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National Science Foundation

NSF is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. It does this through grants, and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations and other research organizations throughout the United States.

NSF NSF is tasked with keeping the United States at the leading edge of discovery in areas from astronomy to geology to zoology. So, in addition to funding research in the traditional academic areas, the agency also supports "high-risk, high pay-off" ideas, novel collaborations and numerous projects that may seem like science fiction today, but which the public will take for granted tomorrow. And in every case, we ensure that research is fully integrated with education so that today's revolutionary work will also be training tomorrow's top scientists and engineers.

Resources Suggested by the NSF:

	Climate Change Literacy Handbook The Climate Change Literacy Handbook presents the basic scientific concepts of climate science for non-technical audiences. It is an elaboration of Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Sciences, a set of seven principles and their underlying fundamental concepts that developed by scientists and educators. This set of principles has been reviewed and endorsed by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. Commentary and online resources follow each principle, allowing further exploration of key climate literacy concepts. The handbook aims to promote greater climate science literacy by providing an educational framework around the Essential Principles of Climate Science.
	Climate Literacy Essential Principles of Climate Science The Essential Principles of Climate Literacy" version 2 was released in March, 2009 with additional input from climate experts and federal agencies participating in the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. While the original focus was on providing a framework for K12 science teachers, the new version is geared to serve not only educators but all individuals and communities interested in learning the basics of climate science.
	Climate Change Collection Developed by a team of science teachers, climate scientists and learning experts who reviewed hundreds of resources for accuracy and effectiveness, the collection includes background materials, high-quality web portals, classroom activities, and reseach on misconceptions about weather and climate.
	Climate and Global Change - Windows to The Universe Windows to the Universe is a user-friendly learning system covering the Earth and Space sciences for use by the general public. The site includes a rich array of documents, including images, movies, animations, and data sets, that explore the Earth and Space sciences and the historical and cultural ties between science, exploration, and the human experience. Windows to the Universe is appropriate for use in libraries, museums, schools, homes, and the workplace.
	EarthLabs The EarthLabs project provides a national model for rigorous and engaging Earth and environmental science labs. Four units illustrate sequences for learning science concepts through data analysis activities and hands-on experiments. In the activities, students use satellite imagery, numerical data, and computer visualization software to explore Earth system processes. Additionally, labs include the use and development of quantitative skills that enable students to evaluate scientific results for themselves.
	Earth Exploration Toolbook The Earth Exploration Toolbook is a collection of computer-based Earth science activities. Each activity, or chapter, introduces one or more data sets and an analysis tool that enables users to explore some aspect of the Earth system.
	Online Course for Teachers Climate Literacy: Essential Principles for Teachers Online Course offered by CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder serves educators seeking knowledge about our scientific understandings of Earth’s climate, historical climate change, and recent climate change. Educators will also explore pedagogical approaches to incorporating climate science and related topics into their classrooms and programs.
	Introduction to the Earth's Climate K-12 professional development opportunity that enhances qualifications, competency, and self-confidence in integrating Earth system science, climate, and global change the science classroom. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), offers a suite of distance learning courses that build upon their face-to-face professional development workshops.

About the Conference

Explore Smithsonian research and collections related to the evidence, impact, and response to climate change. Alongside Smithsonian scientists and curators, you’ll look at the issues surrounding climate change from the perspectives of science, history, and art.

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Conference Produced by:

Generous Support Provided by:

The Donnelley Foundation
Smithsonian’s Office of the Chief Information Officer

Climate Change Blog

Spreading the Green Word at SITES October 20, 2009 Teresa Gionis
Smithsonian Education's Online Conference on Climate Change - Encouraging Positive Action October 15, 2009 JarridGreen
Post-Conference - Five Ways to Continue the Conversation October 2, 2009 JarridGreen