Our most recent events can be found by scrolling toward the bottom of this page.
Introduction to Climate Change
June 11, 2024, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Zoom
This is a basic introduction to climate change for any educators wanting to improve their background knowledge. The session will present climate change as simple, serious, and solvable. The science behind the greenhouse effect, some of the more profound and serious climate impacts, and the most important climate solutions will be presented. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, and some tools for teaching basic greenhouse effect will be discussed. This session may be of particular interest to teachers of subjects other than sciences.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 3-5)
June 12, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m., Zoom
Grade 3-5 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the upper elementary level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards.
Coaching & Collaboration
June 25, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m., Zoom
Please join us online for some professional networking. We will provide a brief review of climate change education, a question and answer period, and time to work together in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts.
Transforming Relationships for Global Sustainability
June 28, 2024, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
This professional development session will explore issues in sustainability through the lens of transforming relationships between humans and the environment. Practical ideas for sustainability initiatives in schools will be discussed. Workshop time will be provided for participants to plan for sustainability initiatives in their own schools with the support of session facilitators and in collaboration with other participants.
We will be meeting in the Turrell Boardroom (Bey Hall 201). You will find Bey Hall (#26) on the campus map. The main parking area is located directly in front of Bey Hall. You may use this lot when visiting campus. Unfortunately, there will not be any food or beverages served during the event, but you may bring your own or visit the student center (#42 on the map). Please keep in mind that our beautiful campus is located along the Jersey Shore. Though many students enjoy this benefit, it may add a few minutes to your summer commute. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 6-8)
July 1, 2024, 12 – 2 p.m., Zoom
Grade 6-8 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the middle school level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards.
Workshop in Modeling and Using Climate Models in Teaching: Using the En-ROADS Climate Simulator for Understanding Climate Solutions
July 23, 2024, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
This session, which will be co-taught by Dr. Joe Coyle, a mathematician, and Dr. Catherine Duckett, a biologist and climate science educator, is designed for teachers of grades 8 through 12. The first part of the session will focus on modeling and using climate models in teaching. The second part will focus on climate solutions using the En-ROADS decision support model. En-ROADS is a tool that uses a slightly simplified version of the climate model used by the United Nations to help users understand the impacts of different climate solutions. In this session, Dr. Duckett will lead the participants in an activity that can be used directly in classrooms. En-ROADS also provides materials for teachers to use in their own classrooms. Some of these materials will be provided to registrants prior to the session. Come prepared to save life on the planet and negotiate with other participants to do so!
Wifi access will be provided, but each participant should plan to bring a laptop. We will be meeting in Edison Hall 201. You will find Edison Science Hall (#23) on the campus map. Please park in the main lot when visiting campus. Unfortunately, there will not be any food or beverages served during the event, but you may bring your own or visit the student center (#42 on the map). Please keep in mind that our beautiful campus is located along the Jersey Shore. Though many students enjoy this benefit, it may add a few minutes to your summer commute. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 9-12)
August 7, 2024, 4 – 6 p.m., Zoom
Grade 9-12 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the secondary level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards.
Experiential Learning Opportunity Aboard r/v Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe
August 16, 2024, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Please join us on Monmouth University’s r/v Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe for a day of experiential learning. After a boat safety briefing, depart from the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina and journey to Sandy Hook Bay and the New York Harbor entrance. Visit estuaries, practice using a trawl and/or a plankton net, measure salinity and Secchi depth, and more! Your guide will relate data you collect on your trip to climate change in our local area and generate discussion for creating experiential learning opportunities for your own students.
We will be meeting at 9:30 am at Slip #5, Pier 1, at the Atlantic Highlands Marina. You will find parking east of Shore Casino or at the SeaStreak ferry. For navigational directions enter “Sissy’s at the Harbor, 8 Simon Lake Dr., Atlantic Highlands NJ.” Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Participation will be limited to the first 15 to register. Priority will be given to teachers in partner LEAs. You will be sent a map showing the location of the slip and parking upon registration. This trip will be led by Jason Adolf, Ph.D.
Transforming Relationships for Global Sustainability
August 19, 2024, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Zoom
This professional development session will explore issues in sustainability through the lens of transforming relationships between humans and the environment. Practical ideas for sustainability initiatives in schools will be discussed. Workshop time will be provided for participants to plan for sustainability initiatives in their own schools with the support of session facilitators and in collaboration with other participants.
