The Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education fosters universal environmental and social responsibility through sustainability and environmental education programs in PK-12 schools
and communities. 
Experiences and Enthusiasm Inspire Passion for the Natural World
Like so many before her , University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point freshman Monáe Taylor's passion for the environment was sparked by a trip to the American West. 
The summer before her sophomore year at Walden III High School, in Racine, Wis., Monáe traveled to Yellowstone National Park with her aunt, uncle, and two cousins, and says her perspective on just about everything changed on that trip. And while the iconic park was undeniably beautiful, Monáe - who hadn't traveled much outside the Midwest - says it was seeing the changing landscape and meeting new people on the trip
out to Yellowstone that was most transformative and inspiring.

Back at Walden III in her sophomore year Monáe says her love for the natural world was solidified. That year she took her first biology class, which gave her a peek into the science behind the beauty she experienced on her family's road trip. She says the experience in that class was incredible and the passion and knowledge shown by her teacher, Brian Torner, ignited a love for natural resources and biology that informed her high school and college academic interests.

Walden III's strong environmental focus (it was Racine Unified School District's first school to achieve Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin status) provided Monáe with a combination of hands-on and classroom experiences that strengthened her interest in conservation and natural resources. Monáe says that the school's rain garden, which serves as an outdoor classroom for students, allowed her to interact with the species she was learning about, giving her a deeper understanding of the subject.   

While Monae's hard work is undeniable, like many successful students she is quick to point out that her experiences, both in and out of the classroom, combined with the enthusiasm and encouragement of her teachers and college professors, have strengthened her interests and improved her academic achievements. As a college freshman, Monáe is not certain what the future holds, but knows that she wants to use her passion for the environment to help create a more sustainable and healthier natural world, and I for one, look forward to seeing her accomplishments. 
Climate Education: Preparing for a Changing World - Registration Now Open!

The WCEE will be hosting this three-day Summer Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point June 14-16. The institute will feature presentations from Wisconsin climate leaders and hands-on workshops with standards-based curriculum. 
 
Three Afternoon Breakout Tracks:
  • Wisconsin's Changing Forests
  • Sustainable Energy Futures
  • Sun, Wind, Forest: Connecting Young Children to the World Around Them

Join us to collaborate with peers to integrate 21st century skills into your teaching and learning.

 

Learn more | Register Now

 


Congratulations to Wisconsin's nominees
for the U. S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School and District Sustainability Awards:
  • Glen Hills Middle School, Glendale-River Hills School District
  • West Middleton Elementary School, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
  • Granton Area School District
 Final awardee recipients will be announced in April. For now we celebrate the successes of these schools and district for their efforts and hard work to become more green, healthy, and sustainable.

 
U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognizes schools, districts, and higher education institutions that reduce schools' environmental impact and costs, improve the health and wellness of students and staff members, and provide effective environmental and sustainability education. 
Wisconsin Environmental Education Board Announces School Forest Grant Program
Due to a generous donation from the Wisconsin Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee, the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board (WEEB), is seeking proposals for a 2016 School Forest grant cycle. The Board anticipates awarding a total of $20,000, with a maximum award of $2,500 per selected proposal.

Projects that facilitate student learning about sustainable forestry practices are preferred. Public school districts with registered school forests are eligible for these WEEB grants. Projects may begin June 1, 2016 and must be completed by November 30, 2016.
 
Proposals are due April 1, 2016. For an application packet or more information about the program see the Board's website or contact Ginny Carlton, Senior Administrative Specialist, at 715-346-3805, email: weeb@uwsp.edu
Resources: Trunks & Kits

Are you looking for hands-on teaching resources for a specific topic? There is an amazing array of educational trunks and kits available to educators from the WCEE Resources Library. Many of these trunks can be borrowed for a few weeks at a time and contain fun hands-on props, posters, puppets, and activity guides. Learn more about the resources and how to request them on our Trunks & Kits page.
Professional Development
Visit the WCEE's Professional Development Calendar for a list of all upcoming professional development opportunities offered by WCEE programs.


Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) Courses

All courses are worth 1 graduate credit from UW-Stevens Point (some are available as Audit)
Course Fee: $100 unless otherwise noted (assumes scholarship granted)
Visit KEEP's Professional Development Calendar http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/KEEP/Pages/Professional-Development/Course-Schedule.aspx

Online
Central Wisconsin area
Fox Valley Area
Northern Area
South Central Area
  • Location: Monona
  • Dates: July 26-August 1 online via Moodle and August 2 & 3 face-to-face
  • Flyer | Registration Form
Southeast Area

More KEEP courses are being scheduled for 2016! Check back often!
LEAF - Wisconsin's K-12 Forestry Education Program Courses

All courses are worth 1 graduate credit from UW-Stevens Point (some are available as Audit)
Course Fee: $100 unless otherwise noted (assumes scholarship granted)

NRES 621 Special Topics in Forestry Education: Mathematics in the Forest
  • Location: Treehaven in Tomahawk
  • Dates: April 16 and 17
  • Registration Deadline: March 18
  • This course offers an outdoor application of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. In addition to inspiring ideas, you'll also get mathematics-related LEAF lesson materials to take back to your classroom!
  • Sorry, but scholarships are now gone. Cost $535 (for one graduate credit) or $225 (to audit)
Coming Soon: Summer School Forest Courses 
Project Learning Tree Workshops
Visit LEAF's Professional Development Calendar for more information

Upcoming UW-Stevens Point Environmental Education Online Courses

NRES - 750 Water Resources in Society
  • March 28 - April 29
  • Credit levels: Grad - Non
  • 1 credit

NRES 340/540 Sec. 881 - Green & Healthy Schools: A Whole School Approach to 

Sustainability (more information)

  • April 4 - May 13
  • Credit levels: Undergrad - Grad
  • 1 credit
 
Registration Deadline: Three weeks prior to start of class

Other Professional Development Opportunities
Solar Energy Education at the Milwaukee Public Museum - March 10, 4:30-7 p.m.

Visit the Milwaukee Public Museum and learn about the 234 solar panels mounted on the south wall that generate 77,500 kWh of electricity each year! Walk away with renewable energy-related hands-on activities to integrate into your programming.

This professional development opportunity is brought to you in partnership by the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP). Produced under a 2015-2016 grant from the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board.

Register now! Limited spaces available.
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