Division of Education and Outreach
  July 2015

Kathy Sholl, Editor

The heat is on --  for me to produce the best VOICES yet, since I am retiring on July 31, 2015.   For the next few months, Blaine Eckberg, in the Division of Education and Outreach, will be the editor of VOICES.  Please send your comments, suggestions, and resources directly to Blaine_Eckberg@fws.gov. 

VOICES has come a long way since I first took over in May 2008, first as a Word document, and then in November 2010, it became an electronic email.  
 
As I turn over the reins to Blaine, just like Laura Jones did 7 years ago to me, I thank you for your support.  I think you will find this issue of VOICES is sure to sizzle -- just in time for the hot summer months. 

Best wishes,
Kathy Sholl 

 
In This Issue

 
 
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Connecting People with NatureConnectingNature

 

Celebrate Urban Birds  

From Cornell University, this website helps city residents create quality food and water resources, shelter, and nesting sites for birds in small spaces.


Living Schoolyard Guide  
The Living Schoolyard Month Activity Guide was developed by Green Schoolyards America in collaboration with organizations across California who contributed a wide range of ideas to help schools bring students outside and use their school grounds.

Nature Investigators Contests 
In the Youth Writing & Art Contest, youth ages 5-18 are encouraged to describe what they've learned about their local habitats and what they observed through environmental exploration.  The Educator Photography Contest encourages educators  to share images of youth exploring their natural environment or doing hands-on projects for community habitats.  See the website for details.  The deadline for entry is August 14, 2015. 

Science for Citizens Project Finder
ScienceForCitizens.net aims to bring together the millions of citizen scientists in the world; the thousands of potential projects offered by researchers, organizations, and companies; and the resources, products and services that enable citizens to pursue and enjoy these activities. Simply go to the Project Finder page, pick a topic that interests you, and select the project you want to join.

 

 

Youth in the Great Outdoors  
Youth 
GPA is the international coordinating body for schools using the Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility. The Pledge was established in 1987 at Humboldt State University in California by socially and environmentally committed students who were graduating, and since has been implemented at over 300 high schools, universities, and professional schools. The Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility states: "I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work."

What Kids Can Do

What Kids Can Do has compiled three directories of summer programs: Summer Camps with an Edge; Pre-Collegiate Programs on College Campuses; and Opportunities to Serve, Learn, and Explore Abroad. Be sure to browse the other features on the website, including a summer bucket list for teens, resource lists, and much more. 

 

FWS Professional DevelopmentFWS

Creating a Schoolyard Habitat OUT8164  
Date: September 21-24, 2015 (onsite) and
webinars (online) August 27 and October 22, 2015
Location: Austin, TX
This course develops your skills to be a Schoolyard Habitat technical consultant that can assist schools at the local level with project design, plant selection, construction, maintenance and curriculum connections.  This year we are also piloting a competitive Implementation Grant Program to those who successfully complete select courses and submit a plan to implement their course project. Upon completion of this course you will be eligible to apply for and compete for the monetary Implementation Grant.
Contact:  Nancy_Zapotocki@fws.gov or 304-876-7328
Call for availability.

OUT8081-OLT
Mentoring: Getting Started with Your Mentee
Date: Ongoing
Location: DOI-Learn or NCTC website:
As you view this previously recorded webinar, you will hear the ins and outs of mentoring as a panel of experienced mentors and mentees answer questions and provide suggestions for ensuring a productive mentor-mentee relationship. Then apply the insights you've gained to your own mentoring practices to build a more open, inclusive, and trusting relationship with your mentee(s). The target audience includes DOI employees who are currently serving as mentors to young adults or those who are interested in exploring such a relationship. This online self-study training builds on the course OUT8081 and focuses on trouble-shooting challenges in a mentoring relationship. Participants are given 90 days to complete this online self-study course. Course completion awards annual diversity training credits of 2½ hours to participants scoring 80% or higher on the final assessment.
Contact: Ora_Dixon@fws.gov; 304-876-7314 or Sandy_Spakoff@fws.gov; 304-876-7783