Coaching & Collaboration
August 21, 2024, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Zoom
Please join us for some professional networking. We will provide a brief review of sea level rise, a question and answer period, and time to work together in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts.
Introduction to Climate Change
September 4, 2024, 7 – 8 p.m., Zoom
This is a basic introduction to climate change for any educators wanting to improve their background knowledge. This session will present climate change as simple, serious, and solvable. The science behind the greenhouse effect, some of the more profound and serious climate impacts, and the most important climate solutions will be presented. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, and some tools for teaching basic greenhouse effect will be discussed. This session, presented by Catherine Duckett, Ph.D., will be a repeat of the June 11, 2024 event and may be of particular interest to teachers of subjects other than sciences.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades K-2)
September 10, 2024, 4 – 6 p.m., Zoom
Grade K-2 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the primary level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards.
Using a Climate Model in Teaching Workshop: The En-ROADS Climate Simulator for Understanding Climate Solutions
October 1, 2024, 3:30 – 5 p.m., Princeton School District Office
This session is designed for teachers of grades 6 through 12; it will focus on climate solutions using the En-ROADS decision support model (Energy-Rapid Overview and Decision Support). En-ROADS is a tool that uses a slightly simplified version of the climate model used by the United Nations to help users understand the impacts of different climate solutions. In this session, Dr. Duckett will lead the participants in an activity that can be used directly in classrooms, and discuss how to leverage the tool for learning and other potential activities. En-ROADS provides materials for teachers to use in their own classrooms. Some of these materials will be provided to registrants prior to the session. Come prepared to save life on the planet and negotiate with other participants to do so! A downloadable flyer of this event is available to share with your colleagues. The session will be held at 25 Valley Road, Princeton, NJ. You do not need to be a member of the Princeton school district to attend; this session is available to all teachers with preference given to partnering LEAs if space restricts the number of participants.
Lecture on Sea Level Rise
October 1, 2024, 7 – 8 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
The climate change driven sea level rise lecture will start with an overview of the Earth’s Greenhouse Effect and how it has contributed to sea level changes over the past 100 million years, followed by a discussion of present day sea level changes and the natural processes that will contribute to future relative sea level rise. The lecture will conclude with a discussion on how sea level rise contributes to more frequent and impactful nuisance flooding and coastal storm surge in New Jersey’s coastal communities. Time will be provided for questions and answers with the speaker, Tom Herrington, Ph.D.
The Politics and Policy of Climate Change
October 7, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Zoom
Climate politics and policy covers both domestic and international components of central political struggles as well as the structure of international agreements. We will also cover the rejection of climate science and other hurdles to mitigating climate change.
Coaching & Collaboration
October 23, 2024, 4 – 5 p.m., Zoom
Please join us online for some professional networking. We will provide a brief review of climate change education, a question and answer period, and time to work together in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts.
Transforming Relationships for Global Sustainability
October 28, 2024, 12 – 2 p.m., Zoom
This professional development session will explore issues in sustainability through the lens of transforming relationships between humans and the environment. Practical ideas for sustainability initiatives in schools will be discussed. Workshop time will be provided for participants to plan for sustainability initiatives in their own schools with the support of session facilitators and in collaboration with other participants. This session will repeat the event held on August 19, 2024.
School Leaders for Sustainability: A Panel Discussion of Challenges and Strategies
October 29, 2024, 6:45 – 8 p.m., Zoom
Many school leaders want to support climate change education and sustainability efforts at their schools, but they feel the challenges are too great to overcome. Three panelists representing different New Jersey schools will share their challenges and discuss the strategies that allowed them to be successful in their sustainability endeavors. Learn about successful projects in other schools as inspiration for what you can accomplish with your own teachers and students! This panel discussion is open to all, and administrators and members of boards of education are highly encouraged to attend.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
November 2, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Global Climate Systems and Human Society (Grades 6-12)
Grade 6-12 educators will explore the energy drivers of climate change, the effects on natural resources, and how these impact society. Real-world data transfer and climate models will enable teachers to closely examine resource availability and sustainable coastal ecosystems with both laboratory activities and field studies. Alternative energy sources will be explored as well. This workshop will provide the tools and experiences necessary to inspire student inquiry and problem solving. Educators will also learn how to utilize research-based frameworks to communicate climate science and facilitate solution development.
