2011 CLN Teleconferences

Abstract:
The National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI), is a partnership development project funded through the NSF-Climate Change Education Partnerships program from 2010-2012. NNOCCI is thematically focusing on the impacts of climate change on coastal zones and marine life. The primary audience is professional interpreters and educators at informal science education (ISE) centers. The secondary audience for this initiative comprises the millions of visitors these institutions reach each year. Facilitating learning communities to foster communities of practice among interpretation professionals, informed by both climate and ocean science, and also by cognitive and social science is a primary strategy of the NNOCCI project, being pilot tested and evaluated.

Bio:
Mr. John C. Anderson currently serves as Director of Education at New England Aquarium, where he leads efforts to develop, assess, refine, and operate educational programs for many audiences including school students, families, teenagers, and teachers. He is currently directing a multi-institutional collaboration focusing on climate change and oceans, called the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation. He has led several related projects since 2000, including a collaboration among six aquariums aimed at capacity-building for the interpretation of climate change and oceans, which developed content for the website climateinterpreter.org. From 2000 to 2005, he worked with the New England Science Center Collaborative to coordinate and teach professional development programs for hundreds of teachers. He has also led exhibit development projects related to mercury pollution, solar energy, and energy choices. Mr. Anderson earned his MA in biology from Boston University and his BA in biology from Oberlin College.

 

John's slides are here (Acrobat (PDF) 1.9MB Dec19 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 18.1MB Jan2 12).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 11.2MB Dec13 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 14.8MB Dec12 11).

Abstract:
Climate change education offers many unique challenges, including the complexity of climate change science; the multi-disciplinary perspective needed to understand causes, impacts, and solutions; and perhaps most importantly, the tendency to feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of such an enormous challenge. This last issue is especially pertinent for today's younger generations (i.e., the vast majority of students), who will face projected impacts of climate change and/or a major transition in our energy systems within their lifetimes. We have found that video production by students offers a stimulating and engaging approach in which students gain a deeper understanding of climate change science, solutions, and the media through which they increasingly access information.

Climate change science can be overwhelming, especially for younger generations for whom future impacts are directly relevant. It is not surprising that the scale of the problem can be overwhelming, leading to a natural human response that tends to keep information at bay and avoid incorporating it into existing worldviews or mental models. This is especially true when one considers that the timescales of the mid-to-late- twenty-first century are within the expected lifetimes of most students. It is hard to imagine how traditional, passive learning approaches (reading, listening to lectures) could be sufficient for students to incorporate information that is not only complex, but that implies a major change in the world around them within their lifetime.

Juliette's slides are available here (Acrobat (PDF) 1.5MB Nov29 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 25.1MB Nov30 11). Due to technical difficulties, this recording has been made from two audio files. Some of the discussion at the end of the presentation was not recorded.

Abstract: Climate instruction is increasingly complex in the formal classroom. Dr. Susan Buhr will describe the current preparation of a national sample of classroom climate instructors in terms of knowledge and practices, based on evaluation data gathered as part of the ICEE and CLEAN projects. Since public controversy influences climate instruction, teacher perceptions and practices around climate controversy are described throughout.

Bio: Dr. Susan Buhr is director of the CIRES Education and Outreach Group at the University of Colorado, Boulder. CIRES is an NOAA joint institute that conducts research in environmental sciences, including polar and climate science. Dr. Buhr has provided professional development for teachers in climate science topics since 1996. Her climate education work focuses on supporting teachers to align climate concepts within the curriculum, use best practices instructional strategies to forestall controversy and provide access to high-quality, peer-reviewed teaching resources.

Susan's slides are here (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 1.9MB Nov21 11) and here (Acrobat (PDF) 3.6MB Nov21 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 22.7MB Nov22 11).

Abstract:
While a majority of Americans accept that climate change is a reality, most people remain unconvinced that it will affect them personally and are confused as to the best approaches for tackling such a complex global problem. Additionally, communicators are often overwhelmed by the amount of information produced on public opinion and messaging on climate change. What is absent is a translation of these data and theories into tools that practitioners can efficiently apply on the ground to launch successful public engagement campaigns.

The Resource Innovation Group's Social Capital Project (in partnership with the Rutgers Initiative on Climate and Social Policy and David Suzuki's Stonehouse Standing Circle) is launching a new initiative, Climate Access that will provide climate practitioners with tools for building effective public engagement and behavior change campaigns. Cara Pike, Founder and Director of TRIG's Social Capital Project, will discuss how Climate Access taps into the expertise within the practitioner community and integrates these learned experiences with public opinion data and academic research to build models and best practices for engaging the public in strong climate policies and programs.

