By PLT Staff

International Educators Institute
Application deadline:  February 29, 2008
The World Forestry Center’s International Educators Institute (IEI) will be held July 14-19, 2008 in Portland, OR. This week-long program is both a professional development program and a Pacific Northwest field study tour. Participants include international forest researchers and the most active and successful master educators in the U.S. and abroad, including PLT’s National Outstanding Educators.  Visit the World Forestry Center’s website for a list of required qualifications, IEI program goals, cost, scholarship opportunities, agenda, and application.

World Water Day - March 22, 2008
(resource for PLT’s PreK-8 activities “Every Drop Counts,” “Water Wonders,” and others)
The Environmental Protection Agency has a webpage dedicated to water education that you can use in conjunction with PLT activities to mark World Water Day on March 22.  The website has pages for both K-12 educators and students.  Navigate the website to find a flash animated water cycle, steps for how to create a water cycle terrarium using everyday items, and review water trivia facts.  Do you know what percentage of the Earth’s water is suitable for drinking?  Or how much one gallon of water weighs?  Visit www.epa.gov/safewater/kids to find out!

National Environmental Education Week - April 13-19, 2008
Now in its fourth consecutive year, EE Week, organized by the National Environmental Education Foundation, increases the educational impact of Earth Day (April 22nd) by creating a full week of environmentally-themed lessons and activities in K-12 classrooms, nature centers, zoos, museums, and aquariums.  Plan a workshop, classroom visit, or outdoor lesson and be a part of the action!  Use this week to promote outdoor activities that support PLT’s Every Student Learns Outside initiative. Register your organization as a formal EE Week partner.

Teens for Planet Earth Service Awards
Application Deadline: April 15, 2008
The Teens for Planet Earth Service Awards recognize teens around the world for service-learning projects that demonstrate their commitment to the environment.  Awards are granted at three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Visit the Teens for Planet Earth website to learn more about this international award and submit an application.

Nominate a Young Environmental Leader to Win a $2000 Award
Nomination Deadline: April 30, 2008
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes seeks nominations for its 2008 awards. The Barron Prize honors young people (ages 8-18) who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Each year, ten national winners each receive $2,000 to support their service work or higher education. Half of each year's winners are chosen for their work to protect the environment.

International Migratory Bird Day - May 10, 2008
Environment for the Americas invites you to participate in International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) 2008. IMBD focuses attention on one of the most spectacular events in the life of a migratory bird -- its journey between summer and winter homes. This year, the bird conservation focus is "Tundra to Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitats, and People." Their website features information, downloadable materials, activity ideas, and more.

EE Online Course offered in Summer 2008
Fundamentals of Environmental Education
Course dates: June 2 – August 15
The 11-week “Fundamentals of Environmental Education” online course, offered through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate quality environmental education into their instruction. Participants discuss the history, definition, and goals of environmental education; develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators; and interact with other educators from across the country. This course was developed by the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in collaboration with national EE experts.  Participants may obtain three undergraduate or graduate credits from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. All participants, regardless of location, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. The courses are also offered as a non-credit workshop for those who are not seeking college credit. $200 scholarships are available to community and state level EE leaders.
www.uwsp.edu/natres/rwilke/eetap

Earth & Sky Radio Shows
Earth & Sky produces short daily radio shows on a range of environmental topics. Each segment opens with captivating music and the smooth voices of hosts Deborah Byrd and Joel Block. In just 90 seconds, they usually interview a scientist or resource manager on the air and always explain the day’s topic in easily understood language. Thanks to a partnership between PLT and Earth & Sky, teachers can find shows correlated to PLT activities on the Earth & Sky and PLT websites. Go to Earth & Sky (www.earthsky.org, click on “Teachers Center”) or to PLT (www.plt.org, click on “Special Initiatives”).

U.S. Government Photos, Graphics, and Multimedia
This usa.gov webpage includes a wealth of resources—from blogs to podcasts to photo galleries and more. Many of the resources support PLT PreK-12 activities. For example, under the Science and Technology Podcasts, check out the “Earth Science Topics from the US Government Survey” for several podcasts on wildfires. These podcasts are resources for PLT’s PreK-8 activity “Living with Fire” and Forest Ecology’s activity “Understanding Fire” and “Fire Management.”

Secret Lives of Wild Animals
(resource for PLT’s PreK-8 activity “Charting Diversity” and the “Protected Areas: Issues and Analysis” activity found in PLT’s online Biodiversity Module)
This National Science Foundation web site  looks at new technologies being used to observe animals in their natural environments. See video clips and stories about the technology used for tracking white-tailed deer, ocelots, agoutis, dragonflies, zebras, and seals.

Marine Debris 101
(resource for PLT’s PreK-8 activites “Pollution Search,” “Watch on Wetlands,” and “Improve Your Place”)
This NOAA-sponsored website contains background information on the impact of marine debris. There is a special section for educators that features brochures, posters, and fact sheets to use in the classroom.  Looking through the suggestions for action might inspire you to submit a GreenWorks! grant proposal, as well!

Schoolyard Geology
(resource for PLT’s PreK-8 activity “Schoolyard Safari”)
Schoolyard Geology explains how to conduct a geologic field trip in a schoolyard or backyard. Activities include mapping a schoolyard using the US Geologic Survey's The National Map, locating and identifying rocks, and learning geologic concepts such as glacial striations, layers, and sinkholes.