to register, visit www.LearnAboutAg.org/conference

October 17 – 19, 2014 –  UC California Naturalist Program Conference

The biennial UC California Naturalist Conference provides a forum for presenting and discussing new research and developments in natural history, stewardship, citizen science, global change, environmental education, and interpretation for addressing California’s environmental challenges. Together we will celebrate California State Park’s 150th year of providing inspiration and education for the people of California — all in the heart of beautiful Asilomar State Park! For additional conference details, and to register, visit http://calnat.ucanr.edu/2014Conference

November 11, 2014 - National Parks Free Entrance Day

America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees. Making the fun even more affordable, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors with their own special offers. For more information, check out: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

December 4 – 6, 2014 - National Science Teachers Area Conference, Long Beach

Come join your science education colleagues for three to four days of professional learning. The conference, hosted by NSTA with some input from CSTA, offers a couple hundred workshops, lectures, short courses and field trips, – this is the place to be for science education! The range of topics during the conference includes linkages between science and Common Core ELA, STEM, and science education moving forward. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/conferences/area3.aspx

School, Classroom & Teacher Grants

Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools (DROPS) - Deadline: January 15, 2015

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools (DROPS) is focused on school projects that reduce storm water pollution and provide multiple benefits including water conservation and increased awareness of water resource sustainability. Projects must include an education/outreach component designed to increase student and public understanding of the project’s environmental benefits and the sustainability of California’s water resources directly related to the project. Approximately $25.5 million in funding is available. More information can be found at: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/drops/

Captain Planet Foundation – Deadline: September 30, 2014

Grants are made for activities that promote and support high-quality educational programs, enable children and youth to understand and appreciate our world through learning experiences and engage them in active, hands-on projects to improve the environment in their schools and communities. CPF grants are limited to $2,500 and preferential consideration is given to applicants who have secured at least 50% matching or in-kind funding for their program. More information at: http://www.captainplanetfdn.org.

Toshiba America Foundation Grant: Grades K – 5 – Deadline: October 1, 2014

Toshiba America Foundation’s mission is to provide teachers with additional funds to support classroom projects. After school, summer projects, and independent study projects are not eligible. The Foundation strongly encourages projects planned and led by individual teachers or teams of teachers for their own classrooms. Any K-5 teacher in a public or private (not-for-profit) school is eligible for a grant to support science or math education up to $1,000 for project materials. http://www.toshiba.com/taf/k5_teachers.jsp

Literacy for Life Grants – Deadline: October 1, 2014

The applications for Literacy for Life Grants are now available! These grants are designed to initiate new projects or expand existing projects that promote agricultural literacy. Funds are provided to California educators to support the integration of agriculture into regular classroom instruction. Up to 25 grants are available, each with a maximum funding of $500. A minimum of two grants will be provided to vocation agriculture educators. For more information, and to apply, visit www.LearnAboutAg.org/literacyforlife

Caring for Our Watersheds Writing Contest - Teacher Deadline: October 17, 2014

A joint program of the Center for Land-Based Learning and Agrium, Inc. The Caring for our Watersheds (CFW) program empowers students to imagine, develop, and create solutions in their local watersheds. CFW is both an environmental proposal contest and a project funding opportunity for high school students. The program promotes watershed awareness and stewardship, values student ideas, and offers support when turning theoretical ideas into action. Interested? Contact Beth Del Real at (530) 795-1544 or beth@landbasedlearning.org. More information at: http://landbasedlearning.org/watersheds.php

NEA Learning & Leadership Grants – Deadline: October 15, 2014

Our Learning & Leadership grants support public school teachers, public education support professionals, and/or faculty and staff in public institutions of higher education for one of the following two purposes: Grants to individuals fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or action research; or grants to groups fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment. The grant amount is $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups engaged in collegial study. For more details, please visit our website at: http://www.neafoundation.org/pages/learning-leadership-grants

NEA Student Achievement Grants – Deadline: October 15, 2014

The NEA Foundation provides grants to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area(s). The proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students’ habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection. The grant amounts available are $2,000 and $5,000.. For more details, please visit our website at: http://www.neafoundation.org/pages/nea-student-achievement-grants

WHALE TAIL® Grants - Deadline: November 1, 2014

The California Coastal Commission will be accepting proposals for coastal and marine education projects after Labor Day, as part of our Whale Tail Grants Program. This program supports marine science education and projects encouraging people to value and take action to improve the health of California’s marine and coastal environments. There is a special sub-category this year for projects addressing climate change and/or ocean acidification. Applicants may request any amount up to $50,000, and 25-50% of the funding will be allocated in small grants under $10,000. Guidelines are available on our website at www.coastforyou.org

