Western Kentucky University

The Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability (CEES) at Western Kentucky University (WKU) has been leading a three-year, $1.57 million project to integrate service learning into environmental education graduate programs at four state universities in Kentucky. WKU integrated service-learning into courses that make up the environmental education "endorsement" program. This endorsement is then added to their teaching certificates upon completion of their graduate work. The service learning courses can also be taken by other graduate students who are interested in non-formal environmental education programs. 

Featured Video

Resources Interviews on WKU Rain Barrel Project Interviews with the WKU Sustainability Coordinator and Assistant Superintendent of Bowling Green Independent Schools. Rain Barrel Image An image of a rain barrel that was created as a part of a community education project launched by WKU graduate students in an environmental education course. Rain Barrels in Bowling Green: A Continuing Saga of Environmental Service Learning A case study of the implementation of the Earth Force process in a graduate school course taught by Dr. Terry Wilson at Western Kentucky University. WKU Earth Force Rain Barrel Case Study - Interview with Terry and Robin WKU Earth Force Rain Barrel Case Study - Interview with Terry Wilson and Robin Hume

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University has developed two courses that include the Earth Force model of service-learning. The first course is taught as a special topics course through the College of Education entitled Service Learning as Pedagogy. This course models the Earth Force Process, providing graduate level practicing teachers and undergraduate pre-service teachers with an experience that allows them to see the process first hand as well as plan and implement a service-learning project of their own. The second course is an international service-learning course that takes graduate students to Costa Rica to work with Leatherback Sea Turtles. These experienced teachers are given an overview of the process and plan and complete a "mini project" of their own. 

Featured Video

Resources Concentric Circle Community Activity The Earth Force Concentric Circle Community Activity is designed to introduce the concept of community and the varying relationships that the students have with communities. The materials needed are a White Board or Blackboard and Markers or Chalk. Earth Force Process 25 Week Timeline Earth Force Process - Suggested Timeline - Once a Week Class/Club (45-50 minutes). This implementation was developed by Eastern Kentucky University Earth Force Process 8 Week Timeline Earth Force Process - Suggested Timeline - 4 times a Week Class/Club (45-50 minutes). This implementation was developed by Eastern Kentucky University EF Performance Indicator Mime Activity The Earth Force Performance Indicator Mime Activity is designed to introduce specific Earth Force project practices and performance indicators that are located on Earth Force Curriculum Handouts (LD-LF) EKU Students' Environmental Education Project This is a news segment on a environmental education project EKU students did with their local Humane Society. Helpful Hints for Facilitators of Earth Force Projects These are helpful hints for running a successful Earth Force project complied by the staff at Eastern Kentucky University. Using the Earth Force Curriculum at EKU A video using the Earth Force Curriculum at Eastern Kentucky University. What's in your Backpack? This activity is designed to introduce the concepts of policy and practice to your students. Materials include five drawstring backpacks with the following contents: a pack of gum, sample student ID card, post card, daily/weekly planner, playing cards, toy camera, pen, film canister with pennies,

Morehead University

Morehead State University's Center for Environmental Education has been actively engaging in hands-on, place based, environmental education since it inception in 2004. Taking the leap into active service-learning was a natural next step. We found the Earth Force model of student lead service-learning to be rigorous and engaging, which results in maximum connection between classroom knowledge and real world application. We have actively been involved with training teachers and assisting in the classrooms, as well as implementing Earth Force into our taught courses. 

Featured Video

Resources Lunch Room Recycling at East Oldham Middle School Interviews with students at East Oldham Middle School about their Earth Force project, which focused on recycling in the lunch room. Morehead State University - Learn and Serve Examples Morehead State University - Learn and Serve Examples

Murray State University

Within the KUPEE Energy Project, Murray State University has two components: Murray State worked with the undergraduate science/social studies block of classes and the instructors who were trained in the Earth Force Process and who used this in the context of their class. Roughly 125 undergraduates were exposed to the Earth Force service-learning program during the life of the project. Murray State also created an experimental class for graduate students that became a part of the regular offerings of the Center for Environmental Education, EDU 669 Investigation and Evaluation of Environmental Issues. There were more than 45 graduate students who were engaged in the process.

