Travel Opportunity for Teachers to Japan!

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Announcing the launch of the 2018 Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) application for K-12 teachers and administrators!

 

If you are a full-time K-12 teacher or administrator committed to education for sustainable development (ESD) and with an interest in international exchange, you may be eligible to participate in the 2018 Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD, a unique, short-term professional development opportunity that will have long-term impact on you, your students, and your community!

 

The Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD will provide 10 U.S. teachers and 10 Japanese teachers and administrators with a fully-funded opportunity to travel to learn about ESD efforts and strengthen ESD curricula in both countries. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines ESD as “a vision of education that seeks to balance human and economic well-being with cultural traditions and respect for the earth’s natural resources.” The main theme of the program is Environmental Education, incorporating as appropriate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) –http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/) such as sustainable cities and communities, as well as leveraging Japan’s increased focus on international education and exchange in advance of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

Applications deadline: January 12, 2018

 

For program details and eligibility requirements, please visit http://www.iie.org/Programs/ESD. Please contact the Institute of International Education at esdteacher@iie.org with any questions about the program or application.

 

The Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD is administered by Fulbright Japan and jointly funded by the governments of Japan and the U.S. This  program is designed to introduce innovative Japanese and U.S. K-12 educators’ culture and education systems, and to enhance ESD-related curricula in both countries.  The program aims to raise awareness of ESD-oriented school programs and deepen a sense of global interconnectedness between teachers in Japan and the U.S.

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The Florida Society of Geographers 2018 Conference is here!

 

Join the FSG at Melbourne Beach on February 9th - 11th for their annual event. The deadline for Abstracts is January 15th, and registration is now open. Follow the Florida Society of Geographers Facebook page for more information on how to attend!

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Send a Letter to Jane Goodall

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You probably know Dr. Jane Goodall for her integral work with chimpanzees. But did you know that she wrote letters and notes while out in the field? Now your students can be like Jane and join the Dear Jane Letter Writing Campaign! 

 

Submitted letters will be bound into a book and given to Dr. Goodall. As an added bonus, every educator who participates will receive a free copy of the new documentary film airing on National Geographic in 2018, JANE, which tells the true story of how her chimpanzee research challenged the male-dominated scientific consensus of her time and revolutionized our understanding of the natural world.Write a letter to Jane.

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Challenge Your Students to Solve Real-World Problems with GeoChallenge

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Real-world problems call for real-world solutions. That's why we've launched the GeoChallenge, an exciting way to help students make a difference in the world! Bring our inaugural GeoChallenge academic competition to your school! Learn more and registertoday. Submissions are due February 1, 2018. Join the GeoChallenge.

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2018 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Application Now Open

 

Are you ready for the professional development opportunity of a lifetime? Applications are now open for the 2018 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow (GTF) Program, which will send 40 educators on life-changing, field-based experiences with Lindblad Expeditions. Through their participation in the program, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows gain a new level of geographic awareness for themselves, their students, their professional colleagues, and the communities in which they live.

 

Open to Pre-K-12 educators in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Puerto Rico, the GTF Program is made possible by a partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. This year, all applicants must have completed Phase 1 of National Geographic Educator Certification by the time they submit their application, and complete all phases of Certification by March 21, 2018. GTF applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on January 5, 2018.

Grosvenor Teacher Fellows are an integral part of the National Geographic community. They work to further students' understanding of the planet and empower them to generate solutions for a healthier and more sustainable future. For more details about the program, case studies of Fellows, and application information, click here.

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Geography on Priority List for Federal Competitive Grants - Action Requested!

 

In October 2018, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos proposed new priorities for doling out funds through existing discretionary grant programs, including a proposed priority for civic learning, all of which are linked here. Geography education is essential to the successful implementation of proposed Priority 4, so we urge explicitly adding the term "Geography education" to it.

 

How to comment and support this proposed priority:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov to submit your comments electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing agency documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket, is available on the site under "How to use regulations.gov."

• Postal Mail, Commercial Delivery, or Hand Delivery: If you mail or deliver your comments, address them to Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 6W231, Washington, DC 20202.

 

Please consider submitting a comment supporting the explicit inclusion of Geography in Proposed Priority 4 of the Secretary's Proposed Supplemental Priorities for Competitive Grants by November 13, 2017.

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Join the Photo Ark Challenge

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Conservation is a team effort, and we need your help! With our Photo Ark classroom activities, empowering your students to spread the word about species extinction just got easier. Students of all grade levels can participate in the Photo Ark Challenge, and standout conservation solutions will be featured on our website. 