Bios: 
Meredith Herr is the webmaster at ClimateAccess.org, a core part of her position as senior associate of TRIG's Social Capital Project. Meredith plays a lead role in the production of the project's research-based guides and tools for climate leaders. Previously, Meredith was an assistant research scientist at the Research Center for Leadership in Action where she investigated the relationship between personal and societal transformation with grassroots social change leaders. Meredith has a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Vassar College where she focused on the sociological impacts of the built environment and a Master of Public Administration in Public Policy Analysis from New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Cara Pike developed the idea for the Climate Access network in her role as founder and director of TRIG's Social Capital Project. She was formerly the vice president of communications for the leading nonprofit environmental law firm Earthjustice, where she created and ran a full-service internal communications agency for the organization's eight offices, policy arm, and international program. Cara was a founding board member of the Global Footprint Network, is an advisory board member of David Suzuki's Stonehouse Standing Circle, and serves on the boards of Resource Media and the Hollyhock Educational Foundation. She has a Master of Science in Environmental Communications from California State University-Fullerton and a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Communications and Environmental Science from McGill University.

Meredith and Cara's slides (in PDF format) are here (Acrobat (PDF) 10.8MB Nov14 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 15.5MB Nov15 11).

Abstract:
The Climate Literacy Partnership in the Southeast (CLiPSE) is a regionally-based network of partners in the Southeastern United States (SEUS) whose chief goal is to engage in a transformative climate literacy campaign that will equip citizens through informal and formal education arenas to (a) understand the basics of the earth's climate system; (b) effectively engage in informed discussions about climate change; and (c) make considered and evidence-based decisions regarding adaptation and mitigation strategies. CLiPSE partners engage in workshops, webinars, and online portals to inventory scientifically accurate and relevant educational resources related to climate change, engage in the strategic planning process, build the network, and identify educational needs and opportunities regarding climate change and its impacts in the SEUS. The partnership brings together a diverse group of individuals (such as climate scientists/educators, learning scientists, and practitioners) and stakeholders from higher education, K-12 education, faith-based groups, agriculture groups, leisure groups, and culturally diverse communities who otherwise may not interact with one another to discuss climate and climate change education in the SEUS. A principal deliverable resulting from CLiPSE efforts will be a comprehensive strategic plan (including an evaluation plan) for climate change education in the SEUS. For more information please go to www.clipse-project.org.

Bio: 
Dr. McNeal is an Assistant Professor in Biogeochemistry and Geoscience Education in the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University. She conducts work in understanding and supporting how people learn and reason about complex Earth systems. As such, she directs and evaluates a variety of research projects that focus on STEM graduate student training, in-service teacher training, high school and introductory college students' understanding of earth systems, diversity enhancement in the geosciences, and climate change education. She also serves as Editor for Research in the Journal of Geoscience Education. For more information please go to https://sites.google.com/site/msubgerg/ or email Karen at ksm163 at msstate.edu.

Karen's slides (in PDF format) are here (Acrobat (PDF) 4.9MB Nov8 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 20.5MB Nov8 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 7.9MB Nov1 11).

Abstract:
The CLEO Project seeks to engage masses of everyday people and everyday groups, large and small, in addressing the question: What's climate change all about, and what's my role? 

Designed as a public engagement model, the CLEO Project merges the efforts and energies of students, teachers, scientists, civic leaders, and artists, as well as leaders in schools, school districts, colleges, businesses, and communities. The idea is to trigger a multitude of community conversations and initiatives within varied social, cultural, economic, academic, religious, and political gatherings.

The Project uses diverse web resources and access to climate scientists to initiate effective informal education and engagement models. It spirals the learning and engagement between Project participants and the community in a sustained, iterative manner. The Project is inclusive and celebratory, and its capacity to promote creativity and emotional responses are key contributors to motivating and engaging very large, very diverse audiences.

As we settle into the Anthropocene, the general public must understand that our collective human footprint is significant and growing. Yet, despite the tremendous and still-growing body of scientific evidence, climate change education is often stymied by public skepticism, denial, and/or disengagement. Thus, reducing skepticism among an alarmingly large segment of Americans requires far more than simply providing more information using established scientific channels (Leiserowitz, 2010; McCright, 2009).

Believing that effective engagement models create broader, more attentive audiences for deficit models, we will continue to refine and expand the CLEO Project beyond South Florida, as interest and opportunity arise. See the website www.CLEOInstitute.org for more information on the CLEO Project.

Bio: 
Caroline Lewis is an education strategist and consultant who builds capacity, promotes innovation, and inspires leadership in individuals and institutions. She is also the founder and director of the CLEO Institute, a non-profit that advances environmental literacy and civic engagement. Ms. Lewis develops creative, collaborative programs to significantly increase outreach to diverse audiences. She delivers keynote addresses, workshops, and presentations locally, nationally, and internationally. For 22 years, Ms. Lewis was a science teacher and principal. She then joined the staff of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, created the competitive, interdisciplinary Fairchild Challenge, and, as Director of Education, expanded programs and partnerships by some 800%. Currently, Ms. Lewis is implementing and expanding the CLEO Project to amplify public engagement in climate change conversations.

Here are the slides for Caroline's presentation - OCT 2011 CLN - CLEO Project Intro (PowerPoint 7MB Oct25 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 40.2MB Oct25 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 17.4MB Oct21 11).

After announcements Noah Neuman from CoCoRaHs http://www.cocorahs.org/ explained that most of their volunteers are senior citizens. He described that they are using social media avenues to recruit volunteers among younger citizens.

Abstract: 
Climate Interactive (CI) is a non-profit that has developed a suite of interactive computer simulations and role-playing experiences to improve critical thinking about climate and energy. To date, CI has focused its tools on policymakers (e.g., their C-ROADS model is used by the US State Dept climate team), but many of the tools are being used by 7-12 and university instructors. Travis will walk through live demonstrations of their various free tools, including simulators on climate, online web tools, the upcoming iOS application, and their World Climate role-playing exercise. He is hoping you find the current tools useful and interesting, but also is looking to get constructive feedback and is open to discussing possible partnerships to make better education-focused tools.

Bio:
Dr. Travis Franck works at the not-for-profit Climate Interactive, whose mission is to provide a deeper understanding of climate and energy issues to decision-makers through the creation of interactive real-time decision-support tools. As a Senior Scientist and Policy Analyst, he works with international stakeholders in the public and private sectors. Previously he worked at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris and has contributed to three UNFCCC COP meetings. An expert modeler and communicator, he has presented in many different forums, including World Bank, UNDP, engineering, and climate conferences. Travis received his Ph.D. in Technology, Management & Policy at MIT, where he researched the impact of tropical storms and sea-level rise on coastal communities.

Here are the slides (Acrobat (PDF) 23MB Oct21 11) to accompany this talk.

There is also an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 22.3MB Oct21 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 8.2MB Sep27 11).

Title: Climate Change Education at the State Level: Minnesota's Changing Climate Curriculum and Online Classroom

Abstract: The Will Steger Foundation's new state-funded project focuses on building awareness of Minnesota's natural environment and the local impacts of climate change, and proving educators and students with the tools necessary for connecting with the natural world and engaging in environmental stewardship. CLN call participants will see examples from the curriculum and online classroom, and learn some of the preliminary evaluation results from our Summer Institute. A few examples of how the project is being implemented this school year will also be shared. Please visit the online classroom at classroom.willstegerfoundation.org

Bio: Kristen Poppleton is the Education Program Manager at the Will Steger Foundation, an environmental non-profit established by Polar explorer Will Steger and focused on climate change education, policy, and outreach. Kristen's past work experience includes teaching Pre-K through graduate students and training formal and informal educators in environmental education and STEM; youth development; and curriculum development. She has a BA in Biology and Hispanic Studies from St. Olaf College, a MEd in Environmental Education, and a MS in Conservation Biology. 

Here are the slides for Kristen's presentation - Kristen_Poppleton_CLN_9_20_2011 (PowerPoint 3.2MB Sep20 11)

For more information, contact: kristen@willstegerfoundation.org

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 16.9MB Sep20 11).

The group discussed 
- the possible uses of the new UNESCO/UNEP/WHO issues guide for educators on climate change mitigation and adaptation (see http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/the_climate_change_starters_guidebook/ 
- the need for a more integrated set of principles that would incorporate earth systems, energy, and social science principles - something that goes beyond the narrow focus of the current climate literacy essential principles; this could be an enhancement of Don Duggan-Haas' rainbow charts. 
- how this might relate to a project at the Ecological Society of America (http://www.esa.org/)

There is no audio recording of this teleconference call.

The webpage (including the agenda) for this workshop is at http://sites.nationalacademies.org/DBASSE/BOSE/Topics/DBASSE_070453#.Udrfuz5NZ-E.

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 18.2MB Sep6 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 13.5MB Aug30 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 4.8MB Aug23 11).

Notes:
- initial report on the Will Steger Foundation's Exploration of Minnesota's Changing Climate at the Summer Institute, August 11- 12, 2011 
- no word yet on the arrangements for online participation in the Climate Change Education in Elementary School through the First Two Years of College: A Workshop, August 31, 2011 – September 1, 2011 
- there are important AAAS Project 2061 materials coming online in the fall
- results of recent CLEAN Pathway review camp, August 3-5, 2011 
- how to string various education resources -- from science to solutions - to create some learning units; is there a need for some kind of middle layer of connections, something that supports learning in different subject matter classrooms?; how does this relate to the NSDL idea of para data? 
- can very localized learning units - about very specific local issues - connect to global themes and thereby be transferrable to other areas? 
- there is enormous interest in developing educational materials related to the pros and cons of fracking, especially in the Marcellus Shale; what opportunities do local controversies provide for looking at geological topics, the tradeoffs among different energy sources and energy conservation/efficiency, civic scientific literacy (see Jon Miller)

There is no audio recording of this teleconference call.

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 12.1MB Aug9 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 6.1MB Aug9 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 17.8MB Jul26 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 13.1MB Jul12 11).

Today Louise Huffman shared her plans for ANDRILL's Climate Change Student Summits for the next year. The URL is 

We also reminded everyone that GSA and AGU abstract deadlines are coming soon (GSA-July 26, AGU - Aug 4)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 8.4MB Jul5 11).

Discussion focused on defining the line between education and advocacy/propaganda.

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 13.5MB Jun28 11).

Last version of workshop proposal that Tamara has (Acrobat (PDF) 154kB Jun21 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 21.1MB Jun21 11).

