Welcome to NOAA's virtual exhibit at the Annual Conference for the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) offsite link. Explore this collection of resources, funding opportunities, educator guides, and partnerships. If you're attending the conference in Tucson, come find us in-person at Booth #23!
Teachers practice using anemometers to take wind speed measurements; they will use these same instruments in their classrooms with their students to gather atmospheric data in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Image credit: Lauren Drizd)
In-person sessions
Create Empowering, Learner-Centered Environmental Investigations Using NOAA's Latest Educator Guide
Thursday, October 13, 9:20 am
Bronwen Rice, NOAA; Jaime Frungillo, NOAA Office of Education; Elise Trelegan, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office; Timothy D Zimmerman, NOAA Office of Education
Looking for ways to create empowering, learner-centered environmental investigations that lead to informed action while improving environmental literacy? Come learn how the Educator’s Guide to the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) from the NOAA B-WET program can help! Explore some activities and receive a copy of the Educator’s Guide.
2022 Status and Needs of Nonformal and Formal (K–12) Environmental Educators Across Pennsylvania
Thursday, October 13, 12:30 pm
Michella Salvitti, Millersville University; Nanette Marcum-Dietrich, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
The difference between a resident that is environmentally passive and literate is their educated understanding natural systems. That group is shaped by educators. The 2022 Pennsylvania EE Survey aims to determine how well non-formal and formal educators understand the MWEE framework, areas of need, and preferred methods of training.
Shared Waters: An Upstream-Downstream Collaborative
Thursday, October 13, 12:30 pm
Abdulsalami Ibrahim, Millersville University of PA; Nanette Marcum-Dietrich; William McConnell, Virginia Wesleyan University
This collaborative project geographically spans the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. It systematically impacts students through teacher professional development and classroom Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) implementation, while simultaneously training the next generation of teachers by embedding MWEE instruction into undergraduate teacher education programs at Millersville University of Pennsylvania and Virginia Wesleyan University.
Fostering Partnerships for Out-of-School Time Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs)
Thursday, October 13, 2:15 pm
Bronwen Rice, NOAA; T'Noya Thompson, NAAEE; Sara Greller, Education Development Center; Erin Stafford, Education Development Center (EDC); Jennifer Jocz, Education Development Center; Timothy D Zimmerman, NOAA Office of Education
Designing and implementing environmental education in out-of-school-time (OST) contexts is complex. Learn about how NOAA and NAAEE’s Watershed STEM Partnership Grants program sought to maximize local partnerships between environmental education providers and 21st Community Learning Centers and leverage opportunities to implement Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) in OST settings.
Climate Empowerment: Effective Practices Toward Climate Action and Resilience Building
Thursday, October 13, 2:15 pm
Gina Fiorile, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES); Sarah E Schoedinger, NOAA Office of Education; Katya Anna Schloesser, CIRES, CU Boulder; Jen Kretser, The Wild Center; Ethan Lowenstein; Abby Randall, EcoRise; Heather Sioux, The Resilient Schools Consortium (RiSC) / National Wildlife Federation; Sonia Vedral, Program for Local Adaptation to Climate Effects: SeaLevel Rise
Climate Empowerment: Effective Practices Toward Climate Action and Resilience Building
As the climate crisis intensifies the impacts of natural hazards, we must build toward a resilient future for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Learn about innovative climate action projects across the country funded by the NOAA Environmental Literacy Program that empower youth to take action through education and civic engagement.
Building Connections Between NOAA and Environmental Educators
Thursday, October 13, 4:00 pm
Bekkah Lampe, NOAA Office of Education; Kayla do Couto, NOAA Office of Education
From fire weather to fish migration patterns, NOAA Education keeps people informed and engaged in our planet’s dynamic environment. Join us to learn how our resources, educator and student opportunities, and competitive funding for education projects connect to environmental education.
Download slide deck
NOAA V-WET: Connecting students with coastal researchers using 360 technology
Thursday, October 13, 4:00 pm
Cindy Wilems, Galveston Bay Foundation; Mariah Waters, Galveston Bay Foundation
NOAA Virtual Watershed Education and Training (V-WET) connects students with research occurring along the Gulf coast in an engaging format to increase environmental literacy and STEM skills. Join us to learn more about this exciting collaboration to bring research laboratories into the classroom via 360 technology and experience it yourself!
