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Welcome! Looking forward to sharing thoughts and ideas here! Please add a "Start of the School Year" gif, link or resource post in this space.

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FREE Teacher Resources from Project Learning Tree!

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FREE Teacher Resources from Project Learning Tree!

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LEARNING IS IN OUR NATURE - Project Learning Tree

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Activities and resources to engage children in learning about the environment through the lens of trees and forests. SEE PLT IN ACTION

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Free Educational Version of Kiss the Ground Available Now

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Free Educational Version of Kiss the Ground Available Now

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Great news! For teachers, educators, schools, community organizers and home schoolers...thanks to a generous grant from the Bia Echo Foundation and Triptyk, there is a free 45-minute-long Educational Version of the Kiss the Ground movie and also a free DVD with both the 85 minute long feature and the educational cut on one disk.

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For Schools & Educators | Kiss the Ground Film

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Great news! For teachers, educators, schools, community organizers and home schoolers...thanks to a generous grant from the Bia Echo Foundation and Triptyk, there is a free 45-minute-long Educational Version of the Kiss the Ground movie and also a free DVD with both the 85 minute long feature and the educational cut on one disk.

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Introducing OpenTopography, a collaborative facility operated by EarthScope Consortium, the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and Arizona State University. OpenTopography has tutorials available for creating different types of visualizations. You can even 3D print terrain using real data—As a K12 educator, access to all data is FREE! Pair OpenTopography resources with EarthScope resources to give your students a deeper learning experience. Watch this animation to learn more about OpenTopography, or visit opentopography.org.

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NSF funded OpenTopography facilitates community access to high-resolution, Earth science-oriented, topography data (Airborne lidar, structure from motion photogrammetry, Terrestrial Laser Scanner), and related tools and resources.

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K-12 teaching tools focused on the importance of soil nutrients in feeding our world

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GRADE LEVEL: MIDDLE SCHOOL There are many things that impact growing healthy plants, like corn. Essential elements are vital to sustaining life on our planet. Plants require 17 essential elements. These essential elements can be found in air, water, and soil. Soil is continuously being formed by geological and biological processes.

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NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has launched Sanctuaries 360°! A collection of immersive underwater experiences to bring these exceptional underwater treasures to viewers all over the world. Take a deeper dive into the digital resources, including four 360° videos, students learn how national marine sanctuary sites are designated and why they are important for protecting and preserving the ocean and Great Lakes.

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NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has launched Sanctuaries 360°-a collection of immersive underwater experiences to bring these exceptional underwater treasures to viewers all over the world. These underwater parks are destinations for many who want to visit the ocean and experience immense beauty, biodiversity and have the chance to encounter marine life. For many, reaching and experiencing these special ocean areas-like a diver-can be a challenge.

Check out the virtual reality videos and 360° immersive photos to explore your national marine sanctuaries from the comfort of our home.

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national oceanic and atmospheric administration

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VR Lessons | Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

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NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has launched Sanctuaries 360°-a collection of immersive underwater experiences to bring these exceptional underwater treasures to viewers all over the world. These underwater parks are destinations for many who want to visit the ocean and experience immense beauty, biodiversity and have the chance to encounter marine life.

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Through a school- or community-based project, students will work to make a difference in the health and protection of their local watersheds and/or the ocean. Click for more information on becoming an Ocean School. Applications are due July 1, 2025. Apply Now!

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Who is Eligible to Participate in the Ocean Guardian School Program

Participation without Funding: Any school (PreK-12) in the United States may apply to participate in the Ocean Guardian School program without funding.

Participation with Funding: Any school (PreK-12) from the following locations below may apply for an Ocean Guardian School grant:

Any school (preK-12) located in California in the following counties:
Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Solano, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Alameda, San Joaquin, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, Monterey, San Benito, Merced, Madera, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Kings, Tulare, Santa Barbara, and Ventura

Any school (preK-12) located in Washington in the following counties:
Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor and Pacific

Any school (preK-12) located in Oregon in the following counties:
Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos and Curry

Any school (preK-12) located in Hawai'i

Please review Ocean Guardian School Program Guidelines and Requirements for more detailed information about the Ocean Guardian School program. Please review this document before you complete the application.
First Step

Develop a plan of action and a budget that outlines your school- or community-based project. Remember to keep the proposal focused on a single project that contributes to the health and conservation of your local watershed(s), world's ocean and/or national marine sanctuaries.

What Your School Receives

At the end of a funded project period, if program requirements have been met, your school will be recognized by NOAA as an Ocean Guardian School and receive an official Ocean Guardian School banner.

For more information or general support, please contact Alyssa Leadingham.

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Develop a plan of action and a budget that outlines your school- or community-based project. Remember to keep the proposal focused on a single project that contributes to the health and conservation of your local watershed(s), world's ocean and/or national marine sanctuaries.

