National Science Foundation Proposal
Wisconsin, one-time home to pioneer environmentalists such as
John Muir, Aldo Leopold, and Gaylord Nelson, has always actively
pursued knowledge at the forefront of conservation and
environmental protection. Today, climate change is no longer a
debate but an accepted global problem that needs immediate
attention. While advanced scientists research ways to mitigate
the global crisis, educating our next generation is key to
sustaining this quest to overcome such a global event. A recent
survey of 31 middle and high school teachers in La Crosse,
Wisconsin, indicated that 97% of them did not have formal
training in climate change concepts, even though 67% teach it.
While these teachers understand the urgency to instill climate
change concepts in the nations' students, they lack the training
and funds to formulate an effective climate change curriculum.
This proposal brings together University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
(UW-L) geography/earth science and education professors, sixth
through twelfth grade teachers, and administrators from the
School District of La Crosse (SDLX) to collaborate and create
climate change curriculum that aligns with state standards by
incorporating hands-on, inquiry-based lessons to educate future
Wisconsin and United States leaders.
Original proposal: RUI-Integrating Geographic Information Science into a K-12 Curriculum on Climate Change (pdf)