This workshop will take place rain or shine and will have both indoor and outdoor components utilizing NJSGC’s headquarters and Sandy Hook’s natural coastal environments. Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and footwear that may get sandy. Sunscreen and bug spray are always a good idea, as are hats when conditions are sunny and hot. Feel free to bring your laptop or notebook of choice. Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided, but please bring your own lunch and a refillable water bottle. All field equipment will be provided by NJSGC.
Location: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 (for GPS use “22 Magruder Road, Highlands, NJ 07732”; for directions, click here)
Native Plants for Climate Resilience
November 4, 2024, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Zoom
Climate Change and other aspects of extreme weather motivated by global heating will cause ecological instability. Human agriculture, planting, and landscaping practices can be further destabilizing, or by working with nature’s strengths, humans can plant for greater stability. Native plants, having evolved in a location and in ecological relationships with other native creatures, can stabilize ecosystems, slow the decline of animal populations, and potentially improve water quality and buffer flooding. In this session, we will review basic climate change and the major environmental assaults on plants and animals caused by climate change. We will study selected New Jersey plants and insects as examples of ecosystem components that average NJ residents can observe and impact in their home or town. We will review some common invasive plants, and participants will have a chance to use what they learned in an exercise to “fix Dr. Duckett’s yard.” Some concepts will be appropriate for teachers of all grades. This session will be presented by Catherine Duckett, Ph.D.
Coaching & Collaboration
November 16, 2024, 10 – 11 a.m., Zoom
Please join us online for some professional networking. We will provide a brief review of climate change education, a question and answer period, and time to work together in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 6-8)
December 5, 2024, 1:15 – 3:15 p.m., Zoom
Grade 6-8 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the middle school level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards.
Coaching & Collaboration
December 11, 2024, 3 – 4 p.m., Zoom
Please join us online for some professional networking. We will provide a brief review of climate change education, a question and answer period, and time to work together in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts.
The Politics and Policy of Climate Change
January 6, 2025, 4 – 5 p.m., Zoom
Climate politics and policy covers both domestic and international components of central political struggles as well as the structure of international agreements. We will also cover the rejection of climate science and other hurdles to mitigating climate change. This session will repeat the event held on October 7, 2024.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 9-12)
January 8, 2025, 3:15 – 5:15 p.m., Zoom
Grade 9-12 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the secondary level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards.
Coaching & Collaboration
January 16, 2025, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
Please join us for some professional networking. We will provide a brief review of climate change and human health, a question and answer period, and time to work together in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts.
The presentation will take place in Edison Hall Room 201. You will find Edison Science Hall (#30) on the campus map. Please park in the main lot when visiting campus. Unfortunately, there will not be any food or beverages served during the event, but you may bring your own or visit the student center (#26 on the map). Please let us know if you have any questions. The event will be limited to the first 35 registrants, with priority given to those in partnering LEAs.
***Cancelled due to lack of enrollment
Transforming Relationships for Global Sustainability
January 21, 2025, 3 – 5 p.m., Zoom
This professional development session will explore issues in sustainability through the lens of transforming relationships between humans and the environment. Practical ideas for sustainability initiatives in schools will be discussed. Workshop time will be provided for participants to plan for sustainability initiatives in their own schools with the support of session facilitators and in collaboration with other participants. This session will repeat the event held on October 28, 2024.
Exploring the “How” of Sustainability Transformations
January 27, 2025, 6:30 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
Addressing the climate crisis and related challenges provides many opportunities for promoting sustainability transformations. Yet significant questions remain about what such transformations might entail, how to support them, and how to sustain and scale these efforts. This talk explores the practical, political, and personal dimensions of transformation, drawing upon the model of the “Three Spheres of Transformation”. The talk also considers recent efforts to promote sustainability transformations, based upon the speaker’s work with university students and her on-going research on bicycling and non-motorized transportation infrastructure. The talk discusses implications and lessons learned from these case examples for fostering and supporting transformative change.
Robin Leichenko, Ph.D., is a distinguished professor of geography as well as dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Rutgers University. Her research explores the economic and equity dimensions of climate change impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation. Leichenko has led or served on climate change assessments for the City of New York, New Jersey, New York State, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The second edition of her book, “Climate and Society: Transforming the Future” (Polity Press, with Karen O’Brien), was released in summer 2024.
The presentation will take place in Pollak Theatre. You will find Pollak Theatre (#33) on the campus map. Please park in the main lot when visiting campus. Let us know if you have any questions.
