Workshop

The NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), in collaboration with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), is offering a PAID three-day workshop for high school chemistry teachers. Held at the University of Minnesota, this workshop will focus on teaching chemistry through inquiry-based learning and connections to sustainability-related topics.

Developed through the University of Minnesota MRSEC Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program and Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP), the workshop welcomes applicants from across the Midwest. The workshop is in-person only. 

Participants will gain knowledge and experience with topics such as sustainability, green chemistry, replacement experiments, sustainable plastics, climate science, and chemical safety through hands-on experiments, engaging activities, computer simulations, and demonstrations.

This is a fantastic opportunity for educators to enhance their teaching practices while promoting sustainability in science education.

Apply Here

This workshop will bring together representatives from various green labs programs to share strategies for establishing and expanding green labs on university campuses. With the significant environmental impact of scientific research, it is essential for R1 institutions to implement green labs initiatives to help meet sustainability and climate goals. Green labs programs not only enhance lab safety but also equip scientists with essential skills in efficiency and sustainability, which are increasingly valued in the research field. These programs have proven to save institutions money and positively impact energy and water conservation, waste reduction, community building, and educational opportunities for researchers, students, and faculty. The workshop will cover a range of topics, including program setup, funding sources, stakeholder engagement, incentive strategies, and the structural elements that drive program success. Participants will have ample opportunities to ask questions, engage in discussions, and participate in smaller group sessions for deeper exploration and problem-solving on specific topics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Gain insights into effective strategies for starting and scaling green labs programs on university campuses.
2. Understand the environmental, financial, and educational benefits of green labs initiatives.
3. Learn about various funding sources, engagement tactics, and incentive strategies to support green labs programs.
4. Explore best practices for building a strong network of campus stakeholders to drive green labs initiatives.
5. Engage in collaborative discussions and problem-solving with peers to address challenges and share successful approaches.

Facilitators

• Kathryn Ramirez-Aguilar, Green Labs Program Manager, University of Colorado Boulder
• Ryan Weeks, Sr. Sustainability Specialist, Green Labs & Zero Waste, Johns Hopkins University
• Emily Colpack, Green Labs Coordinator, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Leoncio Lagarde, Green Labs Program Assistant & Outreach Coordinator, University of Colorado Boulder
   

Registration Fees* 

Individual (non-student) associated with an AASHE member organization* -- $95

Individual (non-student) not associated with an AASHE member organization -- $125

Student -- $50

Groups -- Full price for first registrant and 20% off for each subsequent registrant

* To check if your organization is a current AASHE member, please search the AASHE Membership Directory.

A limited number of scholarships are available to individuals who need financial assistance to participate. Please apply two weeks before the program begins (e.g., 2/20/2025) to be considered for a scholarship for this workshop.

Middle/High School Physical Science and Chemistry Teachers, you are invited to join us, as the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Belmont University announces a NEW half-day professional development workshop* this spring.

Build a spectroscope and ride the waves of light as we explore absorbance, transmittance, and the mathematical relationship among wavelength, frequency and energy in Wavelength: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of LEDs.

Why Register?

• There is no registration fee.
• Apply for a chance to receive a small microgrant for curriculum items, lab materials, or professional development opportunities that focus on green chemistry topics and classroom applications.
• Perform green chemistry labs, with an emphasis on preparation, student safety and chemical disposal.
• Receive a printed copy of both instructor and student versions of the labs taught at the workshop – including background information, lab procedures and analysis questions.

Event and Registration Information

• The workshop will run from 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, March 29, 2025.
• Light breakfast snacks will be available.
• Registration ends Friday, January 24, 2025.
• Register under Upcoming Events at https://sites.google.com/view/its-easy-being-green-pd/home

*Expansion of my sustainable green chemistry workshop series is made possible by support from Beyond Benign.

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The ACS Green and Sustainable Chemistry Summer School (GSCSS) is a highly selective week-long program for graduate students and postdoctoral chemists and engineers. Each year, approximately 60 exceptional students from North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean are selected from a large pool of applicants and gather for this fully funded once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The American Chemical Society pays for all eligible travel and program costs.

Organized and hosted by the Green Chemistry Institute since 2003, the summer school typically features more than a dozen expert instructors who share knowledge and skills from across a broad spectrum of topics directly relevant to green chemistry and sustainability. Throughout the program, students attend lectures and interactive study/project sessions, present posters about their own research, hold discussions, and spend time networking both with each other and the GSCSS faculty. Alumni of this program have gone on to become leaders in many green chemistry and sustainability-related fields and provide participants with an extensive network of professional contacts.  

This free, virtual workshop is designed to help educators effectively adapt and implement a new case study that examines the various considerations and factors driving greener innovations in the metal plating industry. One of the primary chemicals used in this sector is PFAS, which acts as a fume suppressant to control chromic acid mist during the chrome plating process. While PFAS reduces exposure to the known health hazard of hexavalent chromium, its health and environmental impacts raise significant concerns, underscoring the need for greener alternatives.