Featured Video

Resources Earth Force Inventory Worksheet A PDF of the Inventory Worksheet How Together Green Started - Interview with John Rufli Friends of LBL Executive Director, John Rufli explains what the "Together Green" program is and how it began. Interview with Dr. Joe Baust This is an audio interview with Dr. Joe Baust, a Professor of Environmental Education at Murray State University as well as the Director of the Center for Environmental Education at that institution. Together Green and Murray State - Interview with Joe Baust Murray State University Students work on the "Together Green" program using the Earth Force model and help LBL go green and save money. Together Green Project - Interview with Brandon Cornaby Hear from a former Murray State Student, Brandon Cornaby about his work with the "Together Green" program at Brandon Spring located in LBL. Brandon is now a Science Teacher at Paducah Middle School

Earth Force Resources:

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	Air conditioners: green buying guide 6/11
	An air conditioner buying guide submitted by Valley Charter School 10th Grade Science Students.		Environmental Guides
	Animoto
	A website that makes creating nicely edited documentary videos easy. Use the power of online editing.		Project Documentaries
	ArcGIS Explorer Desktop
	ArcGIS Explorer Desktop is a free GIS viewer that gives you an easy way to explore, visualize, and share GIS information.		Environmental Education
	Believing in Flint Youth: Beecher High School trail
	The Beecher High School trail, which was created by Dr. Don Hammond and his students, has become an outdoor classroom. WAtch this view for interviews with the youth involved.		Project Documentaries
	California State University Northridge Poster Symposium Project
	Students present their project using ArcGIS to map the abundance and distribution of the opaleye, Girella nigricans, in the Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary.		Project Documentaries
	Canopy Connections Documentary
	This documentary on Canopy Connections provides an overview of this unique project and provides perspectives from the children and teachers who have participated.		Project Documentaries
	Car and Motor Vehicle Emissions: Information and Statistics
	From the 'Cheap Car Insurance' site -- submitted by Valley Charter School 10th Grade Science Students.		Environmental Guides
	Chipmunk Creek Water Testing Project Summary
	A project summary of the water quality tests in Chipmunk Creek, a creek running behind Armstrong Middle School.		Water Quality
	Climate Hot Map
	Map illustrating local and global impacts of climate change. Produced by Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, US PIRG, World Resources Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund.		Climate Change
	Climate Institute
	Provides a comprehensive source for exploring the causes and impacts of climate change around the world. Organized by topic. Written to guide policy and action.		Climate Change
	Climate Wizard
	Interactive web site where students can map temperature changes, precipitation, etc, nationally or by state, over periods of time. There is also access to case studies, documentation and other resources.		Climate Change
	Community Partnerships in Youngstown, OH
	Vrable-Bryan talks about community partnerships in Youngstown, OH.		Community
	Concentric Circle Community Activity
	The Earth Force Concentric Circle Community Activity is designed to introduce the concept of community and the varying relationships that the students have with communities. The materials needed are a White Board or Blackboard and Markers or Chalk.		Community
	Conservation Works: NatureServe Climate Change Vulnerability Index
	The Index, or CCVI, provides land and natural-resource managers and policymakers with a rapid, cost-effective means of screening species' relative vulnerability to climate change.		Climate Change
	Discovering PLACE: Beecher High School trail
	The Beecher High School trail, which was created by Dr. Don Hammond and his students, has become an outdoor classroom. View this video to find out more about this project.		Project Documentaries
	Earth Force Inventory Worksheet
	A PDF of the Inventory Worksheet		Inventory
	Earth Force Process 25 Week Timeline
	Earth Force Process - Suggested Timeline - Once a Week Class/Club (45-50 minutes). This implementation was developed by Eastern Kentucky University		Environmental Education
	Earth Force Process 25 Week Timeline
	Earth Force Process - Suggested Timeline - Once a Week Class/Club (45-50 minutes). This implementation was developed by Eastern Kentucky University		Timelines
	Earth Force Process 25 Week Timeline
	Earth Force Process - Suggested Timeline - Once a Week Class/Club (45-50 minutes). This implementation was developed by Eastern Kentucky University		How To
	Earth Force Process 8 Week Timeline