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Check out the STEM career resources from the USGS. A great place to start for introducing students to careers in Biology, Ecology and the geosciences.

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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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Young Voices for the Planet Films are now Part of CELF!

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Young Voices for the Planet Films are now Part of CELF!

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Resources Archive - Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation

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Emmy award winning youtube series!

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Welcome to “Every Rock Has A Story!” My name is Ethan Baxter. I am a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Boston College. My goal is to inspire a sense of wonder, curiosity, and responsibility for the Earth in our young learners - at home, in the classroom, or other informal settings - and to help all kids see themselves as scientists. The videos are geared for K-5, but they are fun for all ages. I began creating these videos in 2020 from a makeshift home studio to provide some educational content for kids, parents, and teachers adjusting to at-home learning. Since then, we’ve moved to a proper studio at Boston College and traveled to include diverse co-hosts in their labs and field sites across the country and the world. Every Rock Has A Story is sponsored by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT). EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:
Find a teacher/parent guide, sample science journal pages, sample lesson plans, and more in the links below.

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 New research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Status and Trends was recently published in the journal Science. 

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 New research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Status and Trends was recently published in the journal Science. 

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Data From Birders Reveal Declines in North America’s Birds

By Lauren Oldham Jaromczyk and Emily Engle, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. May 2025.

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New analyses using more than 36 million observations from birders have revealed the most detailed view ever on population trends of birds across the continent.

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VATLL is building and supporting a state-wide network of educators committed to innovation and excellence in teaching, learning, and leading.

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VATLL

Virginia Association for Teaching, Learning, and Leading is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in Virginia's schools. We are teachers, superintendents, university professors, school leaders, teacher education students, and central office leaders. We represent a variety of roles, and we share a single purpose- ensuring a world-class education for every Virginia student.

Each year, VATLL hosts outstanding professional learning opportunities for Virginia educators through our conferences, seminars, networking forums, and customized solutions through consulting. Through our advocacy work, we promote education policy that is driven by what we know about teaching and learning. Our publications and original content keep members informed and provide access to the work being done by Virginia educators.

Whether or not you are a member, we invite you to be part of our network by attending our events, getting to know your regional representative, supporting our advocacy work, and connecting with us via social media.

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Virginia Association for Teaching, Learning, and Leading is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in Virginia's schools. We are teachers, superintendents, university professors, school leaders, teacher education students, and central office leaders. We represent a variety of roles, and we share a single purpose- ensuring a world-class education for every Virginia student.

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Your portal to discovery! With over 60 sections of content, covering an amazing amount of information. Windows gives students and teachers an unmatched resource to explore and learn about Earth and Space sciences, along with related topics in the humanities including mythology, art, poetry, and more. .

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Attention Educator Member Teachers! Go to our special offers page for information about attractive upcoming professional development events next year. Not an Educator Member? Join Today!
Check out resources from our Affiliates!

Global locations of visitors using this page right now

Without meaning to, airplanes can cause certain types of clouds to produce snow or rain and can leave behind odd-shaped holes or channels in the clouds ... Read more

Did you know that our system of wind speed measurement has roots in seafaring history? Understanding wind speed was critical for sailors. Check out this video from the Little Shop of Physics ... Read more

Computer models help scientists study all aspects of space weather. Models help us understand activity on the Sun, the flow of the solar wind in space, and planetary magnetospheres ... Read more

Icebergs are large pieces of ice floating in the ocean that have broken off of ice shelves or glaciers in Earth's polar regions. They are a part of the cryosphere ... Read more

Saturn, the second largest planet in our Solar System, is famous for its magnificent rings. This gas giant has many moons and is the 6th planet from the Sun ... Read more

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Explore the Earth and space sciences and related arts and humanities connections with Windows to the Universe! Earth, planets, moons, the Sun, and the stars. Astronomy, Mythology, images, video, interactives, teacher resources, and classroom activities. Spanish and English, differentiated learning.

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Didn't have the opportunity to go to NSTA, Philly?...  You're in luck!  This month NESTA will revisit some NSTA highlights during the April Earth and Space Education Hour webinar.  This month we will recap highlights and share resources and materials from our member workshops.
These webinars are free as a benefit of your NESTA membership.
Non-members may register for $10 per session.

Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 – 8:00 pm Eastern Time

NSTA, Philadelphia Conference Recap..
JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

Discover Your Changing World with Innovative Tools from NOAA; Natalie Macke, NESTA President

It’s foundational - Soil is the key to Earth’s sustainability!; Missy Holzer, PhD, NESTA Secretary

Integrating 3-Dimensional Teaching and Learning into Culturally Relevant STEM Curricula; Sarah McDowell, NESTA Communication Coordinator

Bats, Maps, and Models: Engaging students in Earth Science and Biodiversity; Missie Olson, PhD, NESTA Region VI Representative

Journey to the Poles: Empowering Climate Literacy in K-12 Classrooms; Diane Ripollone, Science Educator, Cardinal Gibbons High School, NESTA Director at Large.