“Watershed Clue”: A Vibrant Ecological Whodunit
Friday, October 14, 8:30 am
Rosemary Thurber, Warren Wilson College
The joyful story of an interactive, watershed-based whodunit. This environmental education take on a popular board game, built using NOAA's MWEE framework, offers an artistic outlet for students and facilitates collaboration across grade levels while integrating frequent outdoor exploration. Gain an inside look and watch the story unfold!
Lessons in Youth Empowerment from NOAA’s First Virtual Youth Summit
Friday, October 14, 10:30 am
Lauren Gibson, North Carolina State University; Lisa Kim, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
In 2021, high school students from 12 aquariums across North America convened online for the first-ever NOAA Virtual Youth Summit. The event empowered participants to address ocean and coastal issues impacting their communities. Hear from NOAA staff and youth leaders about lessons learned from planning and carrying out this event.
The Green Workforce, Environmental Education and MWEEs; Preparing Students for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Jobs
Friday, October 14, 10:30 am
Bart Merrick, NOAA; Frank Niepold III, NOAA Climate Program Office; Elise Trelegan, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office
NOAA and partner’s research have Identified the importance of helping students develop the skills and competencies essential in addressing the environmental issues through today’s and tomorrow’s jobs. Join us to explore the opportunities for environmental education programming to contextualize and connect to these skills and competencies and prepare students for their future career.
Cross-Curricular, Co-Created, Culturally-Affirming: An NPS Partnership for Equitable Environmental Education
Friday, October 14, 2:15 pm
Brittany Hall, National Park Service Chesapeake; Nathaniel Draper, James River Association
In this interactive workshop, learn our strategies for creating a cross-curricular, culturally-affirming, science and history MWEE that fulfills the missions of multiple partners, meets Virginia SOLs, promotes environmental literacy, embraces hybrid learning, reaches every 4th/5th equitably, and helps students make meaningful connections to local waterways, all during the pandemic!
NOAA Citizen Science Opportunities to Enhance Environmental Education
Saturday, October 15, 8:30 am
Laura Oremland, NOAA Fisheries
Citizen science is a vital part of NOAA’s research efforts, and helps inform our Nation’s prediction and management of weather, climate, and oceans. This talk will cover ways educators can engage in NOAA citizen science, even during a pandemic, to advance STEM learning, conservation, and address diversity and equity goals.
MWEEs as a Tool for Partnership and Relationship Building
Saturday, October 15, 8:30 am
Morgyn Ellis, Mass Audubon; Jeremy Mombourquette, Mass Audubon
Meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs) have opened the door to unexpected and welcome partnerships. In addition to sharing examples of how this has worked in Massachusetts, it is a priority for us to learn from our participants, to hear about similar experiences, and encourage others to implement the MWEE model.
Collaborating to Achieve Systemic, Sustainable Watershed Education and Civic Action
Saturday, October 15, 9:20 am
April Harper, Friends of the Rappahannock; Candace Lutzow-Felling, Blandy Experimental Farm/UVA; Nathaniel Draper, James River Association; Sarah Jennings, Earth Force; Sarah Nuss, Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in VA
How are five organizations in the Chesapeake Bay region delivering systemic and sustainable meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs)? Join as we share our success stories using the MWEE process as our guide. We will use examples from our organizations to highlight successful systemic and sustainable environmental education and civic action.
Virtual sessions
Climate Empowerment: Challenges and Opportunity to Accelerate Just Climate Actions
Friday, October 14, 2:15 pm
Frank Niepold III, NOAA Climate Program Office; Deb Morrison, University of Washington; Jen Kretser, The Wild Center; Sarah Pidgeon, Solar One; Gina LaMotte, EcoRise; Laura Florence
Be part of something big and help address the challenges of the climate crisis. To advance a decarbonized, regenerating world that supports the wellbeing of all, we need unprecedented climate action. Join us to explore the challenges and opportunities for how all sectors of society can accelerate just climate actions.
