Submit your innovative climate change solutions in the categories of transport and mobility, energy, finance, social and cultural pathways, and capture and utilization by February 10. The Keeling Curve Prize homepage is here: https://www.kcurveprize.org/ and the application page is here: https://www.kcurveprize.org/apply. Application is online only. Application opened November 10 and will close when there are 300 applications per category or by February 10that 12 am GMT, whichever comes first.

Teachers throughout Florida have received in-service credits from their school districts for continuing education requirements by taking Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) classes. FMNP Core Module classes are 40 contact hours each. A total of 120 credits could be obtained by taking all three modules. The FMNP curriculum supplements the Florida Sunshine State Standards and student workbooks and other materials can be used in the classroom. In addition, FMNP videos can be purchased for use in the classroom. Student final projects can be incorporated into school curriculum and other educational programs.

For info on teacher in-service credits and more, visit https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/students/ceus.aspx

Find upcoming courses at https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/

Children are the foundation of the United States, and supporting them is a key component of building a successful future. However, millions of children face health inequities that compromise their development, well-being, and long-term outcomes, despite substantial scientific evidence about how those adversities contribute to poor health. Advancements in neurobiological and socio-behavioral science show that critical biological systems develop in the prenatal through early childhood periods, and neurobiological development is extremely responsive to environmental influences during these stages. Consequently, social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors significantly affect a child’s health ecosystem and ability to thrive throughout adulthood.

Download the free pdf: https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25466/vibrant-and-healthy-kids-aligning-science-practice-and-policy-to

The purpose of this program is to support research, education/teaching, and extension projects that increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs within broadly defined areas of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) sciences. Applications recommended for funding must highlight and emphasize the development of a competent and qualified workforce in the FAHN sciences. WAMS-funded projects improve the economic health and viability of rural communities by developing research and extension initiatives that focus on new and emerging employment opportunities in STEM occupations. Projects that contribute to the economic viability of rural communities are also encouraged.

Applications may only be submitted by the following eligible applicants: (a) State agricultural experiment stations; (b) colleges and universities; (c) university research foundations; (d) other research institutions and organizations; (e) Federal agencies; (f) national laboratories; (g) private organizations or corporations; and, (h) individuals.

For more info visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=323150

Healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral (MEB) development is a critical foundation for a productive adulthood. Much is known about strategies to support families and communities in strengthening the MEB development of children and youth, by promoting healthy development and also by preventing and mitigating disorder, so that young people reach adulthood ready to thrive and contribute to society. Over the last decade, a growing body of research has significantly strengthened understanding of healthy MEB development and the factors that influence it, as well as how it can be fostered. Yet, the United States has not taken full advantage of this growing knowledge base. Ten years later, the nation still is not effectively mitigating risks for poor MEB health outcomes; these risks remain prevalent, and available data show no significant reductions in their prevalence.

Download the free pdf: https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25201/fostering-healthy-mental-emotional-and-behavioral-development-in-children-and-youth

Adolescence is a critical growth period in which youth develop essential skills that prepare them for adulthood. Prevention and intervention programs are designed to meet the needs of adolescents who require additional support and promote healthy behaviors and outcomes. To ensure the success of these efforts, it is essential that they include reliably identifiable techniques, strategies, or practices that have been proven effective.

Read the report here: https://www.nap.edu/25552

Children are the foundation of the United States, and supporting them is a key component of building a successful future. However, millions of children face health inequities that compromise their development, well-being, and long-term outcomes, despite substantial scientific evidence about how those adversities contribute to poor health. Advancements in neurobiological and socio-behavioral science show that critical biological systems develop in the prenatal through early childhood periods, and neurobiological development is extremely responsive to environmental influences during these stages. Consequently, social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors significantly affect a child’s health ecosystem and ability to thrive throughout adulthood.

Download here from National Academies Press (NAP):

Vibrant and Healthy Kids

Aligning Science, Practice, and Policy to Advance Health Equity (2019)

From NAAEE:

Dear EE Advocates,

I am excited to share with you the newly launched Youth Outdoor Policy Playbook, now available online at youthoutdoorpolicy.org. The Playbook is a tool to help legislators and community leaders like you advance youth-centered state policies for outdoor education and engagement. It highlights existing and promising policy solutions, provides a platform for sharing and advancing new ideas, and connects cross-sector leaders working on statewide policy initiatives.

To develop the Playbook, we tapped the collective expertise and resources of NAAEE, the Children & Nature Network, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, and the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL). These partners shared their knowledge of existing policies as well as emerging initiatives that connect kids to the outdoors, environmental education, and nature-based learning opportunities.

The Playbook is guided by a Policy Framework that outlines shared values, key principles and innovative statewide policy strategies for increasing youth outdoor engagement. You’ll find inspirational case studies--such as the Maryland Green Schools Act and Oregon’s Outdoor School for All--supporting research, a bill library, and more.

If you are aware of additional state policy ideas that should be included, please email them to Robyn Paulekas (rpaulekas@merid.org). We will continue to curate the best thinking, planning and youth outdoor policy leadership. Additionally, if you have ideas for ways that NAAEE can continue to support advocates like you in advancing state policy, please reach out to me at any time.

A wonderfully extensive list of resources from NIEHS , brought to our attention by our own John Pipoly.

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/scied/teachers/index.cfm

Here's a smattering of topics just to give you an idea of the possibilities: