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EGLE Classroom Webinar Series

EnviroSchools Webinar Series

Teachers, Interpreters, and Environmental Educators are invited back into the classroom to learn how EGLE protects Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land and energy resources. In the EnviroSchool Educator Series, you’ll have a chance to learn directly from EGLE staff about their areas of expertise and their daily work to protect our environment. Each session will include a presentation from EGLE staff, plenty of time for Q&A, and curricular resources you can take back to your classroom.

EnviroSchool webinars will take place monthly from September 2022-May 2023 from 4:30-6:00pm. K-12 teachers can earn 1.5 SCECH for each session.

The leaves are falling and we’re rapidly approaching the winter months. As you start to cozy up inside, take some time to catch up with EGLE Classroom! Our EnviroSchool professional learning series continues in November with a look at Michigan’s geology, followed by a sustainable holiday discussion in early December. The Michigan Green Schools Program will release a new online application portal in November, but since the certification requirements won’t change, you can get a head start on recording your activities now. And the new EGLE Career Series has launched and is adding content monthly – check it all out below!

Upcoming Webinars in the Series

November 17, 2022, 4:30 PM 6:00 PM What’s Underground? An Adventure into Applied Earth Science and the ‘Economic Geology’ of Michigan’s Two Peninsulas

Oil rigs, gas lines, and copper mines – Oh, my! Join Geologists from EGLE’s Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division to learn how what’s underground impacts Michigan’s environment and economy. Journey through the Lower Peninsula’s glacial deposits and the Upper Peninsula’s ancient bedrock to find out how earth science is applied to environmental management and economic development. Learn how EGLE protects human health and the environment before, during, and after resource extraction, and stick around for a sneak peek at Michigan’s “Rock Library” in the U.P.!

Speaker(s):

Melanie Humphrey; Geologist - Oil, Gas and Minerals Division, Field Operations Section Mark Snow; Oil, Gas and Minerals Division, Permitting and Technical Services Section

December 6, 2022; 4:30-6:00 PM Talking Trash at Home and School

Are you looking for ways to reduce your trash output this holiday season? Come talk trash with staff from EGLE's Materials Management Division! Learn about what happens to trash after it gets picked up from your bin, what impacts trash can have on the environment, and what options you have for more sustainable waste management. We'd also love to hear from YOU about how you're reducing trash in your own classrooms and communities.

Speakers:

Rhonda Oyer; Solid Waste Section Manager, Materials Management Division Tracy Purrenhage; Recycling Specialist; Materials Management Division

Recorded Webinars in this series:

Dive into Learning about 50 Years of Water Quality Improvements under the Clean Water Act  (recorded 10/18/2022, 65min)

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, a piece of legislation that has transformed water quality in lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans across the United States. Learn the nuts and bolts of how the CWA does (or doesn’t) affect places like your school or home and how the structure of the Act has allowed it to respond to changing water quality challenges over time. Staff from EGLE’s Water Resources Division staff explain the unique ways the Clean Water Act affects Michigan and the Great Lakes, and you’ll walk away with an ocean of resources for integrating the CWA into your science and social studies curriculum. Speaker(s): Christine Alexander; Water Resources Division, Permits Section Manager Kevin Goodwin; Aquatic Biologist, Surface Water Assessment Section Julia Kirkwood; Environmental Quality Analyst, Nonpoint Source Unit Kathryn Kirkpatrick; Environmental Quality Analyst, Wetlands Unit 

View the resources referred to in the webinar, Dive into Learning about 50 Years of the Clean Water Act

Tap into the Urban Water Cycle to Learn how Water is Protected from Source to Sink (recorded 09/21/2022, 74min)

Learn how EGLE protects water quality throughout the “Urban Water Cycle.” Find out what EGLE staff do to protect water and human health in natural settings, as water moves through drinking water systems and into our homes. EGLE’s Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, will present an overview of the state’s role in protecting human and environmental health and will answer your questions about drinking water treatment, source water protection, and community engagement.

