Understanding data is a key component of environmental literacy, yet many students and teachers still feel uncomfortable working with data. In 2012, the Asombro Institute for Science Education and the Jornada Basin LTER in Las Cruces, New Mexico founded Desert Data Jam as a data-literacy and communication competition for high-school students. The competition introduces students to many NGSS data literacy practices, including developing models, analyzing and interpreting data, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. The Data Jam model engages students with local or regionally collected scientific or community specific datasets and teaches students how to analyze, and communicate the findings of that data in a creative, meaningful way to them(i.e. painting, song, or dance).

Come learn about NAAEE and NOAA's new partnership, eeBLUE. Together, we’re building capacity for environmental literacy by strengthening professional networks, disseminating best practices, and supporting high-quality STEM education.

Many EE programs like PLT and WILD have state coordinators. What would that model look like if we applied it to the Guidelines for Excellence? This session will share how four states have been working together with ee360 funding to develop state hubs for dissemination and training Guidelines Bureau members.

Whether introducing environmental education or discussing program planning, the NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence are a great springboard for classroom discussions and activities. This session will share ways that the Guidelines have been used in some college courses, and leave plenty of time for brainstorming how to use these resources more.