The Earth Scientist - Full Publication

What do you think of when you hear the word stewardship? For NOAA Climate Stewards Project (CSEP) educators it means putting their knowledge of climate science into action and engaging their students and communities in hands-on activities focused on mitigating or adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Over 900 educators across the United States participate in CSEP which provides professional development in climate science and pedagogy through web seminars, discussion groups, conference symposia and workshops. Educators work in small peer groups to develop and refine stewardship projects proposals through discussion, reflection, and review. Support for projects is provided through a competitive mini-grant process.

The following articles were published in the National Earth Science Teacher’s Association’s publication The Earth Scientist. They reflect the enthusiasm, hard work and success of NOAA CSEP educators, their students and communities. Some articles have links to teacher background materials, supporting materials, and student worksheets you can download, adapt, and use for yourself.

We hope you enjoy these articles and consider incorporating the innovative ideas and resources into your own classroom or education setting.If you’d like to advantage of the opportunities afforded by NOAA Climate Stewards, and join a national community of educators working to increase climate literacy and taking action on climate change, come to our web site and sign up today!

Carbon Footprints, Carbon Sinks, and Carbon Stewardship: A Partnership Between Informal Educators and Classroom Teachers

Pickering Creek Audubon Center of Easton, Maryland, developed and tested an introductory science unit on global climate change in six, fifth grade classes. Through a series of lessons, students progressed through the topics of carbon, the carbon cycle, greenhouse gases, and climate change. Students learned how our actions affect the global climate, how climate change impacts local habitats and wildlife, and how we can slow the effects of climate change by decreasing our carbon source intake while increasing the planet’s carbon sinks. Common climate change myths and misconceptions were addressed, and opportunities were provided for students to learn in the classroom and outdoors. Students engaged in age-appropriate climate change solutions by helping decrease their household’s carbon footprint, increasing the schoolyard’s carbon sink, sharing their knowledge with the community, and encouraging others to take action.

About the Authors

Krysta Hougen is a Teacher Naturalist and the Summer EcoCamp Director at Pickering Creek Audubon Center in Easton, MD. She has an M.S. in Plant Biology from Ohio University.

Jaime Bunting is the Education Manager at Pickering Creek Audubon Center in Easton, MD. She has an M.S. in Natural Resources with a concentration in Environmental Education and Interpretation from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Previously, Jaime worked as a Field Instructor in Wisconsin at Conserve School and UWSP-Treehaven, and as an Interpretive Naturalist and Environmental Educator for Delaware State Parks.

Carbon Footprints, Carbon Sinks, and Carbon Stewardship: A Partnership Between Informal Educators and Classroom Teachers

The Polar Bear Challenge: Local Impact on a Global Issue

In 2007 Utah’s Hogle Zoo became an Arctic Ambassador Site for Polar Bears International (PBI) and created The Polar Bear Challenge. This competitive program engages elementary and middle school students to reduce their carbon footprints, make a difference for the future of polar bears, and positively affect the people and wildlife of Utah. Averaging 2,300 participants during the last two years, the program has developed Climate Care teaching kits and a curriculum comparing Utah’s habitats and wildlife to Alaska’s to helping students understand the interconnectedness of these ecosystems, and how our actions impact the animals, plants and people who make their homes there.

About the Author

Christine Schmitz is the Education Curator at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. She has worked in informal science education for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Scripps College and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University.

The Polar Bear Challenge: Local Impact on a Global Issue

Biochar for Carbon Sequestration: Investigation and Outreach

Greenhouse gases are impacting Earth's climate and will continue to do so at elevated rates until we find ways to mitigate our actions. Biochar production via pyrolysis is a means to sequester carbon for the soil long term. Biochar is highly resistant to breakdown and thus becomes a sink for carbon storage. This strategy is accessible to students and can give a sense of empowerment to make change. In the course of this unit, students learn about the carbon cycle while producing biochar, testing biochar’s value as a soil amendment, and providing outreach on the carbon cycle to other students and the public.

About the Author

Karen Metcalf is a middle school science teacher and IB Coordinator at Cornerstone Learning Community in Tallahassee, Florida. She was a marine ecologist with a B.S. (Eckerd College), and M.A. (College of William and Mary) in marine science. Ten years in high school and middle school classrooms have allowed her to bring her love of the process of science and the marine environment to students. Karen’s goal is to teach science concepts while encouraging students to value sustainability, practice environmental conservation, and use critical thinking. Membership in NOAA’s Climate Stewards Education Project has facilitated special projects that support these goals. She is also the leader of Cornerstone’s Maker Club.

Biochar for Carbon Sequestration: Investigation and Outreach