Details
A Quest Event for teachers in grades 5-12
July 5-8, 2022, 9AM-3PM, Princeton University
What is the role of human activity in the changing climate? How do we know if a proposed strategy or solution for minimizing CO2 in the atmosphere will be effective? Climate change is at the forefront of scientific and societal discourse, and its impacts on the planet are more evident each year. As educators we can empower the next generation to make informed choices when responding and adapting to the changing climate. In collaboration with Professor Laure Resplandy, who conducts research on the global carbon cycle and its influence on the Earth’s climate, STEM educators in grades 5-12 can take a deeper dive into the complexities of climate change during this four day QUEST unit. Participants will use climate models to deepen their understanding of climate change as well as assess and compare creative strategies to minimize climate change and global warming. They will collaborate with peers across the state for a hands-on and minds-on learning experience at Princeton University’s campus, including experiments to explore geoengineering solutions using plants to offset the CO2 increase in the atmosphere and solar radiation interaction with the Earth surface. Educators will have the opportunity to visit the supercomputer center used for climate research at Princeton University. Throughout QUEST, educators will have the opportunity to work with cutting edge researchers in climate science and a lead teacher to reflect on their experience as learners and key “takeaways”.
This program will be facilitated by Professor Laure Resplandy, Princeton University Department of Geosciences and High Meadows Environmental Institute; Steve Carson, Princeton Public Schools and formerly with the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory; Danielle Schmitt, Princeton University Department of Geosciences; and Lead Teacher Kate Heavers, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District.