Environmental Solutions for a Brighter Future!

Environmental education benefits students — increasing their understanding of how earth’s resources and natural systems work, familiarizing them with our relationship to wildlife, offering opportunities for hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning, and providing practical information. In order for students to receive meaningful environmental education, it is critical that their teachers have the necessary skills and knowledge. Essential to a teacher’s ability to serve in this role as environmental educator is not only an understanding of environmental concepts and issues, but familiarity with the best practices for integrating these concepts into their established curriculum. Whether a teacher focuses on science, math or social studies, environmental education can provide experiences that link what they are learning to their local environment.

Are you an educator specifically interested in enhancing your understanding of the living world and learning to teach about wildlife conservation in your subject area?

Classroom Earth, a program designed to enhance and strengthen environmental education in high school classrooms nationwide, is supporting middle and high school teachers around the country who want to make wildlife conservation part of their curriculum. Classroom Earth’s 2011 Professional Development Grants will enable applicants to take one six-week online course offered by the Wildlife Conservation Society to create a strong foundation in wildlife conservation. Participating teachers will be better equipped to bring wildlife conservation education into the classroom, facilitate scientific learning and to connect students with their natural surroundings. The Classroom Earth grant opportunity will also support teachers to earn graduate level credit.

But that’s not all! Have any students looking to take their environmental interests to the next step?

Planet Connect is an online social network where high school students can learn about current environmental issues, funding opportunities, green colleges and environmental careers. Students can also share and exchange ideas about how they are playing a critical role in solving today’s environmental issues.

Do you know any students interested in helping preserve wildlife? Whether you’re in a city, rural area or a suburb, wildlife is all around you. In many places, that wildlife faces challenges. If you’re a high school student with a creative idea for conserving and protecting wildlife, Planet Connect is offering grants of $1,000 to implement projects and participate in a local internship focused on wildlife conservation or natural resources.

We know students can make a difference. Here’s their chance to inspire others now!

Read more about the teacher’s professional development grants here: http://classroomearth.org/2011wcgrants

Read more about the student’s wildlife conservation grants here: http://www.planet-connect.org/2011wcgrants