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Maryland and Delaware partnership will bring teachers and scientists together on topic of climate change August 16th, 2012 by Amy PelsinskyCAMBRIDGE, MD (August 16, 2012)—The National Science Foundation announced that it is funding a major initiative to help prepare educators in Maryland and Delaware to teach climate change science in the classroom. The $5.8 million cooperative agreement supports implementation of the Maryland-Delaware Climate Change Education, Assessment, and Research (MADE CLEAR) partnership, an effort to forge new ways to deliver effective and relevant climate change education that could serve as a national model.
"MADE CLEAR will connect Maryland and Delaware students and citizens with the world in which they live by fostering a greater understanding of why the climate is changing and the consequences within our two states," said Dr. Donald Boesch, president of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and MADE CLEAR director. "Our goal is to provide a basis for our citizens, today and tomorrow, to make individual and collective choices for limiting the magnitude of climate change and adapting to its consequences."
The MADE CLEAR partnership brings together of a group of experts in the fields of climate science and education, led by the University System of Maryland and University of Delaware, to provide a system of support for teachers in Maryland and Delaware. Focusing on grades 8-12, the network will also engage universities, state departments of education, and educators from natural resources agencies, museums, and aquariums.
“For Maryland’s prosperity, we must commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. MADE CLEAR will provide our children with the resources to help us reach our goals and create a more sustainable future,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “Together, with exposure to our natural resources and education about our fragile ecosystems, we can prepare the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Climate change is a complex and sensitive topic to teach, touching on economic, social, political and scientific issues to a greater degree than most other science topics. The MADE CLEAR partnership encourages scientists and educators to work together to ensure scientific objectivity and accuracy in the classroom and promote critical thinking. Rather than introducing climate change science as a new subject in an already crowded curriculum, the goal is to integrate understanding of climate change within new science standards and environmental literacy requirements in Maryland and Delaware schools.
“With this grant, we are creating the building blocks that we need for a smarter America,” said Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, the Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman who funds the National Science Foundation. “The world is facing a climate crisis, and we have a responsibility to provide the knowledge and resources to our next generation of scientists need to tackle this tough issue. This is about preparing our country and our planet for a better future. And that future depends on the education available to today’s kids. I will continue to work for federal investments in science and innovation that prepare us for future challenges, making our economy stronger and our country safer.”
The partnership brings together scientists from the University System of Maryland and the University of Delaware who are engaged in various aspects of climate change research, ranging from atmospheric physics and chemistry to the effects of climate change on ecosystems and human health. This expertise is already being utilized by local, state and federal governments and businesses in understanding what impacts climate change will have on their assets, people, and ecosystems.
"The goal is to develop a learning community involving scientists, teacher educators, and teachers to support each other during professional development activities and follow-up classroom assistance," said Nancy Shapiro, University System of Maryland Associate Vice Chancellor.
The MADE CLEAR partnership website (www.madeclear.org) will provide access to upcoming events and resources and will link to a multimedia site under development by Maryland Public Television. The MPT site will provide teachers and the general public with videos, news clips, and lessons related to the impacts of climate change in Maryland and Delaware.
"MADE CLEAR will support the development and distribution of teaching approaches and materials, and evaluate their effectiveness," said Nancy Brickhouse, Interim Provost and Professor of Science Education at the University of Delaware. "In that way, we can strive not only for continuous improvement in our two states, but be a model for the nation."
MADE CLEAR is led by the University System of Maryland and the University of Delaware and includes participation of faculty members from the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, the University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, and Towson University. Key to the partnership is the participation of the Maryland State Department of Education, the Delaware Department of Education, Maryland Public Television and state and federal science agencies, including the state departments of environmental and natural resources, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This project is one of six Phase II projects being funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Climate Change Education Partnership (CCEP) program. The CCEP program is a one-time, dedicated NSF effort to establish a coordinated national network of regionally- or thematically-based partnerships devoted to increasing the adoption of effective, high quality educational programs and resources related to the science of climate change and its impacts. The vision of this program is a scientifically literate society that can effectively weigh the evidence regarding global climate change as it confronts the challenges ahead, while developing the innovative scientific and technical workforce to advance our knowledge of human-climate interactions and develop approaches for a sustainable, prosperous future.
Destination Station on track - to include climate changeOctober 12th, 2011 by John BielweisIn its second year of a three-year plan, the Destination Station -- a proposed visitor center, transit hub and educational facility off Route 1 -- is on track, officials say.
Rob Eppes, president of Junior Achievement, said while the content has not yet been developed, it will use interactive touch-screen technology to teach students about green energy, climate change, math and moreUT Professor Debunks Climate Change "Myths"October 11th, 2011 by Kate GalbraithRaymond Orbach, is wading into the debate with a new paper aiming to debunk eight "myths" about climate change.