Climate Change, Human Health, and Hope for the Future
January 30, 2025, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Zoom
Climate change is a public health emergency in many respects. In this session, we will review how climate change increases the likelihood of severe weather and its impacts on human health. We will review the major vector borne diseases that will increase under global heating as well as respiratory and heat-related illnesses. We will also discuss the co-benefits to human health of some climate mitigation strategies such as electric cars and stoves. Climate Anxiety and Climate Dread are among the mental health challenges worsened by climate change we will also discuss hopeful signs and events. At the end of the session, participants will work with other teachers at their grade level to brainstorm appropriate lessons for their students.
This event was originally scheduled for Dec. 3 but has been postponed and moved to Zoom due to scheduling conflicts.
Climate Challenge: Setting and Reaching Sustainable Goals for ELA Climate Education (Grades K-12)
February 3, 2025, 4:30-5:30, Zoom
This professional development session will focus on implementing a sustainability challenge into the classroom with attention to ELA learning standards, maintaining optimism, and promoting activism. This assignment encourages students to make sustainable decisions in their lives and to develop their abilities to speak and write effectively on climate change at the local and global level. The modeled assignment will explore the personal, political, and practical dimensions of sustainability, and so we find it paramount to promote a hopeful outlook of the future to our students so they understand the individual difference they can make. We will also provide example activities, prompts, and objectives necessary for implementing this assignment with variations for all grade band groups (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12). This event is suitable for administrators and teachers of all grade levels.
This is a follow-up session to the Climate Teach-In on January 27th, 2025: “Exploring the ‘How’ of Sustainability Transformations” with Robin Leichenko, Ph.D.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades K-2)
February 10, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Zoom
Grade K-2 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the primary level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
February 12, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Climate Change and the Ocean (Grades 6-12)
Grade 6-12 educators will explore the science of climate change in greater depth, and how it affects the chemical and physical properties of the ocean. Using models, topics such as storm surge, ocean acidification and sea level rise will be explored with both laboratory activities and field studies. This workshop will provide the tools and experiences necessary to inspire student inquiry and problem solving. Educators will also learn how to utilize research-based framework to communicate climate science and facilitate solution development.
This workshop will take place rain or shine and will have both indoor and outdoor components (weather permitting) utilizing NJSGC’s headquarters and Sandy Hook’s natural coastal environments. Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and footwear that may get sandy. Feel free to bring your laptop or notebook of choice. Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided, but please bring your own lunch and a refillable water bottle. All materials and field equipment will be provided by NJSGC. Due to this event falling on a workday, teachers will not be paid to attend, however, school districts may request reimbursement for substitute teachers.
Location: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 (for GPS use “22 Magruder Road, Highlands, NJ 07732”; for directions, click here)
Biodiversity and Climate Change Impacts
February 18, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Zoom
Climate change is an emergency for many plants and animals and causes them to become stressed and lose habitat for living and breeding. Climate change also causes ecological mismatches between organisms in symbiotic relationships, such as pollinators and plants or animals and the plants or animals they feed on. Many different biological examples of current climate impacts on the living world will be discussed as well as solutions to the climate mediated biodiversity crisis. This session is appropriate for middle and high school teachers as well as for others who just want to deepen their own understanding of the threats to life on Earth.
This event was originally scheduled for Feb. 4 but has been postponed and moved to Zoom due to scheduling conflicts.
Coaching & Collaboration
February 21, 2025, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Zoom
Please join us online for some professional networking. We will provide a brief review of climate change education, a question and answer period, and time to work together in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts. Due to this event falling on a workday, teachers will not be paid to attend, however, school districts may request reimbursement for substitute teachers.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, Monmouth County
February 26, 2025, 2 – 4 p.m.
Natural Climate Solutions
There is a growing sense of urgency that we must work on climate change and impact on multiple levels. Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in alternative and renewable energy economies, and household efficiencies are important. At the same time, protection and stewardship of natural landscapes also offers multiple benefits. Natural climate solutions offer immediate and cost-effective ways to address the climate crisis. Natural climate solutions include habitat restoration, wetland protection, supporting natural landscapes, agricultural practices, and land conservation. Participants will explore principles and primary examples of natural climate solutions and how these can connect to examples in our communities, neighborhoods, and schoolyards.
