CHANCE

07 February 2012
APPLICATIONS DUE ON MARCH 1, 2012
The application deadline for the Panama 2012 Field Course is quickly approaching! Visit the field course website to download the forms!
Apply Now »

07 February 2012
CHANCE 2012 - Professional Opportunity in Panama
Field courses advertised in NABT News & Views!
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01 February 2012
CHANCE has been chosen to receive the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE)2012 Outstanding Environmental Education Program award.
This award recognizes an exemplary environmental education program which could be used as a model.
Read More »

28 January 2012
CHANCE Field Course advertised on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website!
Since 2004, the PDE has been a proud partner of CHANCE. We're now looking to define our 2012 CHANCE fellows.
Apply Today! »

21 December 2011
Floating Filters: Hydroponic rafts may be a solution to Chinese water pollution
Featured Again! The student research from the China 2011 Field Course is on the Research & Discovery Penn State Newswire website, and in their latest e-mail newsletter.
Click Here to Read the Article »

16 November 2011
Hydroponic rafts possible solution to Chinese water pollution
The research collaboration of the students from the China 2011 Field Course was featured on the Penn State LIVE!
Read the full article »

Field Courses

04 January 2012 *UPDATE*
CHANCE is proud to present its 2012 Field Course Program - Global Climate Change:  Sustainability of Select Tropical and Aquatic Ecosystems with A Field Practicum in Panama.

Carry-out field research activities and explorations at select field stations run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI).

Visit the official website today!

27 August 2011
Chinese American students join forces for sustainable development
Read the full article on Penn State LIVE »

09 August 2011
Check out the new videos from the China 2011 field course! Click Here!

CHANCE FELLOWS

16 January 2012
Congratulations to CHANCE 2004 Fellow, Jennifer (Schriner) Paukovitch! In May, 2011 she received her Master's of Science Education from Lebanon Valley College.

Thesis project: An assessment of customized multimedia learning "research modules" in high school biology classrooms.

"The purpose for this project was to assess the impact of the customized multimedia CHANCE research modules on student learning of environmental science and ecological concepts as set forth by Pennsylvania's Academic Standards in science. CHANCE (Connecting Humans And Nature through Conservation Experiences) trains biology teachers to teach science beyond textbooks through personal research-based field experiences and computer modules that bring biological concepts and real world issues to life in the classroom." -- Abstract.

Several high school biology classes throughout PA were selected for the study, each having a slightly different student demographic, course level, and teacher. Half of the classrooms were taught selected biology concepts using only chapters out of the textbook, while the other half used the same chapters and textbook resource in combination with the CHANCE research modules that correlated to that specific content. Chapter test scores were compared between the groups, as well as a student survey. The results showed that the groups using the textbook and the CHANCE research modules outscored the textbook group on the chapter tests. The student surveys revealed students' thoughts that using textbooks alone as a learning resource can be overwhelming and often ineffective, while having the interactive component of the CHANCE modules helped to better understand and enjoy the content.

Jenn is presently a high school biology and environmental science teacher at Nazareth Area High School. Lucky students indeed to have such a passionate and experienced teacher. CHANCE is also proud to point out that Jen is a CHANCE research module author: Amphibians as Indicators of Environmental Change.

CHANCE Recognition

For the month of February, CHANCE would like to feature our partner, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT).

NABT is the "leader in life science education." Since its inception in 1938, thousands of educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the world, keep up with trends and developments in the field, and grow professionally. NABT's membership comprises scientists, life science educators & educators of all levels of experience and expertise. Check out our NABT's various sections, or communities where members can interact and learn from colleagues. Join today!

Featured Video

This video follows a few students from the CHANCE China 2011 field course as they research and analyze the impact of burgeoning development upon one of China's crucial water resources, Lake Taihu. After analyzing the chemical, biological, and physical characteristics, the results were disturbing: Lake Taihu's nutrient levels continue to be indicative of a eutrophic state, and therefore unsafe for human consumption.
Watch the other videos »

Resources For Educators

07 February 2012
ECO Camp - Exploring Careers Outdoors
The Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources is hosting a free, week-long residential camp for High School students called Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp (ECO Camp) July 8-13th. The students are exposed to various outdoor and conservation careers. Applications are due by April 1st. Please share the information with high school students who would be interested!
Learn More!

01 February 2012
The Outdoor Classroom and Environmental Concern are partnering up to present two great professional development Opportunities.

Wetland Plant ID: Know 'em and Grow 'em! June 28, 2012
This course provides educators with an understanding of wetland plant ecology and adaptations, and the resources to identify plant species in the field. Materials will also cover native and non-native species and planting tips. Educators will gain valuable tools to increase students' interest in wetland plants, and inspiration to construct schoolyard wetland habitats.
$40 includes course manual

Rain Gardens as Outdoor Classrooms! June 29, 2012
This one-day course introduces educators to the concept of rain gardens and their value as schoolyard habitats. Participants will understand how rain gardens benefit the environment by improving the watershed and how they can be used as an extension of the classroom. Participants will leave with the basic knowledge of how to plan, design and implement a rain garden from start to finish.
$40 includes Rain Garden curriculum

Space is limited. Please register no later than June 14, 2012.
$5 discount available when registering for both courses by May 1, 2012

Educators will receive 6.25 hours for Act 48 credit per course.

Workshops are held from 9am-4pm at the Outdoor Classroom, 1531 Mayview Rd., Pittsburg, PA 15241. For more information or to register please call Environmental Concern at 410-745-9620 or visit www.wetland.org.

31 January 2012
International Student Carbon Footprint Challenge
Get your students and classrooms involved with this international challenge to increase awareness of carbon footprints and climate change! Students can learn to calculate their personal carbon footprint, compare it to students' footprints worldwide, and discover what they can do to reduce their impact on global climate change.
Join the Challenge!

View all Resources For Educators »

Resources For Students

28 January 2012
China. The Full On Harvard Course.
"Malcolm Riddell at China Debate just did a post noting how Harvard University has posted online (for free!) a 37 class course on China.

The 37 lectures were filmed as they were given as part of a course entitled, China: Traditions and Transformations. The course was/is taught by William C. Kirby and Peter K. Bol."
Read more about the course»

28 January 2012
NRDC - China Environmental News Alert!
"NRDC has been working in China for over fifteen years on such issues as energy efficiency, green buildings, clean energy technologies, environmental governance and public participation, and green supply chain issues. This China Environmental News Alert is a weekly compilation of news from around the world on China and the environment." Read the News Alerts »

04 January 2012
Academic Earth
Check out online courses from the world's top scholars!
http://academicearth.org/

30 December 2011
Yaguara's Newsletter
Read how researcher and CHANCE collaborator, Aida Bustamante, is helping to save wild cats throughout Central America. Hopefully, we'll get to spot her and some of her cats in Panama this summer during our 2012 field program!
View recent Newsletter »

View all Resources For Students »