Location:
Iowa

Description:
PEC is educating Iowans to take responsible action relative to global environmental changes. NASA funding, an NSF planning grant, Iowa Regents Eisenhower grants, Iowa REAP grants, University of Iowa CGRER grants, and a 4-H grant support the following components of the PEC program:

K-12 Formal Education:
Instructional programs which enhance teachers' skills and resources to guide students through an understanding of issues, content background (science, mathematics, geography, language arts), and responsible environmental action. (e.g. Exploring Climate Change, '96-98, Weather, Climate, and Me, '98-'99, Feeding the World in a Changing Climate, '99-2000)

Informal Education:
Two units, having the structure necessary for informal instruction, have been developed to guide youth to understand issues, background (science, mathematics, geography), and responsible environmental action. The Three Little Pigs Explore Climate Change, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears Explore Climate Change are available from 4-H for instruction of upper elementary and middle school age youth.

Communication:
An Internet system for communication among directors, teachers trained as school and district leaders, teacher workshop participants, students, and research scientists has been initiated.

Planning:
Using data from current activities and formal student evaluation, PEC's steering and planning committees will continue the process of statewide implementation. PEC is a model for integration of science, mathematics, geography, language arts and other disciplines as a vehicle for global climate change education.

Organization:
University of Northern Iowa
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Contact:
Carl W. Bollwinkel, Center for Energy and Environmental Education, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0293; Phone (319) 273-2783; Fax: (319) 273-7140; Email: bollwinkel@uni.edu

Education Level:
Kindergarten-Grade 4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12

Subject:
Climate
Global Environmental Change
Geography
Weather

Program type:
Curriculum Development/Support
Teacher Training (In-service)

Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00