The paper, "Our Sustainable Earth," appears in the forthcoming issue of Reports on Progress in Physics, a British journal known for encouraging (relatively) simple language from its contributors. In it, Orbach summarizes existing scientific evidence to argue that humans bear responsibility for climate change and an 80 percent reduction in carbon-dioxide emissions by 2050 is needed to stabilize global temperatures. Otherwise, he writes, "current global temperature rises will continue, and even accelerate" as greenhouse gas concentrations keep rising.'Climate' genes in plants studiedOctober 11th, 2011 by UPIU.S. scientists say knowledge of how plants adapt to local climates is vital to promoting agricultural and conservation successes in the face of climate change.
Texas cattle ranchers adapt to climate changeOctober 11th, 2011 by Matthew KahnEveryone knows that Texas has been hot and dry. Cattlemen are responding to this new news. Given that they expect that this drought will continue, they are seeking out new "verdant" areas to raise their cattle. Investment under uncertainty and rational expectations lives on.Modern ecosystems feel ancient climate change effectOctober 11th, 2011 by Aarhus UniversityEarth's animals migrate to ensure their survival in suitable conditions. This is especially true when climate cycles switch between warm and cool periods. Now researchers in Denmark and the United Kingdom shed new light on how quickly species have had to migrate in the past in order to keep pace with the changing climate. Presented in the journal Science, the findings show how small-ranged species - which account for most of the planets biodiversity - have found a niche in areas where migration has not been intense. Laying the Blame for Extreme WeatherOctober 11th, 2011 by Science DailyFloods, tornadoes, droughts and wildfires: They are all weather-related, but blaming the latest meteorological disaster on climate change has always been a tricky matter that climate scientists have been shy to do. After all, how can you point to a specific and local event, such as a tornado or dry spell, and say it is caused by something as long-term and huge as global warming?Europeans fear climate change more than financial turmoil, poll showsOctober 7th, 2011 by Fiona HarveyEuropeans believe that dangers of climate change represent a more serious problem than the current financial turmoil, according to a new poll.
The Eurobarometer poll suggests that the majority of the public in the European Union consider global warming to be one of the world's most serious problems, with one-fifth saying it is the single most serious problem. Overall, respondents said climate change was the second most serious issue facing the world, after poverty.Steep Increase in Global CO2 Emissions Despite Reductions by Industrialized Countries With Binding Kyoto TargetsSeptember 21st, 2011 by Science DailyGlobal emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) -- the main cause of global warming -- increased by 45 % between 1990 and 2010.UD wins $1 million grant to train energy efficiency expertsSeptember 21st, 2011 by Karen RobertsThe University of Delaware has received $1 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to continue its Industrial Assessment Center (UD-IAC), an experiential learning student program that saves area manufacturers an average of $90,000 each per year in energy efficiencies.next page
Maryland and Delaware partnership will bring teachers and scientists together on topic of climate change August 16th, 2012CAMBRIDGE, MD (August 16, 2012)—The National Science Foundation announced that it is funding a major initiative to help prepare educators in Maryland and Delaware to teach climate change science in the classroom. The $5.8 million cooperative agreement supports implementation of the Maryland-Delaware Climate Change Education, Assessment, and Research (MADE CLEAR) partnership, an effort to forge new ways to deliver effective and relevant climate change education that could serve as a national model.
"MADE CLEAR will connect Maryland and Delaware students and citizens with the world in which they live by fostering a greater understanding of why the climate is changing and the consequences within our two states," said Dr. Donald Boesch, president of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and MADE CLEAR director. "Our goal is to provide a basis for our citizens, today and tomorrow, to make individual and collective choices for limiting the magnitude of climate change and adapting to its consequences."
The MADE CLEAR partnership brings together of a group of experts in the fields of climate science and education, led by the University System of Maryland and University of Delaware, to provide a system of support for teachers in Maryland and Delaware. Focusing on grades 8-12, the network will also engage universities, state departments of education, and educators from natural resources agencies, museums, and aquariums.
“For Maryland’s prosperity, we must commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. MADE CLEAR will provide our children with the resources to help us reach our goals and create a more sustainable future,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “Together, with exposure to our natural resources and education about our fragile ecosystems, we can prepare the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Climate change is a complex and sensitive topic to teach, touching on economic, social, political and scientific issues to a greater degree than most other science topics. The MADE CLEAR partnership encourages scientists and educators to work together to ensure scientific objectivity and accuracy in the classroom and promote critical thinking. Rather than introducing climate change science as a new subject in an already crowded curriculum, the goal is to integrate understanding of climate change within new science standards and environmental literacy requirements in Maryland and Delaware schools.
“With this grant, we are creating the building blocks that we need for a smarter America,” said Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, the Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman who funds the National Science Foundation. “The world is facing a climate crisis, and we have a responsibility to provide the knowledge and resources to our next generation of scientists need to tackle this tough issue. This is about preparing our country and our planet for a better future. And that future depends on the education available to today’s kids. I will continue to work for federal investments in science and innovation that prepare us for future challenges, making our economy stronger and our country safer.”
