California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will hold its second Summer Climate Science Institute and Camp, which will bring together NASA scientists, climate science experts, local teachers and students for seven days of learning about climate change and the science behind it.

The Teacher Institute kicks off Monday, June 24. Eighteen science teachers from the Oxnard Union High School District, Ventura Unified School District, and Santa Paula High School will work with internationally renowned climate scientists and curriculum resource developers throughout the week to better understand climate change and how to incorporate NASA satellite data, research and curriculum in the classroom.

The Student Summer Camp will bring about 45 students to the CI campus Monday, July 1, and Tuesday, July 2, for climate science instruction and self-guided scientific inquiry.

The Summer Institute and Camp are funded by a $593,000 grant from NASA that aims to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. CI was one of only 14 institutions across the nation awarded funding through NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Program.

“Our goal is to spark engaging, new ideas that science teachers can implement in their classrooms to stimulate students’ passion for science,” said Dr. Bob Bleicher, a CI Professor of Science Education who obtained the grant. “Participants will hear from some of the nation’s leading climate science experts, conduct their own research, and form their own opinions about climate change using the best data and tools available from NASA.”

The Summer Institute and Camp are part of a program known as “PEL” (Promoting Educational Leadership in Climate Science). More than 30 biology, chemistry, and earth science teachers at 12 schools in Ventura County will receive instruction under the grant. The program offers the teachers access to NASA resources, prominent climate scientists, on-site classroom instructional support, university credit and a $1,200 stipend.

All Institute and Camp activities will take place at the Bell Tower on the CI campus. For more information, contact Dr. Bob Bleicher at 805-437-8508 or bob.bleicher@csuci.edu.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is celebrating 10 years of education, innovation, growth and community enrichment during the 2012/2013 academic year. We salute our faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters, and partners who continue the CI mission of a student-centered education emphasizing international and multicultural perspectives with interdisciplinary and experiential service-oriented learning.

Together, we are solving the problems of today, preparing the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and contributing to the vitality of higher education.

CSU Channel Islands – A Decade of Distinction