GSA Workshop on Teaching about Energy in Geoscience Courses
October 30, 2010, 8am-5pm, held at GSA in Denver
Registration deadline: Sept 27
Web page and access to the online registration form
Workshop fee: $70 (see the note about the GSA and Cutting Edge registration process)

In conjunction with the GSA Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, On the Cutting Edge will be hosting a one-day workshop about energy issues in the geoscience classroom. To address tomorrow's energy challenges our students must be conversant with both traditional energy and alternative energy sources, as well as a host of emerging topics such as carbon capture and storage, life cycle assessment, carbon footprint and energy return on investment. Thus, there is a clear need for effective approaches for teaching about energy topics in our classrooms.

This workshop is for faculty who teach about energy and geoscience and for graduate students who anticipate teaching about energy or are engaged in research about energy resources. Participants will learn about emerging science in the fields of traditional energy, alternative energy, carbon capture and storage and nuclear energy. The workshop will also showcase approaches for teaching about energy and provide a forum to develop new educational materials. The workshop will both build on and disseminate the results of a longer workshop that took place in May 2009, at the University of Wyoming.

For more information, contact Karin Kirk (kkirk at carleton.edu).

Teaching About Earth's Climate Using Data and Numerical Models
A virtual workshop held October 21-22 and 25-27, 2010
Application/Registration Deadline: October 1, 2010
Web page and access to the online registration form
Workshop Fee: $50

Note: The workshop size is limited to the first 30 participants who register.

This workshop is for faculty who would like to enhance their teaching about the climate system and climate dynamics by incorporating numerical models and model output data, and for those interested in sharing their experiences teaching climate change. This workshop focuses on the utility of numerical models in past, present, and future climate change research, and their potential role in teaching students about the climate system. Simple numerical models that are available online, as well as vast quantities of numerical output available in professionally collected databases offer teachers and students endless opportunities for data-rich instructional activities. Learn about resources available online, hear from other faculty with experience using numerical models in the classroom and develop or adapt classroom exercises and assessments for your own use. The workshop will consist of a blend of synchronous presentations, online discussions, work time and collaborative efforts. Prior to the workshop participants will be required to submit a learning activity or activity idea focused on using numerical models to teach climate change. During the workshop, participants will build on that activity, or complete a new activity or classroom assessment for use in their own teaching. Submitted materials will become part of the On the Cutting Edge website.

Please join us in forming a community of scholars who are interested in finding new and engaging ways to communicate the science of climate change!

For more information, contact Cindy Shellito (Lucinda.shellito at unco.edu).