June 21, 2011 - additional call: Planning for the AGU Climate Literacy sessions. 2:15 pm

Agenda for Call

1. To become familiar with the breadth of Climate Literacy sessions and each other
2. Coordinate who we plan to ask to be invited speakers, so as not to compete with the same individuals. Topically this should not be a problem but we do want to be aware if there is a potential conflict.
3. Provide broader input into each of the sessions beyond the specific session convenors. I anticipate that following this call the individual groups will meet separately and with the input from this call shape their sessions as they see best.
4. Identify avenues of advertising the suite of 7 sessions to solicit contributed talks, and how most efficiently to do this.

Session descriptions (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 126kB Jun21 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 4.6MB Jun14 11).

In this presentation, which is a repeat of a webinar offered through the CLEAN Pathway professional development webinars for teachers, Dr. Meier will highlight research on changes in sea ice extent in the Arctic, and resulting implications for the Arctic food web and human activities.

Dr. Walt Meier is a research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), part of the University of Colorado Boulder's Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on studying the changing sea ice cover using satellite sensors and investigating the impacts of the declining Arctic sea ice on climate.

Meier Sea Ice webinar slides (ppt) (PowerPoint 30.3MB Jun6 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 19.7MB Jun7 11).

Informal discussion about 
--- Developing a coherent strategy for addressing/participating in/submitting coordinated abstracts to professional meetings
--- clarifying the relationship between Climate Literacy Network and CLEAN Pathway and other Climate Change Education Projects. --- messaging, rapid response approaches

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 50.9MB Jun3 11).

Description: Jim will give a brief overview of two of ClimateChangeEducation.org's programs:

1.) Hands-on climate science demonstrations and activities
http://climatechangeeducation.org/labs/

2.) Web portal to climate education programs and resources across the planet
http://climatechangeeducation.org/international/index.html

Bio:
James Callahan is the founder of ClimateChangeEducation.org and the editor
of its family of web portals. Jim is also one of the team's developers
and presenters of hands-on climate science labs and demonstrations. 

CallahanCLNslides052411 (PowerPoint 7.6MB May23 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 19.3MB May25 11).

Description: The PCEP was founded in August 2011 by NSF as a Phase I Climate Change Education Partnership to serve the United States Affiliated Pacific Islands. The PCEP vision is to educate the region's students and citizens in ways that exemplify modern science and indigenous environmental knowledge, address the urgency of climate change impacts, and honor indigenous cultures. 

The presentation will highlight and share the first draft of our collaborative web application that interlinks the region's locations, organizations, and participating people with climate science content, climate impacts content, learning science content, and regional communities/cultures. The presentation will also highlight how the PCEP is organizing climate science content and climate impact content.

Bio: Dr. Art Sussman is a scientist who has worked for more than three decades in enhancing public understanding of science and K-12 science education, particularly related to environmental and Earth Systems science. His most recent books, "Dr. Art's Guide to Science" and "Dr. Art's Guide to Planet Earth," are used in middle schools and high schools, and in pre-service courses and professional development courses for educators. Dr. Art is a Senior Project Director at WestEd, where he currently serves as co-Principal Investigator of the Pacific Islands Climate Education Partnership Phase I projects. He presents nationally and internationally, has assisted states with the development and writing of their science standards, and has taught Earth systems science certification courses for high school teachers. Most recently, he presented the featured Brandwein Lecture at the 2011 NSTA National Conference.

Climate Science Overview pdf (Acrobat (PDF) 95kB May13 11)

The first part of the presentation used these slides: 

Sussman slides CLN May 17, 2011 (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 453kB May13 11)

and the second part was a demonstration of the live Pacific Island Climate Education Partnership website: http://pcep.dsp.wested.org/. 

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 20.8MB May21 11).

 

We have started a Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/CLEANET. Please visit and indicate that you "like" the page. Thanks.

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 10.3MB May10 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 17.9MB May3 11).

Description: The Will Steger Foundation (WSF) is educating, inspiring, and empowering people of all ages to engage in climate change solutions. During this presentation, Kristen Poppleton will provide an overall introduction to WSF's work in policy, education, and youth engagement and then provide a few examples of education projects we are currently working on. In addition, Abby Fenton, Youth Programs Director, will talk about her work to engage youth leaders in climate change solutions and her recent trip to Powershift.

Bios:

Kristen Poppleton, Education Program Manager
Kristen began her work with the Will Steger Foundation as a participant in their first educator Summer Institute in 2006. Kristen's past work experience includes teaching Pre-K through graduate students and training formal and informal educators in environmental education and STEM; youth development; and, curriculum development. Kristen has worked in education at the Science Museum of Minnesota and taught environmental and climate education-focused courses at Hamline University and the University of Minnesota. Kristen spent many years as a naturalist including at the International Wolf Center, and a residential environmental education program in Cordoba, Argentina. 

