Release Dated: August 02, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicole Rom, Executive Director, Will Steger Foundation
Will Steger Foundation
612-278-7147
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Quick Facts
Event: Will Steger Foundation Summer Institute for Climate Change Education
Date: August 11-12, 2011
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Place: School of Environmental Studies, 12155 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd. Apple Valley
Call for more information: 612-278-7147
Web site: http://www.willstegerfoundation.org/summer-institute

Over 100 Minnesota educators, representing Grades 3-12 from communities across Minnesota will convene at the Will Steger Foundation’s (WSF) 6th Summer Institute for Climate Change Education. This year’s Institute will introduce a new curriculum and online classroom, Minnesota’s Changing Climate, with a focus on Minnesota’s natural resources, climate impacts and environmental stewardship.

“The information I gain at the 2011 Institute will update my climate change background knowledge as well as prepare me as a lead teacher for interdisciplinary work at my school.  I will mentor the two new science teachers in my department and facilitate school-wide immersion into the new WSF curriculum.” -H. Ferris, Earth Science Teacher, Roseville Area Middle School

According to a new report by the National Research Council that provides guidelines for science education, climate change are topics that all students should learn about by the end of high school. WSF has provided professional development through annual Summer Institutes that provide tools to communicate climate change in the classroom. A study by the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication concluded that effective climate change messages must focus on impacts to local communities. This year’s Institute takes a local approach to understanding the impacts and solutions to climate change in Minnesota. Educators will learn how to address misconceptions, use the outdoors to enhance learning and observation skills, and be motivated to lead and teach action projects on climate change.

“Today's students will be tomorrow's decision makers.  As teachers, it is our responsibility to make sure that our students have the knowledge, and, the tools to gather that knowledge to be able to make informed decisions. Climate change is requiring that informed decisions be made concerning human interaction with our environment.”-K. Long Voelkner, Science Teacher, Bemidji Middle School, Bemidji

Funding provided by Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, National Park Foundation, National Park Service and Mississippi River Fund.

About the Will Steger Foundation:

Established by Polar Explorer Will Steger in 2006, the Will Steger Foundation is educating, inspiring and empowering people of all ages to engage in climate change solutions. www.willstegerfoundation.org.

# # #