Location: Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. 1 Eldridge Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501
***Cancelled due to lack of enrollment
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
February 28, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Build Your Confidence in Teaching Climate Science – Ocean Processes Focus (K-5)
Grade K-5 teachers are invited to explore the basics of climate science and effective ways to teach climate change to their elementary school students. Ocean processes will be the focus of this workshop as educators learn about the factors that shape our coastlines by exploring currents, wave action, sediment erosion/accretion, and physical and chemical characteristics of the ocean. Enhance your curriculum with new classroom activities and hands-on outdoor experiential learning. This workshop will provide the tools and experiences necessary to inspire student curiosity and motivation to work collaboratively towards solutions in reducing climate change impacts. Educators will also learn how to utilize research-based frameworks to approach discussions on this sometimes-difficult topic.
This workshop will take place rain or shine and will have both indoor and outdoor components utilizing NJSGC’s headquarters and Sandy Hook’s natural coastal environments. Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and footwear that may get sandy. Sunscreen and bug spray are always a good idea, as are hats when conditions are sunny and hot. Feel free to bring your laptop or notebook of choice. Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided, but please bring your own lunch and a refillable water bottle. All field equipment will be provided by NJSGC. Due to this event falling on a workday, teachers will not be paid to attend, however, school districts may request reimbursement for substitute teachers.
Location: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 (for GPS use “22 Magruder Road, Highlands, NJ 07732”; for directions, click here)
***Cancelled due to lack of enrollment
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Mercer County
March 1, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Exploring Climate Change through Leave No Trace (LNT)
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a framework for responsible use and stewardship of natural areas. While our actions often have some degree of local or global impact, we can be aware of and attempt to minimize such impacts to protect and preserve resources for others to enjoy. Through a focus on Leave No Trace, workshop participants will explore how these principles can guide ethical and practical solutions for enjoying the outdoors, in one’s daily life, and in a climate-concerned world.
Location: Tulpehaking Nature Center. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton, NJ 08610
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Allaire State Park, Monmouth County
March 5, 2025, 2 – 4 p.m.
Natural Climate Solutions
There is a growing sense of urgency that we must work on climate change and impact on multiple levels. Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in alternative and renewable energy economies, and household efficiencies are important. At the same time, protection and stewardship of natural landscapes also offers multiple benefits. Natural climate solutions offer immediate and cost-effective ways to address the climate crisis. Natural climate solutions include habitat restoration, wetland protection, supporting natural landscapes, agricultural practices, and land conservation. Participants will explore principles and primary examples of natural climate solutions and how these can connect to examples in our communities, neighborhoods, and schoolyards.
Location: Allaire State Park. 4265 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Using the En-ROADS Climate Simulator for Understanding Climate Solutions
March 6, 2025, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Zoom
This session, which will be presented by Catherine Duckett, Ph.D., a biologist and climate science educator, is designed for teachers of grades 8 through 12. Teachers will focus on climate solutions using the En-ROADS decision support model. En-ROADS is a tool that uses a slightly simplified version of the climate model used by the United Nations to help users understand the impacts of different climate solutions. In this session, Dr. Duckett will lead the participants in an activity that can be used directly in classrooms. En-ROADS provides materials for teachers to use in their own classrooms. Some of these materials will be provided to registrants prior to the session. Come prepared to save life on the planet and negotiate with other participants to do so! This session repeats the event held on July 23, 2024.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
March 8, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Build Your Confidence in Teaching Climate Science – Human Impacts Focus (K-5)
Grade K-5 teachers are invited to explore the basics of climate science and effective ways to teach climate change to their elementary school students. Causes of climate change and impacts on coastal communities and ocean environments will be the focus of this workshop as educators learn about flooding and sea level rise, species migration and food chains, and renewable energy sources. Enhance your curriculum with new classroom activities and hands-on outdoor experiential learning. This workshop will provide the tools and experiences necessary to inspire student curiosity and motivation to work collaboratively towards solutions in reducing climate change impacts. Educators will also learn how to utilize research-based frameworks to approach discussions on this sometimes-difficult topic.
This workshop will take place rain or shine and will have both indoor and outdoor components utilizing NJSGC’s headquarters and Sandy Hook’s natural coastal environments. Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and footwear that may get sandy. Sunscreen is always a good idea, as are hats when conditions require. Feel free to bring your laptop or notebook of choice. Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided, but please bring your own lunch and a refillable water bottle. All field equipment will be provided by NJSGC.