	Earth Force Process - Suggested Timeline - 4 times a Week Class/Club (45-50 minutes). This implementation was developed by Eastern Kentucky University		Environmental Education
	Earth Force Process 8 Week Timeline
	Earth Force Process - Suggested Timeline - 4 times a Week Class/Club (45-50 minutes). This implementation was developed by Eastern Kentucky University		Timelines
	Earth Force Process 8 Week Timeline
	Earth Force Process - Suggested Timeline - 4 times a Week Class/Club (45-50 minutes). This implementation was developed by Eastern Kentucky University		How To
	Earth Force Youth Summit - Denver
	This is a video on the 14th Annual Earth Force Summit in Denver		Project Documentaries
	Edible Schoolyard Project: Green Bronx Machine
	Read about the Green Bronx Machine story on this page of the Edible Schoolyard Project website.		Environmental Education
	EE Linked
	More than a searchable catalog of internet links about environmental education, EElinked is a global community of environmental educators.		Environmental Education
	EF Performance Indicator Mime Activity
	The Earth Force Performance Indicator Mime Activity is designed to introduce specific Earth Force project practices and performance indicators that are located on Earth Force Curriculum Handouts (LD-LF)		Environmental Education
	EF Performance Indicator Mime Activity
	The Earth Force Performance Indicator Mime Activity is designed to introduce specific Earth Force project practices and performance indicators that are located on Earth Force Curriculum Handouts (LD-LF)		How To
	EKU Students' Environmental Education Project
	This is a news segment on a environmental education project EKU students did with their local Humane Society.		Environmental Education
	Energy Savers - Room Air Conditioners
	The Department of Energy's guide to Air Conditioners -- submitted by Valley Charter School 10th Grade Science Students.		Environmental Guides
	EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) - Climate Basics
	Frequently asked questions about climate change from EPA		Climate Change
	EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) - Climate Change Resources
	Includes basic information, policy, climate economics, as well as information specific to where you live		Climate Change
	EPA's Surf Your Watershed
	EPA's Surf Your Watershed		Water Quality
	Estuary Live
	A collection of estuary related educational videos.		Water Quality
	Exploratarium - Global Climate Change Research Explorer
	Produced by the National Science Foundation, this web module explores how climate change is impacting the different "spheres" of our planet.		Climate Change
	Fisheries Learning on the Web
	Fisheries Learning on the Web (FLOW) is a comprehensive curriculum about the Great Lakes ecosystem with three core units: Food Web, Water and Fish. Geared toward upper elementary and middle school educators, standards-based lesson content features hands-on activities.		Environmental Education
	Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States
	Comprehensive report of potential impacts of climate change around the US. Produced by interagency task force. Downloadable as PDF.		Climate Change
	Go Green Overview at Grand Prairie Independent School District
	Students in Grand Prairie ISD are part of an environmental awareness program from kindergarten through graduation. This overview was presented at the Go Green National Meeting.		Environmental Education
	Google Earth: Impact of Climate Change
	"Google Earth video tour with Kofi Annan explaining the effects of our changing climate, and how individuals are working to cope with them." - includes links to lesson plans submitted by educators and to other Google Earth climate change videos		Climate Change
	Great Ways to Go Green!
	Pacific Lutheran University's Green Guide -- submitted by Valley Charter School 10th Grade Science Students.		Environmental Guides
	Green Furniture
	A green furniture guide submitted by Valley Charter School 10th Grade Science Students.		Environmental Guides
	GREEN Hands-On Center
	The GREEN Hands-On Center helps you understand your water quality tests and learn more about why they are so important for indicating the health of your watershed. Make sure you answer the questions at the end of each section since they will help you identify the policies and practices that you can change to protect your watershed. They may even get you thinking about the source of your water quality problem and move you to action!		Water Quality
	Guide to Volunteer Stream Monitoring
	This new guide will help potential volunteers decide if and how they might want to begin monitoring. Besides offering information about methods and protocols, this comprehensive workbook guides volunteers of all level.		Water Quality
	Harvard University Center for the Environment - Future of Energy
	A video lecture series provided by Harvard on the future of energy and opportunities for innovation.		Climate Change
