It's the teacher's turn to go to school and a group of area educators is getting a rare opportunity to take part in some unique workshops. Twenty-four teachers from area public, charter and private schools will participate in a week-long, hands-on environmental workshop in science labs, outdoor field settings and on the water.
The workshop will train teachers to implement the GLOBE Environmental Monitoring Program in their classrooms. GLOBE is an international program for teachers and students that gives students opportunities to learning science with real-world application.
Karen Meyers, assistant director of Grand Valley's Regional Math and Science Center, said the program is a way for teachers and students to do real science with a real purpose. "Teachers from all over the world are using the same scientific procedures with their students. They enter their data into the GLOBE Web site, which forms a database that is available for researchers around the globe. It also gives students a chance to interact with other students around the world," she said.
The workshop is sponsored by the Michigan Environmental Council and Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute and Regional Math and Science Center. It is supported through grants from the Dart Foundation, Michigan Space Grant Consortium, and Wege Foundation.
