Goal
To connect teachers to one another and to resources to enhance environmental science education in Wisconsin's 7th-12th grade classrooms. 

Objectives

• Facilitate a communication network for environmental science teachers
• Provide a model environmental science framework/course
• Connect environmental science teachers with access to resources that enhance their teaching (e.g., equipment, books, activities, people)
• Provide professional development opportunities for environmental science teachers

Network Development
The early stages of Network development have included:

• Framework Development - based on input provided during the 2007 vision session, an environmental science course framework is being developed. The framework contains topics that have been identified as important components of an environmental science course. The framework prioritizes the topics to aid those with limited course time and also suggests the order in which the topics should be taught.

  The completed framework will be online for all Wisconsin teachers to access. Educators will be able to share resources they use to teach each topic including activities, labs, assessments, videos, web sites, guest speakers, field trips, etc. 

  The purpose of having an environmental science course framework is to provide a consistent foundation from which environmental science courses in Wisconsin are taught. The framework will aid new teachers in developing environmental science courses, provide veteran environmental science teachers with new ideas, and facilitate the sharing of ideas and resources between educators.

• Environmental Science Summit - the first formal gathering of the Wisconsin Environmental Science Teacher Network will occur on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at UW-Stevens Point. This day-long event will celebrate environmental science education in Wisconsin. Take advantage of this opportunity to network with others, share your ideas, take pride in your work, and grow professionally. More information
  
• Vision Session - in the summer of 2007, environmental science teachers and stakeholders from around the state met to discuss the future of the Network and identify priority resource needs.
  
• Research - the investigation of environmental science requirements for teacher licensure, high school graduation, and university admissions
  Some findings
  
• Database Creation - development of a database including contact and course information for all Wisconsin environmental science teachers and others with interest in the Network. This will allow us to assess teacher needs and share resources.