The partnership brings together scientists from the University System of Maryland and the University of Delaware who are engaged in various aspects of climate change research, ranging from atmospheric physics and chemistry to the effects of climate change on ecosystems and human health. This expertise is already being utilized by local, state and federal governments and businesses in understanding what impacts climate change will have on their assets, people, and ecosystems.
"The goal is to develop a learning community involving scientists, teacher educators, and teachers to support each other during professional development activities and follow-up classroom assistance," said Nancy Shapiro, University System of Maryland Associate Vice Chancellor.
The MADE CLEAR partnership website (www.madeclear.org) will provide access to upcoming events and resources and will link to a multimedia site under development by Maryland Public Television. The MPT site will provide teachers and the general public with videos, news clips, and lessons related to the impacts of climate change in Maryland and Delaware.
"MADE CLEAR will support the development and distribution of teaching approaches and materials, and evaluate their effectiveness," said Nancy Brickhouse, Interim Provost and Professor of Science Education at the University of Delaware. "In that way, we can strive not only for continuous improvement in our two states, but be a model for the nation."
MADE CLEAR is led by the University System of Maryland and the University of Delaware and includes participation of faculty members from the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, the University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, and Towson University. Key to the partnership is the participation of the Maryland State Department of Education, the Delaware Department of Education, Maryland Public Television and state and federal science agencies, including the state departments of environmental and natural resources, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This project is one of six Phase II projects being funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Climate Change Education Partnership (CCEP) program. The CCEP program is a one-time, dedicated NSF effort to establish a coordinated national network of regionally- or thematically-based partnerships devoted to increasing the adoption of effective, high quality educational programs and resources related to the science of climate change and its impacts. The vision of this program is a scientifically literate society that can effectively weigh the evidence regarding global climate change as it confronts the challenges ahead, while developing the innovative scientific and technical workforce to advance our knowledge of human-climate interactions and develop approaches for a sustainable, prosperous future.
Destination Station on track - to include climate changeOctober 12th, 2011In its second year of a three-year plan, the Destination Station -- a proposed visitor center, transit hub and educational facility off Route 1 -- is on track, officials say.
Rob Eppes, president of Junior Achievement, said while the content has not yet been developed, it will use interactive touch-screen technology to teach students about green energy, climate change, math and moreUT Professor Debunks Climate Change "Myths"October 11th, 2011Raymond Orbach, is wading into the debate with a new paper aiming to debunk eight "myths" about climate change.
The paper, "Our Sustainable Earth," appears in the forthcoming issue of Reports on Progress in Physics, a British journal known for encouraging (relatively) simple language from its contributors. In it, Orbach summarizes existing scientific evidence to argue that humans bear responsibility for climate change and an 80 percent reduction in carbon-dioxide emissions by 2050 is needed to stabilize global temperatures. Otherwise, he writes, "current global temperature rises will continue, and even accelerate" as greenhouse gas concentrations keep rising.'Climate' genes in plants studiedOctober 11th, 2011U.S. scientists say knowledge of how plants adapt to local climates is vital to promoting agricultural and conservation successes in the face of climate change.
Texas cattle ranchers adapt to climate changeOctober 11th, 2011Everyone knows that Texas has been hot and dry. Cattlemen are responding to this new news. Given that they expect that this drought will continue, they are seeking out new "verdant" areas to raise their cattle. Investment under uncertainty and rational expectations lives on.Modern ecosystems feel ancient climate change effectOctober 11th, 2011Earth's animals migrate to ensure their survival in suitable conditions. This is especially true when climate cycles switch between warm and cool periods. Now researchers in Denmark and the United Kingdom shed new light on how quickly species have had to migrate in the past in order to keep pace with the changing climate. Presented in the journal Science, the findings show how small-ranged species - which account for most of the planets biodiversity - have found a niche in areas where migration has not been intense. Laying the Blame for Extreme WeatherOctober 11th, 2011Floods, tornadoes, droughts and wildfires: They are all weather-related, but blaming the latest meteorological disaster on climate change has always been a tricky matter that climate scientists have been shy to do. After all, how can you point to a specific and local event, such as a tornado or dry spell, and say it is caused by something as long-term and huge as global warming?Europeans fear climate change more than financial turmoil, poll showsOctober 7th, 2011Europeans believe that dangers of climate change represent a more serious problem than the current financial turmoil, according to a new poll.
The Eurobarometer poll suggests that the majority of the public in the European Union consider global warming to be one of the world's most serious problems, with one-fifth saying it is the single most serious problem. Overall, respondents said climate change was the second most serious issue facing the world, after poverty.Steep Increase in Global CO2 Emissions Despite Reductions by Industrialized Countries With Binding Kyoto TargetsSeptember 21st, 2011Global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) -- the main cause of global warming -- increased by 45 % between 1990 and 2010.UD wins $1 million grant to train energy efficiency expertsSeptember 21st, 2011The University of Delaware has received $1 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to continue its Industrial Assessment Center (UD-IAC), an experiential learning student program that saves area manufacturers an average of $90,000 each per year in energy efficiencies.next page