The case study focuses on the design of a new non-PFAS, non-PFOS fume suppressant, applying the 12 principles of green chemistry. It explores the implementation of this greener product in real-world applications within the metal plating industry.

This resource is ideal for educators seeking to enhance their curriculum with real-world applications that align with the academic and professional guidelines for undergraduate programs, such as those set by the American Chemical Society. Participants will learn effective strategies for using the case study to illustrate to their students the critical interplay of chemical, environmental health, regulatory, and business considerations in the design of chemical products and processes, fostering a deeper understanding of the factors influencing greener innovations.

During the 1.5-hour session, facilitators will guide participants through the resources, offer practical strategies for adaptation and implementation, and create opportunities for educators to share insights. The workshop will feature group-based learning, discussions, networking opportunities, and a Q&A session. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your teaching toolkit, engage with peers, and inspire the next generation of green chemists.

Workshop Goals:

• Educate participants on the interplay of the different factors influencing greener innovations including chemical, environmental health, business and regulatory considerations
• Guide participants on practical approaches to effectively incorporate the case study materials into their curriculum.
• Empower participants to adapt and implement the case study resources and expand their professional network.

Chat with us before, during, and after this workshop series in our Greener Curriculum Showcase Series forum! Hint: this forum is part of the January Scavenger Hunt Week activity!

📚 Register TODAY for the Bioenergy Research and Education Bridge Program (BRIDGES) Bioenergy 101 Virtual Workshop on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Build knowledge and engage your high school, community & technical college, and university students with free high quality instructional materials in renewable energy based on national laboratory research!

Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Idaho National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory, BRIDGES provides an opportunity for educators and students to learn about and prepare for the next generation of clean energy technologies. In addition, case studies represent actual DOE national laboratory research that will assist students to strengthen their research skills, improve their critical thinking, along with opening a world of new potential career opportunities.

Are you a program director for a sustainability or sustainability-related degree program? Is your five-year curriculum review looming… and maybe that process isnʻt working for you?  We know that sustainability degrees are different: interdisciplinary, community-engaged, career-oriented, justice-focused, and integrating climate literacy and resilience in the rapidly changing field of sustainability education.

In AY 2024-2025, AASHE will host a cohort of program directors who will work together to evaluate and update their sustainability programs using new program standards collaboratively developed by scores of stakeholders in the sustainability education community. This peer cohort will pilot program learning outcomes integrating the key competencies in sustainability framework, and the best practices that support them. Participants will complete their own program evaluation while working with other directors to further develop dynamic, context-sensitive guidance for the field. This work was developed by the pathways towards accreditation initiative and the Sustainability Education Community of Practice at the Global Council for Science and the Environment (GCSE). 

The Program Directors Cohort will be facilitated by Krista Hiser, convener of the Sustainability Education Accreditation Commission and will include additional guest facilitators and experts.

This free, virtual workshop for Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) signers aims to help educators effectively adapt and implement the ChemFORWARD module, which focuses on chemical hazard assessment and safer alternatives, into their curriculum materials. Chemical Hazard Assessment is a critical component when designing safer chemicals and coming up with safer alternatives to toxic and hazardous chemicals.

The ChemFORWARD module helps instructors teach students how to use the ChemFORWARD platform to obtain hazard information for specific chemicals, identify safer chemicals to replace chemicals of concern in research and product formulations and avoid regrettable substitutions.

During the session, facilitators will guide participants through the resources, offer practical strategies for adaptation and implementation, and provide opportunities for educators to share insights. The virtual 1.5-hour workshop will include group-based learning, discussions, networking opportunities, and a Q&A session.

The goals for the workshop include:

• Educate participants on the value of teaching green chemistry and toxicological principles, including hazards, risks, hazard assessment, and safer alternatives.
• Guide participants on practical approaches to effectively incorporate the ChemFORWARD curriculum materials into their courses.
• Empower participants to adapt and implement the ChemFORWARD module resources and expand their professional network.

Workshop participants interested in using the module in their courses will be given temporary access to the ChemFORWARD database for free! 

Event Details

• Who: Educators at GCC signing institutions
• What: A chance for you to learn more about the ChemFORWARD module and get your questions answered
• When: Thursday, August 8, 5 - 6:30 p.m. EDT OR Friday, August 9, 10 - 11:30 a.m. EDT
• Where: Online (we'll email you details about how to connect)

If you are a GCC signer, we hope you’ll join us for one of these sessions! Limited seats are available for this workshop, so registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Register below to secure your spot. We'll send a Zoom link and more information closer to the date.

The August sessions are open to GCC signers only — stay tuned for more workshops in our Greener Curriculum Showcase Series! 

The NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP) in partnership with the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and the Minnesota Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) will be offering a FREE three-day workshop at the University of Minnesota for high school chemistry teachers on green and sustainable chemistry. The workshop was developed through the University of Minnesota MRSEC Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program. Applicants from across the Midwest are welcome. 

While applications are now closed for 2024, we encourage interested teachers to visit the website and learn more about the workshop for future years:

https://csp.umn.edu/green-chemistry-workshop/