	Healthy Water Healthy People Field Monitoring Guide
	This 100-page manual serves as a technical reference for the Healthy Water, Healthy People Water Quality Educators Guide and the Healthy Water Healthy People Testing Kits. Yielding in-depth information about ten water quality parameters, it answers questions about water quality testing using technical overviews, data interpretation guidelines, case studies, chemical formulas, testing kit activities, laboratory demonstrations and much more. The Healthy Water Healthy People Testing Kits, customized by the Hach Company, balance classroom experiences with field investigations. The testing kits range from simple test strips to high-end colorimeters that measure contaminants in parts per million.		Water Quality
	Helpful Hints for Facilitators of Earth Force Projects
	These are helpful hints for running a successful Earth Force project complied by the staff at Eastern Kentucky University.		Environmental Education
	Helpful Hints for Facilitators of Earth Force Projects
	These are helpful hints for running a successful Earth Force project complied by the staff at Eastern Kentucky University.		How To
	How Together Green Started - Interview with John Rufli
	Friends of LBL Executive Director, John Rufli explains what the "Together Green" program is and how it began.		Environmental Education
	How Together Green Started - Interview with John Rufli
	Friends of LBL Executive Director, John Rufli explains what the "Together Green" program is and how it began.		Partnership
	Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
	The leading authority on climate change, the IPCC is a group of scientists and researchers from around the world that provide a clear scientific view on the current state of climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts .		Climate Change
	Interview with Dr. Joe Baust
	This is an audio interview with Dr. Joe Baust, a Professor of Environmental Education at Murray State University as well as the Director of the Center for Environmental Education at that institution.		Environmental Education
	Interview with Loree Harvey
	In this River Watch of Colorado video, Barb Horn interviews teacher Loree Harvey about being involved with River Wach.		Partnership
	Interviews on WKU Rain Barrel Project
	Interviews with the WKU Sustainability Coordinator and Assistant Superintendent of Bowling Green Independent Schools.		Community
	Interviews on WKU Rain Barrel Project
	Interviews with the WKU Sustainability Coordinator and Assistant Superintendent of Bowling Green Independent Schools.		Partnership
	Learning Landscapes
	Through the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management, "Learning Landscapes" showcases exciting events, opportunities, and resources on America's Public Lands.		Community
	LearnNPS: Interpretation and Education from the National Park Service
	LearnNPS offers curriculum, fun and games, a guide to park Junior Ranger programs and a host of other fun and educational media created by the National Park Service and its partners		How To
	Leçon sur l'éducation environnementale
	DEFINITION: Qu'est ce que l'environnement? Selon le Dictionnaire LAROUSSE,l'environnement est l'entourage.L'entourage de tout ce qui est autour de nous,ou tout ce qui nous entoure.C'est aussi l'ensemble des conditions naturelles et culturelles qui agissent sur les êtres vivants et les activités humaines.		Environmental Education
	Lesson Plan: AP Environmental Science
	A lesson plan for AP Environmental Science around measuring Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) from stream samples.		How To
	Live Video from Stephen's Classroom
	One minute video filmed live in Stephen Ritz's classroom featuring the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and State Senator Gustavo Rivera.		Environmental Education
	Lunch Room Recycling at East Oldham Middle School
	Interviews with students at East Oldham Middle School about their Earth Force project, which focused on recycling in the lunch room.		Youth Voice
	Mahoning Valley Environmental Successes Presentation
	A good example of a slide deck that shows the successes of an environmental program.		Project Documentaries
	MIT Joint Program on the Science & Policy of Global Change
	Climate change is a very complex issue that will have impacts on every single living thing on Earth. Massachusetts Institute of Technology has put together a research team of scientists and researchers from all disciplines to explore the issues. This site has a TON of resources including research papers, video presentations, maps, and graphics.		Climate Change
	Morehead State University - Learn and Serve Examples
	Morehead State University - Learn and Serve Examples		Youth Voice
	NASA - Global Climate Change
	Links to causes, effects, solutions, and interactive resources from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)		Climate Change