OUT8050-Online
Mentoring the Next Generation - Voices of Experience 
Date: Ongoing
Location: DOI-Learn or NCTC website:   
As you view this previously recorded webinar, you will hear the ins and outs of mentoring as a panel of experienced mentors and mentees answer questions and provide suggestions for ensuring a productive mentor-mentee relationship. Then apply the insights you've gained to your own mentoring practices to build a more open, inclusive, and trusting relationship with your mentee(s). The target audience includes DOI employees who are currently serving as mentors to young adults or those who are interested in exploring such a relationship. This online self-study training builds on the course OUT8081 and focuses on trouble-shooting challenges in a mentoring relationship. Participants are given 90 days to complete this online self-study course. Course completion awards annual diversity training credits of 2½ hours to participants scoring 80% or higher on the final assessment.
Contact: Ora_Dixon@fws.gov; 304-876-7314 or Sandy_Spakoff@fws.gov; 304-876-7783

OUT8045-Online
Supervising Young Adults in Conservation
Date: Ongoing
Location: DOI-Learn or NCTC website:smiling-woman3.jpg
Supervising young adults in seasonal and internship positions can be a new and challenging experience for even the most seasoned of supervisors.  It requires knowledge and understanding of an emerging workforce eager to gain experience and skills in their fields of interest. It also involves developing meaningful jobs, setting expectations and mentoring young people, including how to demonstrate best practices regarding work ethic and professionalism. This previously recorded webinar, led by highly knowledgeable Student Conservation Association (SCA) staff possessing practical hands-on experience working with and supervising young adults in both field-based and office environments, will relate critical thinking to common issues and situations often faced by supervisors working with young adults aged 16-25 years. Participants are given 90 days to complete this online self-study course.
Contact: Sandy_Spakoff@fws.gov; 304-876-7783 or Ora_Dixon@fws.gov; 304-876-7314

OUT8082-Online
Mentee the Journey to Meeting Your Mentor
Date: Ongoing
Location: DOI-Learn or NCTC website:
Having a mentor - someone who can help you navigate your career path - has the potential to make your career more fruitful, if you take responsibility for managing the relationship. Therefore, to be successful as a mentee, your work begins prior to the first meeting with your mentor. This self-paced course focuses on the information and skills you will need prior to meeting with your mentor for the first time. Participating in this course will contribute to your success in building a strong mentoring partnership. Mentees who are already working with a mentor, or those with an interest in this subject, may also find the tools and information helpful for establishing a solid mentoring relationship. Participants are given 90 days to complete this online self-study course.
Sandy_Spakoff@fws.gov; 304-876-7783;
Technical contact: Emily_Jenkins@fws.gov; 304-876-7379

Other Professional DevelopmentOther

Citizen Science Academy Courses - Online 
The NEON Citizen Science Academy, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, provides online professional development resources for educators to support effective implementation of citizen science projects and activities that focus on ecology and environmental sciences.   The project is intended to be a complete professional development resource for educators and will include online courses, modules, tutorials, and a virtual community of practice.  Current resources include a variety of online courses, videos, and more.

 

Educational ResourcesEducational

FWS Library Search Tool        

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service library provides licensed content and search tools for all FWS staff. Several powerful social science databases can hone in on what you need:  Education Research Complete and Web of Science (includes Social Science Citation Index - links to FWS licensed content).  All licensed content and tools for FWS access: Use your VPN account or come directly from a FWS network to access full text.

 

Be a Good Neighbor to Wildlife!
Urban ecosystems are increasingly becoming critical habitats for  wildlife. It's time we embrace it, roll out the welcome mat and find ways to live responsibly alongside our wild neighbors. This list is simply a starting place!

Bee Safe with Pesticides 
It's springtime ... and if you use pesticides where bees are present, always READ THE LABEL. Be sure you know how to use pesticides safely and correctly. Check out the EPAs website for more information about protecting bees and other pollinators. 