Abby Fenton, Youth Programs Director/Re-Amp Youth Climate Coordinator
Abby began her work with the Will Steger Foundation as an Education Coordinator and member of the 2007 Baffin Island Expedition. Abby was instrumental in launching the Will Steger Foundation's Emerging Leaders program which aims to engage and empower youth through leadership on climate change solutions, and is also the Youth Climate Coordinator for the RE-AMP network, building on the mission of the Will Steger Foundation to empower youth climate leadership and build cross-generation collaboration between the Midwest youth climate movement and the community of environmental non-profits and foundations across the region.

Poppleton-Fenton slides for CLN 042611 (PowerPoint 16.9MB Apr25 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 17.4MB Apr26 11).

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 11.7MB Apr26 11).

Tamara is organizing 6 coordinated Climate Change Education session proposals for the AGU meeting. Draft descriptions have been developed and convenors are being identified. Some of who will be on the call. We will discuss the content of the sessions. All is in draft form at the moment including the listed convenors.

Draft AGU Climate Change Education Session Proposals (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 122kB Apr12 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 17.2MB Apr15 11).

Description: Join Rachel Connolly for a preview of Power Surge http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/power-surge.html, an upcoming NOVA show airing on April 20. The show explores whether emerging technology can impact global warming. The United States has invested tens of billions of dollars in clean energy projects as our leaders try to save our crumbling economy and our poisoned planet in one bold, green stroke. Are we finally on the brink of a green-energy "power surge," or is it all a case of too little, too late?

From solar panel factories in China to a carbon capture-and-storage facility in the Sahara desert, to massive wind and solar installations in the United States, NOVA travels the globe to reveal the surprising technologies that just might turn back the clock on climate change. NOVA will focus on the latest and greatest innovations, including everything from artificial trees to green reboots of familiar technologies like coal and nuclear energy. Can our technology, which helped create this problem, now solve it?

In today's teleconference, we will explore the program and educational resources surrounding green technologies. Additionally, we would like to explore opportunities for collaboration with our outreach surrounding this show.

Bio: Rachel Connolly is the Director of Education for NOVA at WGBH in Boston. New to the NOVA team, Connolly has previously served as the planetarium director and faculty member in Science Education at the University of Louisville, as an Education Manager at the American Museum of Natural History, and as a high school science teacher in New York City. She held a NASA Graduate Research Fellowship through Marshall Space Flight Center and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Science Education at Teachers College Columbia University.

WGBH Power Surge slides (PowerPoint 10.9MB Apr5 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 7.7MB Apr15 11).

Join Jessica and Kim as they provide an overview of the Beyond Weather and Water Cycle (http://beyondweather.ehe.osu.edu), an online professional development magazine built in WordPress. The project focuses on preparing elementary teachers to teach climate science concepts while also integrating inquiry-based science and literacy instruction. Structured around the seven essential principles of climate literacy, instructional and professional resources will take elementary teachers and their students past the superficial understanding and teaching of weather and the water cycle to a solid understanding of climate. The first issue of the magazine is available with the second issue to be completed by March 31, 2011. We are very interested in learning about resources from the CLN community that are appropriate for the elementary level so we can include them in upcoming issues of Beyond Weather. In addition, we'll look at the last issue of Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears (http://beyondpenguins.nsdl.org/issue/index.php?date=June2010) which dealt entirely with climate change. 

Jessica Fries-Gaither is an education resource specialist in the College of Education and Human Ecology at Ohio State University. She is the project director for Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle and Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears. Jessica taught middle school science and math and elementary grades in TN and AK. 

Dr. Kimberly Lightle is the Director of Digital Libraries and science education for the School of Teaching and Learning, College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University. She is the PI on Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle, Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears, and the Middle School Portal 2 projects. 

Beyond Weather and Water Cycle Presentation (PowerPoint 5.4MB Mar28 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 24.4MB Mar29 11).

Abstract: We will talk about the Ask a Biologist website and how and where CLN participants can contribute to the site.

Bio: Charles Kazilek is the Director of Technology Integration and Outreach at the ASU School of Life Sciences and has been a member of the faculty for over 20 years. He is the creator and developer of the Ask A Biologist website and has been developing K-12 web content for more than 14 years. For the last five years, he has been running teacher workshops (Dr. Biology's Imaginative Classroom) in collaboration with Arizona Science Center as well as in local school districts. 

Ask a Biologist

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 16.8MB Mar22 11).

We discussed developing a symposium proposal for the AAAS Meeting - Meeting in Vancouver Feb 2012, proposal due April 26th. Symposium will be 3 hours and will include the following components:
1. What is climate literacy?
2. What are people's perspectives concerning climate literacy?
3. How can you, the scientist, communicate about climate science?
4. Examples of climate change education in action: teacher, GLOBE, NASA, NOAA
5. Discussion
For #1-#4, Candace Lutzow-Felling is looking for potential speakers.

We also discussed possible sessions for the AGU meeting in Dec 2011, and session proposals due April 20th.
Mark McCaffrey has already put together a draft proposal titled "Integrating Climate and Energy, Science and Solutions, with Education, Communication, and Outreach." In addition, four other ideas were discussed although specific titles are still to be determined and we need to think through the content more completely. These include
1. Target audience focus - higher education for both science majors and non-majors
2. Target audience focus - community and adult education and possibly informal education
3. A session where the speakers are asked to address the question "What do you need to know from a geoscientist to more effectively address climate change issues in your field?" Subject areas might be a) social ramifications, b) economic ramifications, c) psychological implications, and d) policy implications. 
4. What do people understand about climate change - scientists need to understand the depth or lack of depth in peoples understanding of climate change.