Youth Marine Debris Action Planning: Engagement to Motivate Behavior Change
Saturday, October 15, 11:20 am
Alexandria Brake, NOAA Marine Debris Program
Through organization, detailed discussion, and collaboration, students can engage in efforts to address marine debris that mirror the work of professionals in the field. Youth Marine Debris Action Planning brings “SMART” goals for the environment to life in the community in a way that is guided by motivated youth.
From Trash to Learning Treasures: Upcycling with Students and Adults
October 12-15 24-hour access
Alexandria Brake, NOAA Marine Debris Program
Learn about fun, interactive, and educational activities to engage audiences of all ages in an easy, at-home (or anywhere), pro-environmental behavior: Taking “trash” items and repurposing them into artwork, learning tools, and other useful treasures.
Salmon in the Classroom: Students Investigate Thiamine Deficiency Alongside Researchers
October 12-15 24-hour access
Margaret (Peggy) Harte, University of California, Davis Center for Community and Citizen Science
As scientists investigated the cause of Thiamine Deficiency Complex in salmon, a team at UC Davis and NOAA developed an innovative protocol and lesson sequence to support students gathering data during early life stages. Lessons focused on skillbuilding, NGSS connections and exposing students to a variety of STEM/CTE pathways.
Search through hundreds of free educational resources on the ocean, coast, Great Lakes, weather, atmosphere, and climate. Explore our lessons, data resources, videos, posters, and much more in our new NOAA Sea to Sky database!
Climate.gov
The federal climate portal is a one-stop-shop for your climate teaching needs! This climate education portal was built so both formal and informal educators can incorporate climate science into their classes and programs. Search within the “Teaching Climate” tab to find rigorously reviewed educational resources around energy and climate topics and foster a community that supports learning about climate and energy topics from the CLEAN portal offsite link.
Climate Resilience in Your Community activity book
Think about where you live. Have you ever been in a strong storm? Have you experienced flooding, a wildfire, or really hot days? These types of environmental hazards are happening more often because of climate change. Even though these events can be scary, there is so much you can do in your own community to make it better able to handle these challenges. When we work together to protect our communities from environmental hazards, we are building community resilience. In this activity book, you will learn all about community resilience and discover ways that you can make a difference.
Coral reef resources
Discover exciting ways to teach about corals and coral reefs with the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program. Highlights include information on how to 3D-print your very own coral polyp and an interactive coral reef with photos and facts.
Data in the Classroom
This interactive module is designed to help teachers and students use real scientific data to explore dynamic Earth processes and understand the impact of environmental events on a regional and global scale. Can ocean conditions support the growth and survival of marine life, both now and in the future? Data in the Classroom provides authentic research questions and scaled data interactions that give students the opportunity to explore this question (and more).
Deep Ocean Exploration Project offsite link
The Deep Ocean Education Project is a collaboration among NOAA Ocean Exploration, Ocean Exploration Trust, and Schmidt Ocean Institute featuring high-quality ocean exploration and science education materials from the three organizations. The Deep Ocean Education Project website – launched in 2021 – is built around themes that are easily searchable, address key ocean-related phenomena, and encourage and support three-dimensional approaches to teaching and learning for K-12 education. The objective is to provide a one-stop resource hub for public, educators, and students looking for deep-sea educational materials. The website also includes information on how to connect with research vessels, including a list of upcoming events and opportunities, and live feeds of expeditions.
Estuary education
Educators and estuary enthusiasts will find a variety of resources about the National Estuarine Research Reserve System — a network of 29 coastal sites designated to protect and study estuarine systems. This information will help educators share the wonders of estuaries with students and others.
JetStream: An online school for weather
JetStream, the National Weather Service Online Weather School, is designed to help educators, emergency managers, or anyone interested in learning about weather and weather safety. This portal includes comprehensive, well-organized, colorfully illustrated resources designed to help teach about the wonders and dangers that abound in the Earth's atmosphere.
National Ocean Service education resources
NOAA’s National Ocean Service hosts resources and programs for educators, students, and kids who want to learn more about our ocean and coasts. From active professional development programs, content, and resources to Earth science topics like corals, tides, and global positioning, you’re bound to find something that fits your needs!
NOAA Marine Debris Program resources
The NOAA Marine Debris Program and its partners offer free, downloadable education and outreach materials for people of all ages to learn about marine debris. Everyone has a role to play in raising awareness about this growing issue, so spread the word to help keep the sea free of debris.