Student Contests

“Connections in My Community” Photography Contest – Deadline: October 17, 2014

Earth science is the study of the geosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (living things). These spheres — or Earth systems — are continually affecting and influencing one another all around us. In our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, and in our public gathering places, we can observe the dynamic interactions of “Earth system science.” In a photograph, capture evidence of the connections of Earth systems in your community. More information on the contest can be found at: http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/photography/index.html

“Earth’s Connected Systems and Me” Visual Arts Contest - Deadline: October 17, 2014

Earth scientists — or geoscientists — study land, water, air, and living things. In particular, these scientists pay attention to the ways these “connected systems” affect each other. Scientists study, for example, how water shapes the land, how living things use air, and how air and water act on each other. How do these connected systems affect you? Use artwork to show how land, water, air, and living things are connected in the world around you. http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/visualarts/index.html

“Earth System Science in Today’s World” Essay Contest – Deadline: October 17, 2014

Our planet’s land, water, air, and living things each affect and are affected by one another. Earth scientists observe these interactions among Earth systems — the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Scientists study these interactions to seize opportunities and address challenges in areas such as harnessing energy, farming land, ensuring safe water, preparing for natural disasters, protecting the environment, and building communities. Explain one way that geoscientists’ study of Earth’s connected systems is helping to improve the world today. http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/essay/index.html

Get to Know Contest – Deadline: November 1, 2014

The Contest invites you to get outside and create original works of art, writing, photography, videography and music inspired by nature. Get Outdoors and “Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors”. The goal is to be as creative as possible. For inspiration, check out some of the amazing programs offered by our partners. Then, get outdoors and get to know! Submit your work for a chance to win cool prizes. The contest runs from May 1st to November 1st – Get started today! http://www.get-to-know.org/contest/us/

River of Words Art and Poetry Contest – Deadline: December 1, 2014

River of Words was founded to give new life to the teaching of art and poetry through watershed exploration. Our innovative Watershed Explorer Educator’s Guide brings together sketching and botany, nature journaling and poetry writing. Students who participate are encouraged to submit their work to our free international art and poetry contest, held annually since 1995 in conjunction with the Center of the Book in the Library of Congress. For more information, please go to: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/center-for-environmental-literacy/art-poetry-contest

Campus Rain Works Challenge - Deadline: December 19, 2014

U.S. EPA’s Office of Water is pleased to announce the third annual Campus Rain Works Challenge for undergraduate and graduate students. Once again, EPA is inviting student teams to design an innovative green infrastructure project for their campus showing how managing storm water at its source can benefit the campus community and the environment. EPA invites student teams to compete in one of two design categories: the Master Plan category or the Demonstration Project category. Winning teams will earn a cash prize of $1,000 – $3,000. http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/crw_challenge.cfm.

President’s Environmental Youth Award - Deadline: December 31, 2014

The PEYA program promotes awareness of our nation’s natural resources and encourages positive community involvement. Since 1971, the President of the United States has joined with EPA to recognize young people across the U.S. for protecting our nation’s air, water, land and ecology. Projects are developed by young individuals, school classes (K-12)  and youth organizations to promote environmental stewardship. http://www2.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award

California Coastal Art & Poetry Contest – Deadline: January 31, 2014

California students in kindergarten through 12th grade: Submit your work to the California Coastal Commission’s annual Coastal Art and Poetry Contest! Art and poetry must have a California coastal or marine theme to be eligible. Please refer to the contest “Guidelines” and the contest page at www.coastforyou.org for complete rules.

Amazon Smile

The Water Education Foundation is now participating in the Amazon Smile program, which allows Amazon customers to designate a 501c3 nonprofit organization to receive 0.5% of purchase price of products bought from Amazon.  As the holiday season approaches, please consider supporting the Water Education Foundation if you purchase items through Amazon by visiting https://smile.amazon.com/ and designating the Water Education Foundation as your charitable organization of choice. Amazon Smile provides the customer with the same products, prices and service as Amazon.com, but has the added bonus of allowing you to support the Water Education Foundation.  Your support will be much appreciated!

Credits

California Project WET Gazette is published by the Water Education Foundation, which serves as the state coordinator for Project WET International.

Editor: Brian Brown, Project WET Coordinator

Water Education Foundation
1401 21st Street, Suite 200  
Sacramento, CA 95811
916.444.6240
Internet: www.watereducation.org
email: projectwet@watereducation.org