5. Misconceptions and Misrepresentation of Climate Change - Research and Educational Strategies

For future discussion: 
Developing a strategy for addressing/participating in professional meetings
Ideas for more effective integration or distinction between Climate Literacy Network and CLEAN.

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 17.1MB Mar15 11).

Abstract: A free DVD, "Understanding Global Climate Change" (available in both Spanish and English) was produced with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation's Science & Technology Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS). The objective of this project was to provide a background about Earth as a system and to provide types of evidence about climate change. The DVD was designed by teachers to help other teachers inform themselves about the scientific understanding of climate change with information compiled from reliable sources. It has been used with adult learners, as the basis for professional development courses for teachers, and with middle school and high school science classes. Supplemental files include a notebook (printable text from each frame, with a screenshot for reference) of each chapter to enable note-taking, an image credits file, and the Table of Contents with Section headings.

Presenter: Dr. Carol Landis, Education Outreach Specialist

Carol is a retired Earth systems science teacher who has designed and co-taught climate change workshops for K-12 teachers, coordinated the production and translation of a DVD about climate change (to Spanish), and plans and oversees BPRC's outreach efforts at conferences and public events. Carol served as the Co-Chair of the Education Committee for the NSF Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network (2006-2009) and remains on the Editorial Committee for the LTER Children's Books Series. She was also Co-PI on the NSF-IPY project, Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears, http://beyondpenguins.nsdl.org/

Carol Landis ppt2 for 030811 CLN (Acrobat (PDF) 11MB Mar4 11) TOC for Understanding Climate Change DVD (Microsoft Word 33kB Mar4 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 19.1MB Mar8 11).

Candace Lutzow-Felling (Director of Education, State Arboretum of Virginia & Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia) provided a summary of some sessions at the recent AAAS 2011 meeting in Washington DC and of the AAAS Education Subgroup meeting held concurrently.

 

Insights: recent data are showing that the 2007 IPCC predictions were too conservative; significant change is well underway (e.g., extreme weather events globally); some ecosystems are starting to disappear; Should adaptation efforts be focused on preserving these natural ecosystems, or should the focus be on ecosystems that support human needs? With changing growing seasons, plant ranges, etc. should we change to crop plantings that reflect what will grow in the area in the future rather than what has been planted historically?

Candace has proposed a 180-minute symposium for the 2012 AAAS Meeting in Vancouver Canada (http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/program/theme/) - deadline to submit proposals is April 26 (http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/program/symposia/submit/); Candace will circulate her draft proposal to CLN members for comments and suggestions. The telecon participants felt that this AAAS meeting would be a great way to talk about climate change education with a diverse audience of scientists and science journalists. One possible speaker (or overall discussant) for the symposium would be Dr. David Suzuki - a well-known Vancouver-based Canadian scientist/journalist. He has hosted the science program - The Nature of Things - on Canadian TV for 30 years (http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/natureofthings/2009/suzuki30/).

 

Conversation opened up the idea of how to reach audiences beyond educators. Don Duggan-Haas suggested the idea of developing a comprehensive strategy for CLN member participation in different conferences; What messages do we want to send to the general public? How do we tell stories that link things that everyone is experiencing (e.g., extreme weather) to solid background data?

other ideas - games such as Fate of the World available now on PC and in April on Macs - could be reviewed for the CLEAN Collection; use of Facebook - used to connect with students after a class ends; connecting with alumni networks of colleges and universities.

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 41.5MB Mar2 11).

Abstract:

This presentation showcases the first climate change impacts assessment conducted by the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI). WICCI was initially formed as a partnership between the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Since its formation in the fall of 2007, WICCI has grown to include representatives from other state and federal agencies, several UW system schools, tribal organizations, businesses, and nonprofit groups totaling more than 70 collaborating entities. Under the overall guidance of WICCI's 22-member Science Council, 15 "working groups" conducted individual assessments on how climate change could affect specific natural resources, ecosystems, regions, and built environments throughout Wisconsin. As part of WICCI's recently released overall assessment, the working groups also recommended practical adaptation strategies and solutions for decision-makers to implement that would reduce the severity of the impacts of climate change.

Bio:

Richard Lathrop worked as a research limnologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for 33 years until his recent retirement. Dick received his Ph.D. in Oceanography and Limnology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and currently holds honorary appointments from the UW's Center for Limnology and Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Dick is also Science Council Co-Chair for the "Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts" (WICCI) that began in the fall of 2007.

WICCI Lathrop CLN pdf (Acrobat (PDF) 4.4MB Feb22 11)

There is an audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 53.5MB Feb24 11).

There is an unedited audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 12.3MB Feb18 11).

Abstract: Laura will give details and suggestions about using selected NASA climate resources on NASA's Global Climate Change website.