National Ocean Service Education Resources for Your Classroom; Peg Steffen, NOAA retired and NESTA Editor of The Earth Scientist

EVENT REGISTRATION

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Global Voices: Lessons from Young African Leaders on Climate and Sustainability

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Global Voices: Lessons from Young African Leaders on Climate and Sustainability

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Turning universal challenges into local solutions through environmental education, two young African leaders, Harrison Ashangwa and Ritchie Tusabe, are keeping EE relevant and thriving through youth-led initiatives. Harrison and Ritchie both grew up in African countries where environmental education is part of daily life—as knowledge passed down from elders and incorporated into everyday care for their land and communities. Hear directly from Ritchie and Harrison on what inspired these two young men to become educators and organizational leaders for thousands of youth and adults across the continent.

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Global Voices: Lessons from Young African Leaders on Climate and Sustainability | eePRO

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Building Insights Through Observation (BIO) – Teaching with Data Visualizations in Grades 6-9 Science

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Building Insights Through Observation (BIO) – Teaching with Data Visualizations in Grades 6-9 Science

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Wednesday,

April 9, 2025 | 6 p.m. ET

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Building Insights Through Observation (BIO) – Teaching with Data Visualizations in Middle School Science

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Explore an innovative model to help middle school students make sense of Earth and Environmental Science phenomena through data visualization! Attendees will participate in a program that uses arts-based approaches to support sensemaking and data skills and get access to classroom-ready resources. Data literacy is critical for addressing real-world challenges. However, making sense of complex data can be formidable and the public often lacks the transdisciplinary skills needed to understand, make sense of, and think critically about data. To develop these skills and build student capacity to connect data to content knowledge and create meaning, a new model was developed for middle school science classrooms. Building Insights through Observation (BIO) uses hands-on, arts-based approaches with science content and geospatial data visualizations and is adaptable for most Earth and Environmental Science topics. It allows differentiation for learners, pacing and discussion, and supports student-driven sensemaking. Attendees will experience the program as students, reflect on how the approach supports teaching and learning, and access free classroom-ready resources. Teachers experienced in implementing the BIO model will assist attendees to understand and adapt it for their needs. WHO: 6th - 9th grade teachers WHAT: Attendees will experience a new model for exploring and making sense of geospatial data using arts-based instructional approaches for learning Earth and Environmental Science, learn how this approach supports teachers and students in improving data literacy, and leave with classroom-ready resources. Stay to the end to hear from a few of the teachers who have used this for a few years in their classrooms. WHEN: Wednesday, April 9 from 4 pm - 5 pm MT WHERE: Virtual - Register via this link This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2101310. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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Explorer Function

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Earth System Data Explorer | My NASA Data

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The data visualization tool for My NASA Data, the Earth System Data Explorer, provides access to dozens of datasets. It can be used to produce maps, time series plots, and data tables which can be downloaded.

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Arlington students and teachers enjoy learning at the Outdoor Lab

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Arlington students and teachers enjoy learning at the Outdoor Lab

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What an incredible learning experience for our Barrett 3rd grade students at the Outdoor Lab! #KWBPride #nature #outdoors #simplemachines @APSscience @APSVirginia https://t.co/9yyTONKic1

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What an incredible learning experience for our Barrett 3rd grade students at the Outdoor Lab! #KWBPride #nature #outdoors #simplemachines @APSscience @APSVirginia https://t.co/9yyTONKic1

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What an incredible learning experience for our Barrett 3rd grade students at the Outdoor Lab! #KWBPride #nature #outdoors #simplemachines @APSscience @APSVirginia pic.twitter.com/9yyTONKic1
— Project Discovery (@lsullivan) October 5, 2024

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What an incredible learning experience for our Barrett 3rd grade students at the Outdoor Lab! #KWBPride #nature #outdoors #simplemachines @APSscience @APSVirginia https://t.co/9yyTONKic1

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What an incredible learning experience for our Barrett 3rd grade students at the Outdoor Lab! #KWBPride #nature #outdoors #simplemachines @APSscience @APSVirginia https://t.co/9yyTONKic1

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What an incredible learning experience for our Barrett 3rd grade students at the Outdoor Lab! #KWBPride #nature #outdoors #simplemachines @APSscience @APSVirginia https://t.co/9yyTONKic1

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STEM Engineering Design Challenges Resource!

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STEM Engineering Design Challenges Resource!

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Engineering Essentials for STEM Instruction: How do I infuse real-world problem solving into science, technology, and math? (ASCD Arias) Kindle Edition

by Pamela Truesdell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

Part of: ASCD Arias (50 books)

See all formats and editions

Are you looking for ways to incorporate rigorous problem solving in your classroom? Are you struggling with how to include the “E” in your STEM instruction? Here is where to start.