Location: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 (for GPS use “22 Magruder Road, Highlands, NJ 07732”; for directions, click here)
***Cancelled due to lack of enrollment
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Trailside Nature Center, Union County
March 8, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Place-Based Learning and Basic Climate Literacy
Using the outdoor classroom (schoolyard or park) is an excellent opportunity to engage students in experiential placed-based learning. The outdoor classroom lends itself to creating environmental awareness and literacy across many issues, including climate change. Participants will review best practices for maximizing outcomes for teaching in an outdoor environment. Additionally, the workshop will focus on developing a sense of place through observation, data collection and mapping.
Location: Trailside Nature Center. 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Freneau Woods Park, Monmouth County
March 12, 2025, 2 – 4 p.m.
Place-Based Learning and Basic Climate Literacy
Using the outdoor classroom (schoolyard or park) is an excellent opportunity to engage students in experiential placed-based learning. The outdoor classroom lends itself to creating environmental awareness and literacy across many issues, including climate change. Participants will review best practices for maximizing outcomes for teaching in an outdoor environment. Additionally, the workshop will focus on developing a sense of place through observation, data collection and mapping.
Location: Freneau Woods Park. 360 Monastery Ln, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747
Coaching & Collaboration
March 12, 2025, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Zoom
Please join us online for some professional networking. This is a time to work with other district professionals in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts. You may also want to use this time to prepare for the culminating Showcase Event.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
March 14, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Communities and the Cost of Climate Change (Grades 6-12)
Grade 6-12 educators will examine the economic impacts of climate change on coastal communities and how some populations are disproportionately affected by environmental challenges. Topics such as coastal resilience, ecosystem dynamics, and biodiversity will be explored with laboratory activities and field studies (weather permitting). This workshop will provide the tools and experiences necessary to inspire student inquiry and problem solving. Educators will also learn how to utilize research-based frameworks to communicate climate science and facilitate solution development.
This workshop will take place rain or shine and will have both indoor and outdoor components utilizing NJSGC’s headquarters and Sandy Hook’s natural coastal environments. Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and footwear that may get sandy. Sunscreen is always a good idea, as are hats when conditions require. Feel free to bring your laptop or notebook of choice. Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided, but please bring your own lunch and a refillable water bottle. All field equipment will be provided by NJSGC. Due to this event falling on a workday, teachers will not be paid to attend, however, school districts may request reimbursement for substitute teachers.
Location: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 (for GPS use “22 Magruder Road, Highlands, NJ 07732”; for directions, click here)
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Huber Woods Park, Monmouth County
March 15, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Exploring Climate Change through Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a framework for responsible use and stewardship of natural areas. While our actions often have some degree of local or global impact, we can be aware of and attempt to minimize such impacts to protect and preserve resources for others to enjoy. Through a focus on Leave No Trace, workshop participants will explore how these principles can guide ethical and practical solutions for enjoying the outdoors, in one’s daily life, and in a climate-concerned world.
Location: Huber Woods Park. 25 Brown’s Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Twp.), NJ 07760
2024-2025 Culminating Showcase Event
March 20, 2025, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
Please save the date! The Monmouth University CCLC will host the 2024-2025 Culminating Showcase Event on March 20, 2025. This event is mandatory for all partnering LEAs and highly recommended for all other school districts. Teams of teachers, administrators, and groups of students are encouraged to create posters and other displays to share with colleagues around the state highlighting their accomplishments and progress toward implementing the NJ climate change education standards. The MU CCLC is prepared to assist with the creation of display materials. Please reach out to MUClimateEducation@monmouth.edu for assistance. The symposium for sharing accomplishments will be the main focus of the event, however, we will also be facilitating student-centered activities with prizes for K-12 students, sharing sessions with Monmouth Conservation Foundation, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, Ocean County Master Composters, and more!
The Showcase Event will take place in Anacon Hall. You will find Anacon Hall on the second floor of the Rebecca Stafford Student Center (#26) on the campus map. Please park in the main lot when visiting campus. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. on the Student Center patio. Each registrant (including K-12 students, teachers, and administrators) will need to sign photo release forms. These forms may be obtained by emailing MUClimateEducation@monmouth.edu. Due to this event falling on a workday, teachers will not be paid to attend, however, school districts may request reimbursement for substitute teachers. Additionally, we can reimburse the cost of bus transportation up to $800 per district. We look forward to celebrating with you in March!
The deadline to register on March 12th has passed. If you are attending, you can now view the Event Program for the Showcase. If you have any questions, feel free to email Dr. Michelle Schpakow, mschpako@monmouth.edu.