Presenter: Laura Faye Tenenbaum is an adjunct faculty in the physical sciences department at Glendale Community College in the Los Angeles area. She also works as an education specialist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory as part of the Climate Change Communication Team which was awarded a 2010 Webby People's Voice Award for Best Science Website.

L. Tenenbaum slides for 2.8.2011 CLN (PowerPoint 20.2MB Feb3 11) 

There is an unedited audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 24.5MB Feb8 11).

Abstract: An interactive model simulation was developed in 2008-09 with a small grant from the Technology Enhanced Learning and Research (TELR) group at Ohio State. The model simulation is intended to help students understand what scientific models are, how they are built, and what they can and cannot do. It was developed for use with middle school students, but it may also be appropriate for high school classes and some introductory-level college classes for nonscience majors. Minor programming adjustments are needed. The investigative nature of the model would be significantly enhanced with additional data and scenarios to manipulate.

Presentation slides

BPRC model simulation presentation (PowerPoint 1.4MB Jan20 11)

Presenters: Ellen Mosley-Thompson, Francis Otieno, Carol Landis

Dr. Ellen Mosley-Thompson, Director of BPRC, Senior Research Scientist, Climatologist, Professor of Geography:

Ellen's research focus is paleoclimatic reconstruction from the chemical and physical properties preserved in ice cores. She has conducted ice core drilling programs in Antarctica and Greenland and along with her colleagues reconstructs paleoenvironmental conditions from the chemical and physical properties preserved in ice cores collected from Antarctica, Greenland, China, and Peru. Her particular interests include the role of atmospheric dust and volcanic aerosols in the climate system, the reconstruction of abrupt changes in the environmental system, the incorporation of ice core records into multi-proxy climate histories, and the impact of such environmental changes upon human activities.

Dr. Francis Otieno, climate modeler in the Polar Meteorology Group: 

Francis is a native of Siaya district in Kenya who recently joined the Polar Meteorology Group at BPRC. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Nairobi in Kenya and then came to the United States where he earned his Master's and Ph.D. degrees from Iowa State University. Dr. Otieno is a climate modeler who is interested in helping others to understand what the models can and cannot do, so he helped to develop this online simulation that students can understand. He is involved in a NASA-funded project to combine the use of models and satellite data to study cyclones over West Antarctica.

Dr. Carol Landis, Education Outreach Specialist

Carol is a retired Earth systems science teacher who has designed and co-taught climate change workshops for K-12 teachers, coordinated the production and translation of a DVD about climate change (to Spanish), and plans and oversees BPRC's outreach efforts at conferences and public events. Carol served as the Co-Chair of the Education Committee for the NSF Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network (2006-2009) and remains on the Editorial Committee for the LTER Children's Books Series. She was also Co-PI on the NSF-IPY project, Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears, http://beyondpenguins.nsdl.org/

 

Participants should preview the following of this presentation:

1) a short video about the model simulation (which will also introduce you to the three presenters). video

2) Model simulation interactive

Suggested NAAEE Session Proposals and Leads based on Jan 18th discussion

a. Climate Change Education Funders Symposium, similar to the one in Buffalo (Don Duggan-Haus) 

b. How to Teach about Controversy, including Trudi Volk or Harold Hungerford (big names for NAAEE); Frank &/or Peg Steffan (NOAA) with the new resources on this from NOAA, EPS, USFS + Frank's advocacy vs. education perspective; and Susan Buhr's experiences/perspective dealing with CCE controversy at a local district & school board level (Karen Hollweg) 

c. Arts/affective & possibly psychological aspects of engaging people in climate change [to be defined] (Martha Shaw & Lynn Cherry) - possibly include Janet Swim (Penn State and American Psychological Association)...others interested Art Sussman

d. an idea from 1/11, not discussed 1/18: Cognition and Affect for Greater Effect (Marda), she mentioned MadMen/cigarette industry ads & stop-smoking campaign Marda, so you want to pursue/lead this or combine with c. above? T Ledley introduced Juliette Rooney-Varga from the Univ of Mass Lowell to this conversation.

Ideas c and d may be combined into one proposal

e. Major CCE Projects that are looking for partners, a follow-up to the WestEd meeting that would include Partnership PIs & perhaps other PIs & a discussion across projects [to be defined via e-mails among Tamara, Bora, Karen & Lori] (Tamara Ledley) 

f . An All-Day Workshop -- or perhaps 2 all-day Workshop proposals? -- To be defined via an online discussion & perhaps a telecon before 1/25. (Tamara will set up and tell everyone where the discussion site is -- Martha Shaw and Lynn Cherry will post their suggested outline; others will add their ideas, etc -- to have a solid plan for proposal(s) to be written by 1/25]....others interested: Susan Buhr, Tamara Ledley

Addl suggestions from 1/11: Demo- session re Web Access/all the resources online for CCE, including web sources with answers to myths/misconceptions about climate change (Caroline Lewis) -- this might be better as a "Hands-on" session vs. a Symposium OR this could be an all-day Wednesday Workshop (with multiple groups/federally-funded projects co-presenting: CLEAN, NASA, ICEE, etc...?) Scott may be the perfect leader for this! 

