Professionals

K-12 Teachers

At Water’s Edge | A Sound Learning Teacher Institute

During this four day teacher institute, 8th -12th grade science teachers will explore and compare several unique coastal ecosystems through inquiry-based, hands-on activities, evaluating human impacts on these systems alongside scientists and expert environmental educators. Teachers will gain updated content knowledge and instructional resources designed to foster student learning of watershed science and stimulate awareness of actions that promote watershed stewardship. Content and activities are aligned with the NC Essential Standards for 8th Grade Science, Earth/Environmental Science and AP Environmental Science. For more information, contact Megan Rodgers at megan.rodgers@unc.edu.

Energy Literacy Fellows Program

This year-long professional development program will showcase current energy science, technologies and careers to enhance Energy Literacy Fellows’ ability to deliver energy-related content, conduct STEM-based activities and promote STEM career opportunities to students. Fellows will interact with diverse scientists and industry representatives to receive up-to-date, curriculum-relevant content and engage in hands-on, inquiry-based activities designed to support learning about energy. For more information, contact Dana Haine at dhaine@unc.edu.

Schools in Parks Teacher Collaboratives

In partnership with North Carolina State Parks, we lead the Schools in Parks Teacher Collaboratives, a year-long professional development program to foster increased confidence and sense of efficacy among 4th and 5th grade teachers in using outdoor science learning approaches in state parks to support their curriculum objectives. For more information, contact Sarah Yelton at sarah.yelton@unc.edu.

 Public Health and Housing Professionals

Environmental Asthma Triggers Training

This 3-hour training provides information on exposures in homes and communities that worsen asthma and allergies, as well as strategies for public health and child care professionals to communicate with their patients about reducing those exposures. Educational materials and hands-on learning activities are appropriate for professionals to use with vulnerable populations and varying literacy levels. For more information, contact Neasha Graves at neasha_graves@unc.edu.

Get the Lead Out! Sources and Solutions for Childhood Lead Poisoning

This 2.5-hour training prepares health professionals to address childhood lead poisoning in their communities. The session includes information on sources of lead in the home and school and child care environments and solutions for reducing lead in these settings. Participants will be briefed on state and federal policies, such as the CDC Guidelines on Lead and Pregnancy, and other resources that will help them serve vulnerable populations. For more information, contact Megan Rodgers at megan.rodgers@unc.edu.

Healthy Homes Training

This 4-hour training prepares health and housing professionals, childcare providers, and parents to identify and provide solutions for addressing environmental health hazards in the home. Training topics includes information on addressing lead, pests and pesticides, mold and moisture, and indoor air pollution. The training also covers why things like radon, carbon monoxide, and indoor humidity should be monitored in the home. This training is especially appropriate for professionals who conduct home and clinical visits. For more information, contact Megan Hughes at meganhughes@unc.edu.