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The Ultimate Undersea Experience without Getting Wet

 

Taking your students to the Big Apple? Be one of the first schools to attend the new National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odysseyexperience in the heart of Times Square. Using groundbreaking technology, students embark on a virtual underwater journey across the Pacific Ocean, exploring some of the ocean's greatest wonders and mightiest creatures. Students resurface at the end of the journey to learn more and get inspired through interactive technologies.

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Celebrate 30 Years with Us

 

Did you know this year marks the 30th anniversary of the National Geographic Bee? Over three decades, the geography competition has inspired and rewarded students' curiosity about the world! Approximately 120 million students have participated for a chance to compete for college scholarships at the National Championship, and the Bee has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarship money. Register your school today to compete in the ultimate academic competition and receive our early bird rate.

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Travel the World Affordably, Earn Professional Development Credit, and Bring Global Understanding into Your Classroom!

 

Founded in 2007, Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) is a non-profit organization that has sent more than 2,000 teachers abroad on adventurous travel programs. With GEEO, educators can earn professional development credit while seeing the world. GEEO's trips are 7 to 21 days in length and are designed and discounted to be interesting and affordable for teachers. In addition to amazing tour leaders, many of the programs are accompanied by university faculty who are experts on the destination.The deposit is $250 for each program, and the final payment is due 60 days before departure.

GEEO also provides teachers with educational materials and the structure to help them bring their experiences into the classroom. The trips are open to all nationalities of K-12 and university educators, administrators, retired educators, as well as educators' guests.

 

GEEO is offering the following travel programs for 2018: Argentina and Brazil, Bangkok to Hanoi, Colombia, Camino de Santiago, Eastern Europe, the Galapagos Islands, Greece, Iceland, India and Nepal, Madagascar, Ireland, Armenia and Georgia, Paris to Rome, Multi-Stan, Sri Lanka and The Maldives, Morocco, Peru, Vietnam/Cambodia, and the Balkans.

Detailed information about each trip, including itineraries, costs, travel dates, and more, can be found at

www.geeo.org. GEEO can be reached toll-free at 1-877-600-0105, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Eastern, 7 days a week.

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$1000 Scholarships for Amazon Rainforest PD Workshop in Peru 
 
Scholarships are available for K-16 science and environmental educators for the July 1-11, 2017 Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru.  Application deadline is Feb. 1st, 2017.  
 
Join Al Stenstrup, former Director of Education for Project Learning Tree; Dr. Nancy Trautmann, Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Dr. David Pearson, Wildlife Travellers’ Guide to Peru; along with scientists Dr. Steve Madigosky, Widener University; and Randy Morgan, Curator/Entomologist, Cincinnati Zoo as you:   
 

• Participate in citizen science projects and inquiry based field studies on a 1/4-mile Rainforest Canopy Walkway in one of the most biologically diverse environments on the planet.

• Spend a day in an Amazon village and experience the role of education in creating a sustainable future for Amazon children.

• Explore sustainability, conservation, and field work with indigenous communities in the Amazon

• Work with fellow educators to develop strategies for using the Amazon as a vehicle for incorporating STEM education, inquiry-based learning, and sustainability science education into your NGSS classroom.

 
Project Learning Tree and BirdSleuth resources plus 50 Arizona State University PD hours included. Academic credit and Machu Picchu extension optional.  Get the details and download a syllabus and scholarship application at: http://www.amazonworkshops.com/educator-academy.html

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Special Faculty Offer! Save on Unrivaled Election Coverage from The Times.

Get exclusive coverage of Election 2016. 99 cents for 12 weeks, then 50% off. 

 

The New York Times: 

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Get both sides of the story, between now and November. Special academic offer:

 

For Faculty:

99 cents for 12 weeks, then 50% off | SUBSCRIBE NOW

 
For Students:

4 weeks free, then $1 a week. | SUBSCRIBE NOW

Our special academic rate gives you expert analysis of the race to the White House with our interactive Election Guide. Enjoy these special savings for faculty when you subscribe today.        
     
To qualify for a digital subscription at the education rate, you must be a current educator or student and also have a valid school email address. For billing purposes, your subscription will be billed every 4 weeks. Smartphone and tablet apps are not supported on all devices. All Digital Access subscriptions do not include e-reader editions, Times Insider content or digital versions of The New York Times Crossword. Prices shown are in U.S. dollars. Other restrictions and taxes may apply. 
 

All digital access. Academic rate.

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Explorer Magazine Brings Science & Adventure into the Classroom

 

Classroom subscriptions to National Geographic's Explorer Magazine are now available for the 2016-17 school year. Explorer's nonfiction content is authentic and engaging, and supports both reading and science standards. Subscriptions are available in print or digital, starting at only $4.50 per student.

 

Learn more at NatGeoEd.org/ExplorerMag.

