Misha Smith
6th Grade Teacher
Boise, Idaho
Earth to Sky Idaho participants gathered in Grand Teton National Park to develop lessons and programs to connect the latest climate science with their audiences and inspire positive change. Photo: John Ceballos
Educators from across Idaho and Eastern Wyoming participated in “Wild! A Team Idaho Earth to Sky Course” at the Teton Science School Kelly Campus in Grand Teton National Park in early November. Earth to Sky is a collaborative community of practice between NASA, the National Parks Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service which brings together educators and park personnel to learn the latest climate science and communication techniques to share with their audiences.
Participants included traditional educators from elementary, middle and high schools across Idaho, environmental educators from Idaho organizations such as zoos, museums, and outdoor education facilities, and parks personnel from state and national parks in Idaho and Wyoming. Bringing together such a wide range of educators with a variety of audiences is what makes Earth to Sky such a special program. Participants were able to learn and collaborate with each other about the unique perspectives and challenges from their individual organizations, while working towards the same goal of communicating the latest in climate science to make positive changes in their local communities.
The opportunity to learn about the climate research being conducted by scientists from NASA and NPS was incorporated throughout the workshop
Presentations included the latest in climate science data shared by scientists from NASA and the National Parks Service, including an opportunity to “speed date a NASA scientist” where participants could ask a panel of scientists questions. These scientists shared climate solutions that are being worked on currently, and ideas that everyone can do to help as well. Much of the data presented reflected the effects of climate change through increased temperatures, reduced snowpacks and peak stream flows earlier in the year, which are impacting a variety of species negatively.
A highlight from the week was the field day where participants explored the incredible wilderness of Grand Teton National Park. Educators learned how to recognize signs of local wildlife, including moose and beaver, and observed the impacts of climate change on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Participants spent a day outdoors learning about the impacts of climate change on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The idea of “objects of care” was introduced as a way for educators to help their audiences connect more personally with climate science. Once someone has connected with a specific species or place, they are much more likely to care about how climate change is impacting it. For example, many participants felt more connected to beavers after hearing them chewing wood inside their dens during the field day. Learning about the adaptive capacity of the Pika and other species from Dr. Beever was impactful for many of the educators as well.
Participants were also given time to collaborate with each other while exploring a wealth of resources and ideas from NASA. These resources will be used to create lessons and projects to educate participant’s local communities about climate change, and connect them to the natural world around them.
This year’s professional development experience was organized by The Watershed in Boise, which is transforming into the nation's first water and climate education center. This workshop was made possible by generous grants from Idaho STEM Action Center and NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium. If you are interested in participating in next year’s workshop or would like to learn more about the resources offered by Earth to Sky, create a profile on the Earth to Sky website today.
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