Speaker(s):

Koren Carpenter; Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Operator Training and Certification Unit Holly Gohlke; Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Community Water Supply Unit Ashley Mark; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Community Engagement Sara Pearson; Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Source Water Unit Kris Dorcy; Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Community Water Supply UnitView the resources referred to in the webinar, Tap Into the Urban Water Cycle

CONTACT:

Eileen Boekestein [email protected] 616-403-1615

Sign up for the EGLE Classroom Newsletter

Email us at: [email protected]

Follow and share using #EGLEclassroom

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EGLE Classroom Environmental Education – September 2022

School is back in session, and EGLE Classroom has new content to support your environmental education efforts, including the EnviroSchool professional learning sessions, the launch of our EGLE Career Series, and a big MEECS announcement!

EGLE Classroom will release updated versions of the Water Quality and Ecosystems & Biodiversity units of the Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support (MEECS) program in early 2023! We’re looking for organizations to become MEECS trainers and hold educator workshops for these units across the state in 2023. We’ve issued a competitive Request for Proposals for contractors to receive funding to assist with this work. Visit Michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS and search “MEECS” to view the RFP and submit a bid. Bids are due by October 20th.

Upcoming Events

Communicating about Climate Change in our Classrooms and Communities

This four-part series, designed and hosted by the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative Network, will help teachers—and their students—communicate effectively about the climate crisis. It features specific strategies and tools to help people navigate climate conversations in classrooms and communities. It also provides support for the planning and fielding of climate actions at a scale that feels right for each attendee. The first session kicks off on October 11 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Find more information and register here.

Water Education in a Changing Climate – Project WET Workshop

October 21, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM City of Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act by joining EGLE’s Environmental Education program and the City of Grand Rapids for a free in-person Project WET training featuring climate resilience and urban water systems on October 21st. This training will include the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide 2.0, access to the online Project WET portal, and the Climate, Water, and Resilience educator guide for free!

Educators can receive 5.5 SCECH credits for participation. This training can also count toward your Michigan Environmental Educator Certification.

EnviroSchool Educator Series

Our new monthly educator series kicked off on September 21 with a great presentation from EGLE’s Drinking Water and Environmental Health team. Don’t miss the rest of this Fall’s sessions, where you can learn directly from EGLE staff, find new educational resources, network with educators around the state, and earn 1.5 SCECHs along the way. Find out more and view the recording of our first session on the EnviroSchool website.

October 18: Dive into Learning about 50 Years of Water Quality Improvements under the Clean Water Act 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Learn the nuts and bolts of how the Clean Water Act affects places like your school or home and how the structure of the Act has allowed it to respond to changing water quality challenges over time. 

November 17: What’s Underground? An Adventure into Applied Earth Science and the ‘Economic Geology’ of Michigan’s Two Peninsulas 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Journey through the Lower Peninsula’s glacial deposits and the Upper Peninsula’s ancient bedrock to find out how earth science is applied to environmental management and economic development. Learn how EGLE protects human health and the environment before, during, and after resource extraction, and see inside Michigan’s “Rock Library” in the U.P.

Additional Resources

Environmental Education Grant Opportunities

The Michigan Science Teachers Association mini grant program is accepting applications. Up to 4 awards of $1,000 each will be given to current MSTA members. Applications are due by October 21, and award winners will be notified by end of November 2022. For more information and to apply, visit the MSTA Mini Grant website.

Earth Science Week is Coming!

Celebrate the 24th annual Earth Science Week from October 9-15 with a wide range of exciting activities, programs, and resources offered by the American Geosciences Institute. This year’s theme is "Earth Science for a Sustainable World," and suggested activities emphasize the essential role of Earth science in helping people make decisions that maintain and strengthen the planet's ability to support thriving life.

Environmental Fridays

This free weekly online lecture series for high school and early college students engages students in critical thinking and responsible action about environmental, sustainability, scientific and technological problems. Speakers are from Michigan and around the world. Real-world examples that may inspire and influence future career choices will be given. Learn more and see the fall schedule at the Environmental Fridays website.