g. a CLN Roundtable (Tamara Ledley)

Others that I know about (T Ledley)

h. EarthLabs - Climate - laboratory component of a high school capstone course in Earth and space science - 3 - three week-long modules on climate and climate change - Tamara Ledley & Nick Haddad

i. CLEAN Pathway Collection - Tamara Ledley & Marian Grogan

Presenters: 
Karen Hollweg - PI, Developing a Framework for Assessing Environmental Literacy, NAAEE
Bora Simmons - Director, National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon

Summary: An overview of NAAEE with special attention to NAAEE's strategic plan, the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education, and how members of the Climate Literacy Network can participate in the upcoming annual conference. The short presentation will be followed by a discussion of the NAAEE conference and possible panel/symposium/workshop proposals to be submitted by CLN and individual members.

Background:

NAAEE 2011 Conference Call for Presentations

NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence

Slides:

K. Hollweg slides for 1.18.11 CLN (PowerPoint 226kB Jan13 11)

B. Simmons slides for 1.18.11 CLN (PowerPoint 3.6MB Jan13 11)

There is an unedited audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 24.6MB Jan18 11).

We had a robust discussion on the CLN call today about a wide range of topics and updates. Highlights focused on the upcoming AMS meeting in Seattle that includes an art show that Marda Kirn helped organize, and planning for the NAAEE which has deadlines coming up Feb. 1. See the events page for links, etc.

There is an unedited audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 21.7MB Jan17 11).

Agenda

1. An email went to the listserv earlier in the day about the ESIP Federation Climate Change Education Working Group meeting on January 4th. The 2 pm ET session of this meeting will be available by teleconference for those interested in listening in. There is also a wiki page which anyone can enter their thoughts on 1) the challenges of climate change education and 2) how the ESIP Federation might help in moving this effort forward The ESIP Federation wiki link is http://wiki.esipfed.org/index.php/Climate_Education_Working_Group

2. Lynne Cherry would like suggestions on the content of a film project, possibly for Animal Planet, she is working on finding funding for featuring Alec Loorz that tells a compelling story of how important is it to address climate change. She leads a discussion on this call and welcomes your input. Notes below.

3. Martha Shaw from www.earthadvertising.com offered to help get messages from the CLN community out. She will describe this more in this teleconference. Notes below.

Lynne Cherry made the following notes:

On the Climate Literacy call today we discussed how climate literacy messaging is out there but people don't know how to find it. Lynne brought up how the right wing has an organized orchestrated campaign of anti-climate change messaging and how we need to focus on getting our message out. She brought up the idea of making some pithy bumper stickers.

Martha Shaw of Earth Advertising offered to launch a campaign through her agency about becoming more intelligent and becoming smarter about climate. Martha suggested that the focus needs to be on LEARNING THE SCIENCE-- HOW TO BECOME MORE INTELLIGENT.

Caroline came up with a bumper sticker idea "Get smarter" and Lynne suggested "GET SMART: Understand Climate" with the CLEAN website URL underneath which directs people to climate literacy materials. (Perhaps we develop a TV character who talks into a phone in the shape of a penguin instead of a phone shaped like a shoe?)

So, we came up with ideas for three bumper stickers. Caroline talked about IQ and AQ and then, we came up with CQ for Climate quotient. Lynne suggested a bumper sticker idea "WHAT'S YOUR CQ?"

Alan suggested a bumper sticker GET CLIMATE SMART: with the CLEAN URL afterward.

Caroline suggested having the URL underneath "WHAT'S YOUR CQ" that links to a climate literacy QUIZ.

Laura said that she's already developed a climate quiz for the NASA website that she manages: http://climate.nasa.gov/quizzes/index.cfm

So the bumper sticker will say "What's your CQ?" and then the NASA website will be underneath: http://climate.nasa.gov/quizzes/index.cfm

So how else to get more intelligent and educate yourself? Going to the websites and finding existing materials but, also, Martha told us about a British company that had a very attractive carbon footprint calculator at CANCUN and people were constantly gathered around it. We suggested having these kinds of exhibits (which Martha said are not overly expensive) in shopping malls, airports, and movie theatres so people can have fun measuring their carbon footprint. Martha said she'd send us the contact for this company to see if they would be interested in integrating their contraption into CLN"s messaging campaign.

Caroline emphasized MAKING LEARNING FUN. She suggested a competition to create Climate Literacy bumper stickers. Martha suggested that CLN launch the campaign through the non-profit TCK TCK TCK and offered to contact them. She will send the group info about TCK TCK TCK.

Mark had suggested thinking about how all of this will fit into ACELI The Areday Climate Energy Literacy Initiative, founded by Chip Comins and which Mark, Martha, and Lynne have been involved with.

Martha will be sending out the synopsis for FEBRUARY IS CLIMATE LITERACY MONTH later today and a template for the bumper stickers. Lynne will see if she can find a company that wants to create and distribute bumper stickers for cars. Martha told about a campaign she created that got signs downloadable online and distributed widely.

There is an unedited audio recording of this teleconference call here (MP3 Audio 22.8MB Jan5 11).