NOAA Satellites: Data to predict and protect our world
The U.S. relies on NOAA satellites to predict all US and global weather. NOAA Satellites generate vital advance warnings for severe weather events helping us to make informed decisions on everything from population evacuations to flight patterns.
Ocean Exploration education themes
These education theme pages are designed to provide the best of what the Ocean Explorer website has to offer. Topics include marine archaeology, the Arctic, bioluminescence, seamounts, deep-sea canyons, deep-sea corals, cold seep, vents and volcanoes, and more!
Sanctuaries 360° virtual reality lessons
NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries just released five lessons for middle school students that align with virtual visits to our national marine sanctuaries. Follow along with the NGSS-aligned lessons that bring students into our sanctuaries to learn about America's underwater treasures. Videos can be viewed on a computer, tablet, phone, or virtual reality headset for an optimal viewing experience.
SOS Explorer™ free mobile app
The SOS Explorer™ free mobile app animates the world right on your smartphone. As a pocket-sized version of NOAA’s Science On a Sphere®, this app invites you to zoom in on specific interests, from the squiggly warm and cold lines of the world's ocean currents to the power of tsunami waves, the effects of climate change, and a view of Saturn’s rings.
Educator’s Guide to the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience offsite link
The Educator’s Guide to the MWEE is designed for users with varying levels of familiarity with the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE). The guide describes the power of the MWEE approach, defines the essential elements and supporting practices, and provides planning documents to develop your own experience. The educator’s guide was developed by the Chesapeake Bay Program offsite link in partnership with NOAA but content is relevant to other geographic areas. Be sure to check out the MWEE 101 and MWEE 201 online courses to learn more!
Environmental Literacy Program (ELP) Resilience Hub
NOAA’s Environmental Literacy Program (ELP) maintains a website for NOAA-related resilience resources. This site includes the recently published ELP Community Resilience Education Theory of Change. You can peruse the agency's resilience-related assets, and explore ELP-funded resilience projects past and present. NOAA recently announced eight new awards, receiving a total of $3.5 million, that will continue to build foundations for resilient communities through education.
Ocean Literacy Resources offsite link
With the support of NOAA, the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) offsite link has developed an extensive ocean literacy framework made up of the Ocean Literacy Guide, the Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence for Grades K–12 offsite link, and the Alignment of Ocean Literacy to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) offsite link. This framework presents a vision of an ocean-literate society and outlines the knowledge required to be considered ocean literate. We recommend you see the NMEA Ocean Literacy page offsite link for additional resources and information about these efforts.
Toolbox for teaching climate & energy
NOAA Climate.gov and a community of educational and science partners have developed and organized a toolbox of supporting resources and programs for those who want to teach climate and energy science. Backed by some of the nation's most experienced professional educators, scientists, and engineers, the toolbox uses the Climate Action Learning Process to provide a path for teachers to follow in educating students, while also developing the skills to take action and reevaluating teaching methods.
Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center Network
The Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center (CELC) Network is a consortium of 25 aquariums and marine science education centers located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From youth summits to multi-institution projects, the CELC Network works together to engage the public in protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. By coordinating CELC, NOAA’s Office of Education brings NOAA science, guidance, and resources to these institutions and the 20 million people they reach every year across North America.
eeBLUE offsite link
eeBLUE is a five-year partnership between NOAA Office of Education and NAAEE to help create a more environmentally literate society that has the knowledge, skills, and motivation to conserve our natural resources and build more resilient communities across the country. Partnership activities strengthen professional networks, support high-quality STEM education, and provide education and outreach for educators and other audiences.
NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET)
The NOAA B-WET program funds relevant, authentic experiential learning for K-12 students and educators through Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). MWEEs are multistage activities that include learning both outdoors and in the classroom and aim to increase understanding and stewardship of watersheds and related ecosystems. Whether working with students directly or providing professional development to educators, B-WET grants empower students to investigate local and global environmental issues that affect their lives, choices, and communities.
NOAA Planet Stewards
This national program provides resources (a biweekly newsletter, a book club, and more!) and funding up to $2,500 for educators working with elementary through university age students so they can build scientifically-literate communities and engage in hands-on stewardship in response to environmental challenges.