	National Geographic - Global Warming
	Complete with stunning photographs and graphics, the National Geographic Society provides an in-depth look at the causes and effects of climate change.		Climate Change
	National Geographic - Global Warming Effects Map
	Explore the impacts that are expected around the world as a result of climate change.		Climate Change
	New Jersey Envirothon
	The Princeton High School science team took first place in Forestry at the New Jersey Envirothon, a statewide interscholastic outdoor competition between 30 schools in Forestry, Aquatics, Wildlife, Soils, and Environmental Management.		Environmental Education
	NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) - ClimateWatch
	As the chief agency in charge of tracking atmospheric conditions, NOAA provides up-to-date data and research findings as part of their graphical "climate dashboard". Also provides a huge variety of datasets and graphs for older students.		Climate Change
	Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide
	This collection is comprised of more than 90 science-based, interdisciplinary activities, all of which are teacher-tested and classroom ready for K-12 students. Designed to meet national educational standards, Project WET activities cover diverse topics and disciplines. Teachers may select one or two activities to supplement an existing course or plan three to four week blocks (or more!) of in-depth water study.		Water Quality
	Rain Barrel Image
	An image of a rain barrel that was created as a part of a community education project launched by WKU graduate students in an environmental education course.		Community
	Rain Barrels in Bowling Green: A Continuing Saga of Environmental Service Learning
	A case study of the implementation of the Earth Force process in a graduate school course taught by Dr. Terry Wilson at Western Kentucky University.		Community
	Reef Environmental Education Foundation Project
	Educator Dominique Evans-Bye brought an aspiring marine biologist to Catalina Island to count fish for a REEF survey.		Project Documentaries
	Setting Up a Student Monitoring Program
	An example of a student monitoring program and the goals and objectives that should be addressed.		How To
	Skeptical Science - Examining Global Warming Skepticism
	Science is based on theories, so skepticism is healthy and makes science stronger. But there are several arguements that have been used to try and disprove climate change that are not founded on science. Read how those arguments are being responded to by scientists here.		Climate Change
	Steam Monitoring Photo Book
	Vrable-Bryan took seventh and eighth grade students from Volney Rogers Middle School on a field trip to do stream monitoring.		Water Quality
	Student Water Monitoring Program Initial Equipment Needs and Costs
	A list of equipment needed to implement a student water monitoring program with cost and source information.		Water Quality
	Students Use ArcGIS to Analyze Citizen Science Data
	Students used ArcGIS to analyze citizen science data from the Reef Environmental Education Foundation. They mapped the abundance and distribution of the opaleye, Girella nigricans, in the Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary. They classified fish abundance using the REEF categories of Single, Few, Many, Abundant with a cool to warm color ramp. A Before/After, Control/Imact comparison was made using Excel graphs to determine the effects of marine protected areas on G. nigricans populations.		Project Documentaries
	TED Talk from Stephen Ritz
	With the help of extended student and community family they have grown over 25,000 pounds of vegetables in the Bronx while generating extraordinary academic performance.		Environmental Education
	The Children and Nature Network
	The Children and Nature Network is leading a movement to connect all children, their families, and communities to nature through innovative ideas, evidence-based resources and tools, broad-based collaboration, and support of grassroots leadership.		Environmental Education
	The Natural Science Education Center
	The City of Grand Prairie and the Grand Prairie Independent School District hosted a re-opening ceremony after the recent completion of the park's renovation.		Project Documentaries
	This is the old Capital Region page
	The previous website for DC/VA has resource links, Youth Summit information, etc.		Project Documentaries
	Together Green and Murray State - Interview with Joe Baust
	Murray State University Students work on the "Together Green" program using the Earth Force model and help LBL go green and save money.		Environmental Education
	Together Green and Murray State - Interview with Joe Baust
	Murray State University Students work on the "Together Green" program using the Earth Force model and help LBL go green and save money.		Partnership
	Together Green Project - Interview with Brandon Cornaby
