A team of investigators from Clarkson University, Potsdam NY, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Albany NY, are submitting a proposal in response to the NASA RFP - "Global Climate Change Education (GCCE): Research Experiences, Teaching & Learning". The proposal builds on existing strong programs in energy literacy at both institutions. Clarkson University has developed award-winning energy curricula for middle and high school students and is currently assessing the efficacy of project-based pedagogical approaches to increase energy literacy. NYSERDA has an effective model for disseminating energy education programs to K-12 teachers from across the state.

This project will create a strong and effective team for extending these efforts to include new and revised climate change curricular modules that are based on NASA data and models. The proposal includes evaluation and the dissemination of these modules across the state through teacher training, project evaluation, and distribution to teachers around the country and the world through the World-wide Web. The proposed project extends across all three NASA goals related to improved teaching and learning about global climate change, use of NASA data and models, and improving the preparation of undergraduate students for careers relevant to global climate change. The goals of this project will be accomplished with a three-tiered approach for audiences that include undergraduate students, secondary teachers, and middle and high school students. The activities are all based on the use of project-based learning experiences to integrate across STEM disciplines and engage a broader range of diverse learners.

1. Undergraduate class: Develop and implement a new climate change science class specifically for engineering students at Clarkson University. This class will provide undergraduates from all engineering disciplines with the basic understanding of the science of climate change through the use of NASA data and models. (60 students over 3 years)

2. Summer institute for curricular module development: Students from the above class will collaborate with middle school STEM and high school earth science and environmental science teachers from across New York to develop project-based learning experiences and lessons that highlight and integrate NASA earth observation system data and models. (16-21 teachers and their students directly impacted)

3. State-wide dissemination of modules through a state-wide Climate Change Conference for Teachers (200-300 teachers and their students directly impacted); regional workshops (160 teachers impacted); one-day workshops (1,000 teachers impacted); and on-line tutorials. The educational materials and project results will also be disseminated nationally through existing teacher resource web sites and national conferences. The assessment plan includes metrics for the numbers and types of students and teachers impacted as well as measurement of the change in STEM attitudes and climate literacy. The undergraduate class and components of the teacher workshops will continue beyond the three years of the proposed project.

NASA funds requested in this proposal will support Clarkson University's efforts for curriculum development, assessment, and dissemination. NYSERDA's contributions of widespread dissemination to teachers throughout New York State will be supported through their own funds. The net result is a request that NASA fund 59% of the total project costs.