By Debra Shapiro
Resources for Celebrating Antarctic Week
Learn more and teach students about current Antarctic scientific research and work that is being done to better understand climate change and the overall implications and impacts for that region as well as in your community. Celebrate Antarctic Week 2024 during December 2–6 with resources including video talks, activities, and web interactives. The event is brought to you by the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration.
The Guide to Teaching About Climate
The Guide to Teaching About Climate is a series of web pages from Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) that address climate science in a logical sequence. Designed for K–12 educators and others interested in promoting climate literacy in the classroom, the guide covers natural and human influences on climate, as well as the effects of interactions between parts of Earth's systems. The guide also discusses the methods scientists use to study the climate and make predictions about future impacts. The overarching guiding principle states that humans can take action to reduce climate change and its impacts, which is a key part of teaching climate science. Taken together, these concepts build a foundation for climate literacy.
Other noteworthy climate science resources available on the page include Guidance in Elementary Teaching About Climate and Energy, a series of links (available in English and Spanish versions) to help elementary educators effectively address climate science topics in the classroom. The links cover topics such as strategies for teaching climate science, fundamental climate science principles, and connections to the Next Generation Science Standards.
Museum in a Box
Inspire future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers with aeronautics-themed lessons from NASA’s Museum in a Box program. Designed for K–12 audiences, the downloadable lessons support national science and math standards and can be used in both formal and informal education settings (e.g., classrooms, museums, science centers, after-school programs, and so on). The lessons address various themes in aeronautics—history of flight, parts of an airplane, principles of flight, structures of materials, structures and materials, propulsion, future flight, careers in aeronautics, and airspace—providing many opportunities for students to explore a wide range of interests in a diverse and dynamic science field.
Youth Garden Grant
This grant supports school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities. In early 2025, 50 organizations will be awarded $500 in funding for their youth garden program. Any organization in the United States or U.S. Territories planning a new or improving an existing garden program that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 0 and 18 may apply. Organizations must support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of individuals who are under-resourced (systematically denied resources and opportunities based on race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, geographic location, etc., or currently experiencing hardship such as a natural disaster, etc.). Organizations also must have received less than $10,000 in grants for the garden program during 2023 and 2024 combined. (Deadline December 13)
ASM Materials Camp Summer Workshops
These week-long, hands-on lab experiences show educators how to use applied engineering techniques in their classroom. Educators work hands-on with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, and develop a greater appreciation for the importance of these materials in modern life. Camps are offered across North America and virtually. The camp is free for attendees, and participants are eligible to receive four Continuing Education Units and can opt for two graduate-level credits if attending a camp in person.
The camps are open to high school teachers of science (especially chemistry and physical science), engineering, and industrial/Career and Technical Education; middle school teachers of physical science; preservice science teachers; and math, community college, and art teachers as space allows. Camps for grades K–5 teachers are also listed at https://www.asmfoundation.org/teachers/camp-schedule/.
Robert F. Tinker Fellows Program
The program seeks to promote innovation, creativity, and cross-disciplinary conversations in educational technology for STEM teaching and learning. The fellowship brings individuals to the Concord Consortium to spark new ideas, tinker with novel technologies, cultivate outside perspectives, and provide opportunities for reflection on the consortium’s work. This year’s theme focuses on innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), data science education, and STEM models and simulations. Proposals should address educational technology–related approaches in one or more of the following topics, or similar areas of research and scholarship:
• Novel or out-of-the-box applications of AI technologies or tools for STEM learning;
• Expanding data science education, including via interdisciplinary approaches or efforts to reach new audiences; and
• Innovation in STEM models and simulations.
The Tinker Fellows Program includes a total honorarium of $5,000. Apply by December 31.
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