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AP GIS&T Committee Seeks Information about GIS/Geospatial Technology in Schools  

 

As part of the AAG's current effort to develop a course proposal for Advanced Placement Geographic Information Science & Technology (AP GIS&T), the proposal writing committee is reaching out to various organizations to help the committee gather information about GIS/geospatial technology education activities in high schools, including:

 

1. High schools that currently offer GIS&T-related courses and any available information about those courses (e.g., enrollment, content)

 

2. High school teachers who currently use geospatial technologies in their courses (geography/GIS may not necessarily be the focus of the course)

 

3. High school teachers who have training in and/or interest in using geospatial technologies in their classroom curricula. This information will help the committee identify high schools with the capacity to offer a potential AP course in the field of GIS&T.

 

If you or someone in your organization has information that can help the committee with this work, please forward your suggestions to AAG Research Associate Jolene Keen (jkeen@aag.org).

 

Additional information about the AP GIS&T course proposal is available in the AAG Newsletter. 

 

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National Center for Science Education Teacher Information

 

Are you teaching about climate change or evolution, but aren't sure where to start? Concerned about how to deal with challenges to good science in your classroom? Want to hear from other teachers on how to address these often socially contentious topics? NCSEteach can help!

 

What does NCSEteach offer teachers?

* Free resources and vetted activities about Evolution, Climate Change and the Nature of Science

* Opportunities to connect your classroom with local scientists

* Opportunities to connect with teachers across the country to share ideas and activities

* Professional development opportunities

 

If you sign up now, you will be entered for a chance to win a Climate Change Teacher Pack or an Evolution Teacher Pack! To sign up, teachers can visit ncseteach.com. We are also on Facebook and Twitter(@ncseteach). 

 

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Connect Your Classroom with Scientists and Nat Geo Explorers

 

Join the Adventure! Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants is a new site created with the goal of bringing more science, adventure, and conservation into classrooms around the world through guest speakers and virtual field trips via Google+ Hangouts. Want want to take part in a live shark work-up in the Bahamas or chat with a group of adventurers kayaking the Amazon River? These experiences and much more are available for your classrooms for free! Head over to http://www.exploringbytheseat.com and sign up for their newsletter as well as social media pages to get in the loop.

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$1000 Scholarships for Amazon Rainforest PD Workshop

 

Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest + Machu Picchu

The July 1-11, 2016 Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru is a cross-curricular professional development workshop for K-12 formal and informal educators to learn and use:

        •   21st Century Instruction: 5E Lesson Design ~ Inquiry-Based Exploration STEM         •   Inquiry Protocols & Resources: Project Learning Tree ~ Cornell Lab of                       Ornithology ~ & More!

        •   Global and Cultural Perspectives: Service Learning ~ Sustainability ~ Global                Education

 

Join Al Stenstrup, Project Learning Tree; Lilly Briggs, Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Dr. David Pearson, Wildlife Travellers’ Guide to Peru; along with scientists Dr. Steve Madigosky, Widener University; and Randy Morgan, Curator/Entomologist, Cincinnati Zoo as you:

        •   Participate in citizen science projects and inquiry based field studies on a               1/4- mile Rainforest Canopy Walkway in one of the most biologically diverse                  environments on the planet.

        •   Spend a day in an Amazon village as you explore the complexities of                         sustainability and the role of education in creating a sustainable future for                   Amazon children.

        •   Work with fellow educators to explore strategies for using the Amazon as a                  vehicle for incorporating STEM education, inquiry-based learning, and                        sustainability science education into your classroom.

 

PLT Certification, BirdSleuth resources and 50 Arizona State University PD Hours included. Academic Credit and Machu Picchu Extension optional. $1000 scholarship deadline February 1, 2016. Program cost is $1375 + air for scholarship recipients. Space is limited! Register early to secure your spot!

 

Get the details and download a syllabus and scholarship application at: http://www.amazonworkshops.com/educator-academy.html Contact christa@amazonworkshops.com or 1-800-431-2624 for more information

 

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Amazonia: The Human Impact

 

New educational and free resources on the Amazon are available online! Check them out at natgeoed.org/amazon. This collection of activities, case studies, and interactive maps provides students with a holistic picture of the current state of the Amazon rain forest, and raises awareness about the short- and long-term impacts of human activity on its biodiversity. The National Geographic Society supports education as a vital component in conservation. By engaging with these resources, students will acquire integrated and innovative skills to become capable decision-makers, able to identify alternative solutions and weigh trade-offs to make well-reasoned decisions

 

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Reserve a Nat Geo Giant Traveling Map 

 

Is a Giant Traveling Map coming to your school? The maps of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and the Pacific just began their 2015-16 tour. Reservations are filling up fast. If you'd like to rent a map for two or more weeks, complete a reservation request now!