In this practical introduction to engineering for elementary through high school teachers, you’ll learn how to create effective engineering-infused lessons that break down the barriers between science, math, and technology instruction. Veteran teacher Pamela Truesdell highlights engineering’s connection to 21st century skills and college and career readiness, addresses the Next Generation Science Standards, and walks you through each step of the simple but powerful engineering design process. This is the essential tool of professional engineers and the key to engaging students in hands-on, collaborative projects that ask them to apply content area knowledge to find solutions for real-world problems. A sample lesson, links to additional resources, and guidelines for assessment ensure you’ll have the essentials you need to kick off your students’ exploration of engineering.

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Tens of thousands of teachers have taken advantage of the Uncovering Student Ideas series to reveal students’ preconceptions.

Each of the first four volumes provides 25 probes with easy-to-follow steps for uncovering and addressing students’ ideas by promoting learning through conceptual change instruction. Probes cover topics such as physical, life, and Earth and space science; the nature of science; and unifying themes. Each volume on page 23 provides topic-specific probes. These invaluable books include teacher materials that explain content, identify links to standards, and suggest grade-appropriate ways to present materials so students learn the concepts accurately. https://www.nsta.org/book-series/uncovering-student-ideas-science

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Tens of thousands of teachers have taken advantage of the Uncovering Student Ideas series to reveal students' preconceptions.

Each of the first four volumes provides 25 probes with easy-to-follow steps for uncovering and addressing students' ideas by promoting learning through conceptual change instruction. Probes cover topics such as physical, life, and Earth and space science; the nature of science; and unifying themes. Each volume on page 23 provides topic-specific probes. These invaluable books include teacher materials that explain content, identify links to standards, and suggest grade-appropriate ways to present materials so students learn the concepts accurately. Teachers, professional development coordinators, and college science and preservice faculty will find these resources essential and exciting.

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Uncovering Student Ideas in Science | NSTA

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Tens of thousands of teachers have taken advantage of the Uncovering Student Ideas series to reveal students' preconceptions. Each of the first four volumes provides 25 probes with easy-to-follow steps for uncovering and addressing students' ideas by promoting learning through conceptual change instruction.

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If you are an ITEEA member, you can participate in Educator Xchanges! Educator Xchanges are designed exclusively for ITEEA members to engage in lively discussions, exchange ideas, and collaborate with other educators on exciting and innovative approaches to STEM education. Each facilitator-hosted session will focus on a topic or challenge from the education community, offering a platform for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange. Every participant is encouraged to engage in an exploration of the session’s theme, share their personal experiences, and help others walk away with new perspectives and ideas.

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Interested in engaging students in real world STEM learning while exploring clean energy solutions? Consider forming a KidWind team! For more information on the Virginia opportunities and resources, contact The Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy (CASE) at JMU (https://www.jmu.edu/case/educator/renewable_energy_challenges.shtml).

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KidWind - Exploring Clean Energy with Teachers & Students

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KidWind helps teachers and students creatively explore the science, technology and implications of a world powered by renewable energy.

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VAST Professional Learning Series: Making Science Accessible for English Learners 

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VAST Professional Learning Series: Making Science Accessible for English Learners 

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Dr. Alexis Rutt, Professor, University of Mary Washingto n
Access to rigorous, age-appropriate science instruction is a right for all students, including English learners. Join Dr. Alexis Rutt for a webinar highlighting how to amplify your instruction to provide more equitable learning opportunities for your English learners. In this session you will learn high-leverage practices you can use in your science classroom tomorrow to make your instruction more comprehensible for your English learners and to provide more supported opportunities for student output. This session is targeted at science teachers at any grade level who are working with English learners.

Register below!

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VAST Professional Learning Series: Amplifying Instruction for ELs in Science Classrooms - February 26, 2025, 4:15

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Amplifying Instruction for ELs in Science Classrooms Dr. Alexis Rutt, Professor, University of Mary Washington Access to rigorous, age-appropriate science instruction is a right for all students, including English learners. Join Dr. Alexis Rutt for a webinar highlighting how to amplify your instruction to provide more equitable learning opportunities for your English learners.

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Minerals Education Coalition: Links for Teachers

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Minerals Education Coalition: Links for Teachers

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FREE: 10th Annual Students for Zero Waste Week Campaign!

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FREE: 10th Annual Students for Zero Waste Week Campaign!

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This year students are inviting their local communities to "Go Green and Think Blue". All PreK-12 schools are invited to participate--It’s free! Interested schools should choose one week (or more) during the campaign period to designate as their Zero Waste Week. For more information check out Students for Zero Waste Week campaign will be taking place between March 3 - April 25, 2025. To participate, please complete the registration form by February 28, 2025