Educator Conferences

Earth Then, Earth Now
Our Changing Climate

This Educator Conference is designed to help educators teach today’s hottest topic, and learn how to integrate the science of Earth’s changing climate into their classrooms.

The Conference will explore how Earth has changed in the 25 years since Dr. Ride first viewed it from above. In 1983, when Dr. Ride looked down on Earth, she could see glaciers in the Himalayas, atolls in the Pacific Ocean, and rain forests in Madagascar. Since then, many glaciers have disappeared, some atolls are underwater, and the rain forests have thinned.

The Conference will focus on understanding climate change and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Sally Ride’s first space shuttle mission. How was Earth’s climate different 25 years ago? What changes are predicted over the next 25 years?

Throughout the Conference, educators will investigate the basic science behind our understanding of climate change, and global impacts—on the atmosphere and the ocean, on every continent and every ecosystem around the world. The conference will draw upon the latest science to present the story of our changing climate; it will include presentations by prominent scientists, hands-on activities, and current ideas for facing our climate challenge and creating a healthier planet. Participants will also learn about the wide-ranging career opportunities in this expanding and dynamic field.

During an Educator Street Fair, participants will have an opportunity to interact with federal agencies and organizations that are on the front lines of climate change research

The tentative schedule includes keynote talks by Dr. Sally Ride and leading climate scientists and panel discussions on Earth Then, Earth Now and on strategies to bring these topics into the classroom. It also includes workshops for teachers on topics like: “EarthKAM: Studying Earth from Space in your Classroom”; “Our Changing Weather”; “Our Changing Oceans”; and “Igniting Students’ Interests in Science Careers”.

Climate is an ideal interdisciplinary, integrating theme for education. Beginning with simple concepts and observations of weather and water, and building increasingly complex inquiries and investigation into the physical, chemical, biological, geographical, social, historical and even technological dimensions of climate, students and teachers have the opportunity to better comprehend the interconnectedness of this important topic and make use of this knowledge in their lives and in their communities.