USGS National Wetlands Research Center: NWRC Education Page

NWRC Education and Outreach

Providing information about the Center's research, its partners, and wetlands in general is perhaps one of the greatest challenges facing staff at the National Wetlands Research Center. In addition to publishing, the Web, and the library, the NWRC communicates scientific information through education and outreach. Activities include scientific seminars, technical training, school visits with NWRC on-site tours, and special projects. Additionally, NWRC produces educational kiosks and CDs and sponsors workshops. Staff members work with many partners from universities, Federal, State and local government, and the private sector to achieve the Center’s mission.

Below, you will find information on educational opportunities and resources available from the Center, as well as a list of our partners. For more information, contact Gaye Farris.

Education

Environmental Education Digital Library – A joint project with the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA)
The Online Digital Library is a portal that puts Gulf of Mexico science knowledge at your fingertips. Were you ever curious what exactly is the “dead zone” in the Gulf? Or maybe you’re a teacher looking for information on estuaries for your class lesson? You’ve come to the right place!
Fragile Fringe Teachers' Guide - Assistance for educators who teach about wetlands
This material provides a basis from which a comprehensive study of coastal wetlands can be developed based on classroom needs. Users are encouraged to modify information and activities to accommodate different levels of students. For example, some activities may be used as demonstrations for younger grades or as hands-on activities for older students. Grade level designations are suggestions only.
Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network - A joint project with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA)
The GOMA Environmental Education Network offers resources that address priority issues identified by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (ecosystems, habitats, nutrients, water quality, and coastal resiliency). You’ll find educational resources, including lesson plans, reports, games, images, information on science careers and field experiences, cool projects, upcoming events, and more -- all in one location!
NWRC Educational Resources - Materials, services, and programs available at NWRC
NWRC Education and Outreach Collection – Books, journals, lesson plans and more available through the NWRC Library
To limit your search of the online catalog to the education and outreach collection, select “words or phrases” from the drop-down box, click on “match all words” and type education/outreach into the search box.
USGS and Science Education - Vetted links to online educational resources
The U.S. Geological Survey provides scientific information intended to help educate the public about natural resources, natural hazards, geospatial data, and issues that affect our quality of life. Discover selected online resources, including lessons, data, maps, and more, to support teaching, learning, education (K-12), and university-level inquiry and research.
WETMAAP: Wetland Education Through Maps And Aerial Photography - A joint project with Chadron State College and the NASA/University of Louisiana at Lafayette Regional Application Center
WETMAAP is designed to (1) introduce educators to wetland habitats, wetland mapping, databases, and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology; (2) integrate wetland issues into existing curricula; and (3) promote public awareness of wetland loss issues and provide an understanding of the causes and effects of wetland change. Check it out!

Outreach

Communicating Science - For science to have an impact, it must be communicated and easily accessible. The USGS National Wetlands Research Center communicates its research findings through several ways: publishing, the Web, the library, and education and outreach.
Outreach Strategies - Ways NWRC has traditionally met its outreach challenge
Partners - National, regional, and local partners

Training

2007 Training Workshop Schedule