	Hear from a former Murray State Student, Brandon Cornaby about his work with the "Together Green" program at Brandon Spring located in LBL. Brandon is now a Science Teacher at Paducah Middle School		Environmental Education
	Together Green Project - Interview with Brandon Cornaby
	Hear from a former Murray State Student, Brandon Cornaby about his work with the "Together Green" program at Brandon Spring located in LBL. Brandon is now a Science Teacher at Paducah Middle School		Partnership
	Tonawanda GREEN Program Overview
	An explanation of the GREEN program in Tonawanda, NY, and budget information for creating a similar program.		How To
	Trinity River Watershed Conference
	Tracy Hollis coordinated the Trinity River Watershed Conference. Students were given the opportunity to choose their own curriculum on river science.		Project Documentaries
	University of Oregon Environmental Studies Program Winter/Spring 2012 Projects Page
	This website provides an overview of the ELP projects for this year. The lesson plans that past teams have developed are posted on their project websites.		Environmental Education
	Urban Environment Challenge
	Urban Environment Challenge Overview - PDF		Climate Change
	US Dept. of Energy - Energy Kids
	A simplified look at energy consumption in the US and a breakdown by renewable v. non-renewable sources		Climate Change
	US Dept. of Energy - Renewable & Alternative Fuels
	Data collected for the US production and use of alternative energy sources		Climate Change
	US Global Change Research Program - Wildlife & Wildlands
	Interactive site explores impacts on wildlife and wilderness by eco-region.		Climate Change
	Using the Earth Force Curriculum at EKU
	A video using the Earth Force Curriculum at Eastern Kentucky University.		Environmental Education
	Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual
	An online manual on volunteer stream monitoring provided on the EPA's website. A downloadable PDF is available there also.		Water Quality
	W.A.T.E.R. Case Study
	Youth in the Kearsley Academically Talented Students (K.A.T.S.) program performed nine water quality tests in Chipmunk Creek, a creek running behind their school, Armstrong Middle School		How To
	Water Quality Monitoring Supplies Checklist
	A checklist of the items necessary when looking to engage young people in chemical testing, biological sampling or physical surveys.		How To
	Water Quality Testing on Niagara River
	Students from Charter School for Applied Technologies in Buffalo, NY, took their classroom to the water to learn how to assess the Niagara River's water quality.		Water Quality
	What's in your Backpack?
	This activity is designed to introduce the concepts of policy and practice to your students. Materials include five drawstring backpacks with the following contents: a pack of gum, sample student ID card, post card, daily/weekly planner, playing cards, toy camera, pen, film canister with pennies,		Environmental Education
	WKU Earth Force Rain Barrel Case Study - Interview with Terry and Robin
	WKU Earth Force Rain Barrel Case Study - Interview with Terry Wilson and Robin Hume		Community
	Wonderful Wetlands Fieldtrip 2011 Lesson Plan
	Utilizing place-based environmental education and various forms of the arts, this two-hour lesson plan incorporates the use of a nature walk through the West Eugene Wetlands with four basic stations.		Environmental Education
	Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute - Following the Carbon Cycle
	An animated Flash video illustrates the carbon cycle and how carbon enters the atmosphere and oceans.		Climate Change
	World Youth Report: Youth and Climate Change
	Published by the UN Programme on Youth (UNPY) and focused on climate change, the report highlights the important role young people play in addressing climate change, and offers suggestions on how young people might be more effectively integrated as individuals and collective agents of change within the realm of climate change adaptation and mitigation.		Climate Change
	ZeroFootprint Carbon Footprint Calculator for Older Users
	Each individual on this planet contributes to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere -- when we eat, when we heat our homes, when we drive to school. Do you know how much carbon dioxide YOU release into the atmosphere each year? Use this simple calculator to figure it out and then find ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint.		Climate Change
	ZeroFootprint Carbon Footprint Calculator for Youth
	Each individual on this planet contributes to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere -- when we eat, when we heat our homes, when we drive to school. Do you know how much carbon dioxide YOU release into the atmosphere each year? Use this simple calculator to figure it out and then find ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint.		Climate Change