Classroom Resources

NSTA assembled a team of educators to identify and review resources such as lesson plans, video simulations, science kits, and more, that support the Next Generation Science Standards and the Framework for K-12 Science Education (Framework and science standards). Check back often, as new resources will be added daily.

 

Climate Challenge  

Climate Challenge is an educational online game that invites players to learn more about climate science and to test their knowledge. The game combines practical steps to reduce one's carbon footprint with questions about future climate-related conditions that we cannot answer today, but will be able to answer in the future. It allows players to compare their answers to the experts and, when available, see how both predictions compare to real-world measurements. There will be one climate-related question per month. Free registration is required.

  

Expedition: Insects

This e-book from the Smithsonian Science Education Center helps students (grades 3-5) explore characteristics of six different insects in natural habitats around the world. Download an interactive version of the e-book for free on iBooks or read the non-interactive PDF version online. The website offers additional resources.

 

Garden Classroom Book
The Garden Classroom book by Cathy James is packed with garden-based activities that promote science, math, reading, writing, imaginative play, and arts and crafts, The Garden Classroom offers a whole year of outdoor play and learning ideas-however big or small your garden.  Scroll down the website page and you will find a printable outside Bingo game inspired by The Garden Classroom book.

Getting the Picture
Students and educators of all ages can use this free interactive educational tool to gain a fresh perspective on our biggest global challenge: our changing climate. Getting The Picture offers a modern, interdisciplinary approach to teaching climate science. Especially useful for middle and high school levels, this educational content extends far beyond Earth science and biology and incorporates history, economics, geography, art, science, and social studies.

  

Events, Conferences and WorkshopsEvents
44th NAAEE Conference
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical success factors for everyone working in the field of environmental education. This year's conference will explore ways to enrich and expand our work and workforce, along with other strategies for strengthening field and achieving greater collective impact.  The 2015 conference venue is at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, in CA., October 15-18, 2015.

Aldo Leopold Summer Conference: Building a Land Ethic
The Aldo Leopold Foundation will be partnering with the University of Wisconsin - Baraboo/Sauk County campus to host this three day gathering, in Baraboo, WI., tol be held August 12-15, 2015.

NAI National Conference
Virginia's historic hospitality awaits you at this year's National Association of Interpretation National Conference in Virginia Beach, VA., November 10-14, 2015.

Registration for the 22nd annual National Public Lands Day is now open. It is the largest, single-day volunteer event.  This year, the event will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

Nature-Based Preschool National Conference 
The Nature-Based Preschool National Conference brings professionals together from around the country to advance the movement to use nature to improve early childhood education and to create a community for this new and growing profession.  The conference is in Gainesville, GA, August 19-22, 2015.

Grants, Awards and ContestsGrants

Captain Planet Foundation Grants
The Captain Planet Foundation provides grants to school and community groups to support hands-on environmental projects for youth in grades K-12.  The objective of the foundation is to encourage innovative programs that empower youth to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities.  The next deadline for application is September 30, 2015.

CNN Heroes    
Nominate a CNN Hero - an everyday person changing the world.  The deadline for nomination is September 1, 2015

Federal Lands Photo Contest 
The 2015 Share the Experience Employee Photo Contest, which offers Service employees and volunteers a great chance to submit magnificent photos taken on national wildlife refuges, is open through December 31. The contest allows submission of up to 10 photos per person.

Home Depot Community Impact Grants
Home Depot Community Impact Grants up to $5,000 are available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools, or tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community.  Deadline is September 1, 2015.

Wild Ones: Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program
The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program gives small monetary grants to schools, nature centers, or other nonprofit educational organizations for the purpose of establishing outdoor learning centers. Funds will be provided only for the purchase of native plants and seed.  Deadline is October 15, 2015.

National Recreation Trails Photo Contest  
American Trails sponsors an annual contest for photographs of National Recreation Trails (NRT) across the country.  Deadline is December 15, 2015.
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