Send an email to [email protected].

Visit Michigan.gov/EGLEclassroom for more information.

Follow @MichiganEGLE and the #EGLEclassroom conversation on Twitter.

Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDEQ/bulletins/32f6fee

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School's Out: EGLE Classroom is in Session

School is out for many Michigan students but EGLE Classroom is available any time to keep minds learning about Michigan's environment.

Since their debut last year, they have shared 24 video episodes here in the EGLE Classroom.  Earlier this year, a partnership between EGLE and the Michigan Learning Channel was announced that provides EGLE Classroom videos to Michigan public television stations.

Be sure to check in throughout the summer for any updates!

Here are a few examples of videos EGLE Classroom provides:

Water-Related Resources

EGLE: Michigan's Great Lakes The Great Lakes are known for their beauty and the wealth of resources within and around them. The combined lakes contain one-fifth of the world's surface fresh water, with more than 3,000 miles of shoreline.

Great Lakes Learning: Resources for Teaching A collection of lesson plans that engage students with the science and study of the Great Lakes.

Groundwater: What is it? There is an immense amount of water in aquifers below the earth's surface. In fact, there is a over a thousand times more water in the ground than is in all the world's rivers and lakes. Here we introduce you to the basics about groundwater.

H.O.M.E.S. at Home Want to keep exploring our fabulous Great Lakes, even though you’re hanging around the house? Check out H.O.M.E.S. at Home! The acronym is an easy way to remember our five Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. While it may be harder for us to dip our toes in the lakes right now, we’ve got lots of ways for you to enjoy and learn about our freshwater seas right from your own home.

Climate and Energy-Related Resources

Climate Kids Climate Kids is a NASA affiliated website used as a fun education resource for children to easily understand climate change and other environmental issues. It includes games, short videos, information about common green careers and green technologies, and other environmental topics kids can learn about. There is also an Educator Resources section with interactive activities to help families and teachers explain these topics to children.

Air Related Resources

Clean Air Action Hero Mask - Printable (PDF) 📷

EGLE: Open Burning in Michigan "Open burning" is the burning of unwanted materials such as paper, trees, brush, leaves, grass, and other debris where smoke and other emissions are released directly into the air. During open burning, air pollutants do not pass through a chimney or stack.

Ozone Action Days/Forecasts Hourly updates on current 1 hour and 8 hour ozone values.

Pathfinder Science Ozone Project Each fall students from all over the country participate in the Pathfinder Science research area, exploring ground-level ozone.  Ozone is a toxic gas, which is formed by a reaction between air pollutants and sunlight.  This research area is design for upper elementary through high school age students with two easy to follow, network-wide, standardized protocols are offered.

Please click EGLEClassroom for more information!

Source:https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3307_3580---,00.html

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EGLE Classroom Newsletter

Whether at home or in the classroom, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is providing a variety of online videos and resources through its EGLE Classroom initiative that teachers and parents can use to supplement school lessons all year long.

Environmental education is an essential ingredient for developing environmental stewardship. “EGLE Classroom will help instructors to think about how to talk to their students on ways to interact with the natural world around them,” said Liesl Clark, director of EGLE. “We want this to be a two-way collaboration and urge teachers and students to create their own videos that can be shared with others across Michigan as a statewide resource.”

The NEW EGLE Classroom Newsletter will summarize our recent environmental education content and provide information about environmental topics and events.

Subscribe to EGLE Classroom to get information and resources each month from experts either from EGLE’s staff or through our partners.

Upcoming Education Events

EGLE Earth Day 2021 – April 22, 2021 Due to this year’s challenges with COVID-19, the Constitution Hall celebration will be held virtually. Pre-recorded sessions will be posted to the web page the week of April 22, 2021. The Earth Day awards ceremony will include the winners of the 2021 annual Poster Contest and Environmental Service Project awards and will be posted on website.

