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January 2014                                  News for Agency Professionals

 

Contests  
and  
Awards
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Joy in Nature Contest
Win two full days of activities and accomodation for your school or youth group in Jasper this spring.

Submit a picture of your group learning and exploring the outdoors and be entered to win. Easy!


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BLOG 

What does a great environmental education for school kids look like?

Seven ideas from three guys who likely missed something important!

 



      
      




























 

 

Our 37 fabulous workshops will highlight the remarkable talents, teaching, programs, and accomplishments of environmental educators from across Alberta.

 

These are just a taste of what you'll find at this year's Earth Matters Conference:

  • Oil Sands Education Dialogue. Explore approaches to teaching and learning about this complex and important issue.
  • Earn-a-Bike: a vehicle for change in your community. Learn about this successful program and how it can serve as a model for leadership and teamwork in your workplace.
  • A number of outdoor workshops will add to your outdoor teaching toolkit, and give you a chance to appreciate the mountain scenery! 
Check out our fantastic conference program at a glance and view the full workshop descriptions and presenter biographies.
 
 

Weaving Inquiry Learning and the New Curriculum into your Environmental Education Program and Teaching

Thursday, April 24th, 11:00 - 5:00   

 

Alberta Education is creating new curriculum across all grades and all subjects that will be competency focused. We will explore the implications of the new curriculum for your work, the opportunities for inquiry learning and delve into environmental inquiry. Working with your colleagues (pre-service teachers, beginning teachers, experienced teachers or environmental education program providers), you will identify steps and support needed to prepare for the curriculum shift by weaving environmental inquiry into your teaching or programs.  

 

To attend the pre-conference, register for the Earth Matters conference and also select the pre-conference (additional cost $30.00, includes lunch).

 

Register here. 

 
 
If you are planning to attend the Earth Matters conference in April but have not yet booked a room at the Radisson, consider booking a room today!

The Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre is offering Earth Matters Conference registrants a special conference room rate of only $119.00/ night (single or double occupancy)! Book soon, there are a limited number of rooms left!

 

To book your room at the Radisson,  click here. 

 
Community of Practice Events

Over the next few months there are some great opportunities to connect  with your colleagues.  
  • January 30 - Waste Education Meeting and Tour of the City of Edmonton facilities.
  • February 27 - EE Pub Night in Edmonton
  • March 5 - Edmonton Regional Community of Practice launch  
  • March 15 - Water Education, Calgary regional meeting  
  • April 9 - Conservation Education, location TBA 
 
Canadians Fight for the Right to a Healthy Environment

53% of Canadians think we have the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water and eat clean food. But unlike more than 100 countries around the world that guarantee their citizens the right to a healthy environment, Canada has no such law.

 

The David Suzuki Foundation is building a movement to see the right to a healthy environment become a fundamental Canadian right. Watch the video now and learn more about how you can join thousands of Canadians who want to see the right to a healthy environment become a fundamental Canadian right.

 
   

The February 1 deadline for GEOEC Award nominations is quickly approaching! If you know of a deserving individual or group, please consider nominating them for an award.  

 

Full details on awards and nominations are available at: http://www.geoec.org/resources/awards-competitions.html

 
Survey on Sustainable Fisheries - Volunteers Needed
 
NAAEE member, Dr. Shelby Gull Laird, on behalf of Charles Sturt University in Australia, is seeking environmental educators' input on a survey on sustainable fisheries (Please consider answering even if you do not eat fish). The survey will take 10-15 minutes and will help provide information on how people think about seafood purchases and sustainable fisheries. The survey will remain open until 28 February 2014.
 
Winter Walk Day - February 5th  

On February 5, join thousands of Canadians in celebrating winter by walking outside for at least 15 minutes! Register your walk and join the movement.

Sign up now at: www.winterwalkday.com.
 

Drayton Valley School Receives International Award  

 

Congratulations to Drayton Valley's Evergreen Elementary Grade 5 students, who were presented with the John Muir Discovery Award recognizing their hard work and dedication to protecting their local environment. The Grade 5 students became the first in Alberta to receive the international John Muir Award!

  

Click here for more information on this innovative community partnership.

 
 

Jobs in Alberta 
Quick Links

10 seconds of nature magic bound to inspire (and bring a smile) to kids of all ages.  

Watch the video. 

This 8 minute visualisation, comprised of imagery from the geostationary satellites, shows an entire year of weather across the globe during 2013!
For more information visit:  
www.abcee.org
Questions or comments? Please contact rosemarie@abcee.org.