Region 8
Environmental Education
National Information
Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues or problems. In doing so, it provides the public with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and take responsible action.
Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues or problems. In doing so, it provides the public with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and take responsible action.
A primary desired outcome of environmental education programs is environmental literacy. Through the many programs funded and led by EPA, people of all ages and backgrounds are being provided multiple experiences that foster development of the combination of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be environmentally literate. Because environmental education is a process, it cannot in itself improve the environment, such as by enhancing local air or water quality. Instead, environmental education provides the capability and skills over time to analyze environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to sustain and improve the environment. As a result, individuals are more capable of weighing various sides of an environmental issue to make informed and responsible decisions.
The components of environmental education are:
- Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental challenges
- Knowledge and understanding of the environment and environmental challenges
- Attitudes of concern for the environment and motivation to improve or maintain environmental quality
- Skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges
- Participation in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental challenges
Environmental education does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course of action. Rather, environmental education teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of an issue through critical thinking and it enhances their own problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Regional Highlights, News and Resources
Some of the sites listed on this page are not on the EPA Web site. Please see our disclaimer information
Film on mountain pine beetle and its effects in the Rocky Mountains
Lesson on mountain pine beetle
-Sustainability slide presentations for educators:
Sustainability slides you can use in your presentations: by David Schaller, Region 8, US EPA (PDF, 2585K, 62 Slides, About PDF files )
Sustainability Presentation for High School Teachers: by Dan Chiras (PDF, 7829K, 44 Slides, About PDF files )
Slide Captions (PDF, 17K, 1 pg)
-EPA Ambassadors
EPA Region 8 employees, on a limited basis, are available to present environmental information and topics to schools, community groups, local governments and non-profits. EPA can also host booths at community events and hand out environmental information. EPA Ambassadors can present pre-prepared topic-specific presentations or work with your organization on content. We have a wide variety of materials available to bring to your event.
-Student Tours/ Library Visits:
EPA will offer tours of the building to middle and high school students and library visits and readings to elementary students. Teachers must demonstrate curricula involving green building and environmental education. Please contact Wendy Dew for more information.
-Also visit the Kids website about our Region 8 Green Building!
-The Tribal Environmental Education Outreach Program is part of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) at Northern Arizona University. The purpose of the Environmental Education Outreach Program (EEOP) is to interest Native American students in environmental careers and to assist schools in improving environmental science literacy.
Rocky Mountain and Plains Environmental Education Collaborative
What is the Collaborative?
Collaboration is a process defined by the recursive interaction of knowledge and mutual learning between two or more people who are working together, in an intellectual endeavor, toward a common goal which is typically creative in nature. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Collaborative will be a very informal group that will perform most of its activities electronically. The Collaborative is not meant to recreate or duplicate any existing effort, but to simply act as a portal for Regional information and collaboration.
Why a Collaborative?
Many states in our region have advanced Environmental Education Associations. Some states are just starting EE groups and some states do not have an official group. Many NGOs and government organizations also have organized EE groups. At the national level we have EE groups such as NAAEE, however a group at the regional level would act as an intermediate between many local groups and larger national groups. A Regional Collaborative would help disseminate information from both the national level and the local level. The Collaborative could assist in helping all groups in developing new ideas, learning from others and understanding best practices. The Collaborative could also act as a host for state level programs that could grow into a Regional effort (film festivals, annual meetings, etc.) The Regional Collaborative may also assist local groups in accessing and sharing resources.
What Activities will the Collaborative Undertake?
-website- the Collaborative information will live on the EPA Region 8 EE Website. Information will include regional resources, events, news and opportunities.
-e-mail list- regular informative e-mails will go out to the group, including regional resources, events, news and opportunities. Recipients can sign up online for e-mails.
-quarterly phone call meetings
-annual meeting
Looking for Climate Change 101 Information to use in your classroom/organization?
EPA's A Student's Guide to Climate Change
Grade School: National Wildlife Federation Climate Classroom Slideshow and Presenter's Guide
Climate Change Can Change the West, Rocky Mountain Climate Organization
Frequently Asked Questions about Global Warming and Climate Change: Back to Basics
Climate Change Video on YouTube
Join the Rocky Mountain and Plains Regional Climate Science Education Collaborative e-mail listserve!
Contact Information:
Wendy Dew
Region 8 Environmental Education Coordinator
1595 Wynkoop St, 8OC
Denver, CO 80202 -1129
Phone: 303-312-6605 or 1-800-227-8917 (Region 8 states only)
E-mail: dew.wendy@epa.gov
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