The Earth Day Poster Contest is for students in Kindergarten – 5th grade. Submitted posters are judged based on the "Restore Our Earth" theme and should include plants, wildlife, or ecosystems native to Michigan. The artwork can be drawn by hand or digitally created. Each school hosts its own contest for the students and submits the top three posters for each grade. The Earth Day Poster Contest committee selects the first and second place winners from each grade. Earth Day Poster Contest Template

The Environmental Service Award (ESA) competition is for students in 6th - 8th and 9th - 12th grade categories. Schools are invited to nominate a student, or group of students, to be recognized for completion of a school-sanctioned, environment-based project, that has tangible results. The project must incorporate the "Restore Our Earth" theme and provide a benefit for plants, wildlife, or ecosystems native to Michigan. Schools confirm the validity of each project and outcome. The Earth Day ESA committee selects the top two projects from each category.

The deadline for both contests to submit entries is February 28, 2021. The winners from both contests will be notified by March 15, and their work will be posted on the Earth Day web page.  

Highlighted #EGLEClassroom Videos

Storm Drains Do you get a lot of water in your basement during heavy rains? Don't go investing in a new sump pump just yet---instead, check the storm drains by your house! They might need a little TLC. Katrina explains how this can help your home stay dry!

Compost What do you do with your Jack-o-Lantern after Halloween has gone and passed? You can throw him in the trash bin OR you can compost him! Learn how with Aaron Hiday from EGLE.

Cattails Wetlands are areas where water covers soil all or part of the time. Wetlands are important because they protect and improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitats, store floodwaters and maintain surface water flow during dry periods. One of the most common plants found in wetlands are cattails, also known as reeds!

Radon Protecting yourself and your family starts with a simple home test kit. In this video you will learn about what radon is, where it comes from, health effects, testing for radon, what is involved in fixing your home, and other helpful resources. There are simple steps that you can take to test for radon and fix your home if necessary.

Check out all videos on the EGLE Classroom's YouTube playlist at YouTube.com/MichiganEGLE.

Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDEQ/bulletins/2bce482

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Environmental Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) Classroom Launches Instructional Video Series

School’s back in session and the opening bell has rung for EGLE Classroom.

As students settle in for a new school year – whether at home or in the classroom – the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is providing a variety of online videos through its EGLE Classroom initiative that teachers and parents can use to supplement school lessons all year long.

Want to learn more  about how you can interact with the environment? EGLE Classroom will share new content each week hosted by subject matter experts either on EGLE’s staff or through its partners. Environmental education is an essential ingredient  for developing environmental stewardship.

“EGLE Classroom will help instructors to think about how to talk to their students on ways to  interact with the natural world around them,” said Liesl Clark, director of  EGLE. “We want this to be a two-way collaboration and urge teachers and  students to create their own videos that can be shared with others across  Michigan as a statewide resource.”

Director Clark calls the class to order with this video. New material will be released each Tuesday.

We’re also looking for some help from teachers and students around Michigan. Record a quick classroom lesson or demonstration, post it to Twitter using the hashtag  #EGLEClassroom and don’t forget to tag @MichiganEGLE. Sharing knowledge  beyond classroom walls benefits students across the state, wherever and  whenever they are doing their schoolwork.

EGLE also has updated  its EGLE Classroom educational resources webpage.  There, you’ll find classroom resources from EGLE and its partners to assist  students and instructors with information on environmental topics. Come back  to the webpage often as it will be continually updated with new videos and  other instruction materials.

Still looking for  more content that can broaden school or at-home lessons about the  environment? Check out EGLE’s YouTube channel, where we’ve posted dozens  of videos from EnviroMinute shorts to in-depth presentations by staff or  recordings of webinars and public information sessions. There’s the  Brownfield Flip series, Shoreline Stewards, sustainability issues, lectures  and presentations.

Sources: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDEQ/bulletins/2a31743

https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3307_3580---,00.html