Great Teacher Opportunity for PBL and AL

I am a fan of field trips, but adventure learning is even better because there is a higher expectation for student learning.  Here is a wonderful opportunity for teachers in the Magic Valley to work with a team at Craters of the Moon.

https://mail1.csi.edu/owa/WebReadyView.aspx?t=att&id=RgAAAAB2mE%2b8q%2f%2faQaiUVs7HAKrWBwAMK2X2tXzkQod1Y6PjMQkuAINQdza2AACGXJE0asl%2fQZrLbq%2b6NvU3AABI4ofKAAAJ&attid0=BAAAAAAA&attcnt=1&pspid=_1351280852396_639292256

I wish I could participate, but I hope you do!

Times News Article about Dr Allen and climate research

I just met Dr. Allen at the EPSCoR Meeting in Sun Valley.  I am excited to pursue a possible opportunity for my students.  We hope to visit one of his research sites this summer to learn more about his research.  We have great resources here in Southern Idaho, and I continue to believe we do our best work when we combine the strengths of  K12 teachers, community college teachers, university professors, and researchers.  We all have a vested interest in Idaho's future.  Relationships matter more than statistics.

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http://magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls/researcher-looks-to-space-for-idaho-water-management/article_a3a41134-277f-55a9-9d8e-14877366fa19.html

EPSCoR Conference in Sun Valley

What a busy and informative day I had in Sun Valley yesterday.  I attended meetings and poster presentations for the EPSCoR Tri-State Consortium annual conference.  This is a collection of research scientists and institution professors that work to create a stronger environment for research in Idaho, Nevada, and New Mexico.

What is EPSCoR and why is it so great for Idaho?  First, it stands for Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.  The theme of the Tri-State Consortium is Water and Climate Education, and it is based on science issues that are critical to our local economies.  So the researchers receiving funding from this program are all tackling some piece of the theme.

http://www.idahoepscor.org/

I am just scratching the surface, but the program is responsible for funding and providing materials, cyber-infrastructure, and training for all levels of students in Idaho and beyond.  EPSCoR is a NSF program, and the money and services provided by EPSCoR have helped state institutions as well as informal centers like MOSS. 

I had good discussions with several scientists that want to help CSI students get involved in research across the state.  Since community college students don't get exposed to faculty who are focused on research, some partnerships would really benefit my students.  I look forward to continuing the conversartion that leads to my summer school students getting some field experience.  Exciting day!!

Teachers...Great Interactive STEM Activity for your class!

STEM Opportunity:  Have your Students Travel Across the Pacific Without Leaving the Classroom!

On March 21, 2012 – a team of University of Idaho university researchers and graduate students will sail out of Cabo San Lucus, Baja headed for Nuku Hiva in French Polynesia where they’ll be making landfall on about April 12th. Through a satellite connection to Education Basecamp based in Moscow, ID, there will be daily uplinks to the expedition website for science classes regarding the natural and cultural history of the Pacific via an Iridium SAT phone and BGAN.  Classes that follow the trip across the Pacific will find value in tracking a variety of physical and biological ocean and atmospheric conditions: wildlife sightings of all types, air temperature, water and air clarity, particulates, wind speeds and directions, ocean currents, sea state (swell and wind waves), clarity, color, plankton counts and variety (day/night variations, plus latitudinal/location changes) etc.

This journey will kick off a series of expeditions focused on climate change across the world, directly looking at climate data from Northern Hemisphere latitudes and connecting with classrooms investigating the same ideas.  This will provide invaluable cause and content for teachers to follow an expedition, take measurements in their classrooms, and start their own Adventure Learning journey connected to the MATRIX of climate science principles. It will also inspire students to engage in science and to ask the question, “Where will you AL@?”

The development site for this project can be found here:

http://alatlatequator.wordpress.com/  and the full site launch will be March 1, 2012.  An example of a completed expedition can be found here- http://alatuimainsalmon.wordpress.com/  and includes many examples of the excitement that this approach elicits from students, teachers, and community members.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Crystal A. Kolden

Assistant Professor of Geography

University of Idaho

ckolden@uidaho.edu

Idaho EPSCoR Newsletter

I am very grateful for EPSCoR and their willingness to team up with and support CSI and STEM Outreach.  If you scroll down their summer newsletter, you will see a couple of our Declo Science Events from last Spring.  I am thrilled that our work was mentioned in their newsletter.

https://mail.csi.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=09792c81c3904d618f2a2ecbbe73794c&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.idahoepscor.org%2fUploads%2fEpscorNewssummer20111.pdf