Free Teacher Energy Workshop Offered 3/3/16 in Victorville

Join MEEC for a FREE workshop about energy!  Share in the fun of learning about the basics of energy production while touring the High Desert Power Project as part of "Energy - Watts Up!"

Did you know that energy exists in several forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, electrical, and other forms? Participants of this workshop will learn first-hand from a High Desert Power Project Engineer how the different states of energy are converted into the power that we use in our everyday lives.

Each educator will receive  Project Learning Tree’s “Energy & Society” Program kit  (a $45 value) designed to help students develop critical thinking skills to make decisions about their personal energy use.  In addition to hands-on activities, the kit integrates music and dance to enhance the study of energy and correlates with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

WHEN:  Thursday, March 3,  2016

RSVP by February 25, 2016

TIME:  4:00PM-6:00PM

(registration begins at 3:45PM)

WHERE: High Desert Power Project

19000 Perimeter Rd, Victorville (located at the Southern Calif. Logistics Airport)

Space for this workshop is limited to the first 20 teachers who sign up so reserve your spot today!   To register: Contact Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist at: (760) 245-1661 x 6717 or email at: smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov

Key Issues Training for Teachers in June or July 2016; Scholarship Applications due by 3/30/16

The Mojave Environmental Education Consortium is proud to announce an exciting opportunity for Grade K-12 teachers to earn a full scholarship to attend The Key Issues Institute, a one-of-a-kind professional development workshop in Keystone, Colorado which integrates STEM, environmental education and experiential techniques this summer!

This once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity is made possible by the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District, Boeing, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics-Palmdale, the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and MEEC.  In 2016, three Antelope Valley teachers and two teachers from the San Bernardino County High Desert or Riverside County’s Blythe region will be chosen to partake in the Keystone Science School’s interdisciplinary five-day STEM workshop, which equips educators with the skills and confidence to explore local and global environmental issues with their students. Best of all, Key Issues is aligned to national education standards, including Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards!

Using Colorado’s spectacular ecosystems as its setting, Key Issues combines classroom time with outdoor exploration of the natural environment.  Lessons include lab testing, outdoor water testing and indoor lecture periods. In addition to enjoying professional networking opportunities with teachers from across the country, each participant receives a customized Lab-Aids kit to take back to his/her classroom.  Airfare, training, lodging and meals are included as part of the scholarship recipient’s award and participants may select to attend one of two sessions held between June 21 and July 24, 2016.

You are invited to apply for one of the five Key Issues scholarships available this year to local K-12 teachers.  You can apply by clicking on the following link:   https://form.jotform.com/52775101586963

The deadline for submitting application packages is Wednesday, March 30, 2016.  When completing your application package, please select “MEEC-Mojave Ed. Consortium” as your Sponsor, in order to be considered for one of MEEC’s five scholarships.  Only electronic applications will be accepted-no hard copies please.

For more information please visit MEEC's website www.meeconline.com or contact MEEC Executive Board Chair Violette Roberts at (760) 245-1661, ext. 6104, or via e-mail at vroberts@mdaqmd.ca.gov.

- See more at: http://meeconline.com/scholarships/2016-key-issues-institute-teacher-scholarships/#sthash.oDoK6BM4.dpuf

Range and Natural Resources Camp in June 2016; Scholarships Available

The 32nd Annual Range and Natural Resources Camp will be taking place June 19-24, 2016 at the beautiful Elkus Youth Ranch in Half Moon Bay, California. The camp offers students between the ages of 15-18 the opportunity to work with peers from throughout the state and is designed to offer an appreciation of the extent, importance and value of California’s rangelands and natural resources. Range Camp fosters an appreciation for several fields of applied science and management through interaction with university faculty and experienced professionals in classroom and field activities.

Students will address the importance of such topics as plant identification, livestock production, wildlife management, forestry, fire ecology, geology, soils, water resources, rangeland ecosystems, technologies used in natural resource science and management.

At the end of the week, students will be evaluated on their understanding of the materials, with the top two scoring campers being awarded an all-expense-paid trip to represent California and the Pacific Islands at The Society for Range Management’s High School Youth Forum (HSYF) held in conjunction with its national science meeting in St. George, Utah, from January 29-February 2, 2016. The third highest scoring camper will be invited to attend as well, but will need to find other means of paying for the trip. (Delegates must still be in high school through Feb 2017.)

MEEC is offering four student scholarships that will be awarded to attend Range Camp this summer. Scholarships include tuition ($450) and roundtrip airfare up to $350 per person. To apply, students must be enrolled in a school located within the MEEC boundaries of San Bernardino County’s High Desert Region, the Antelope Valley or Riverside County’s Blythe Region and be age 15-18 by the start date of camp. The deadline for application submission to MEEC is April 21, 2016 at 5:00 PM.

APPLICATION, PHOTO RELEASE AND COMMITMENT FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED TO MEEC IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP.  ANY APPLICATIONS DIRECTLY SUBMITTED TO RANGE CAMP CANNOT BE GUARANTEED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP.

 Please mail application to:  MEEC, 14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392.  Applications may also be faxed to 760-241-6271

For more information please contact MEEC Program Specialist Samantha Murray at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717 or via email at smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov.

- See more at: http://meeconline.com/scholarships/2016-student-range-camp-scholarships-now-available/#sthash.LBmJPeNL.dpuf

MEEC STEM Grants and Upcoming Activities in the High Desert!

Thanks to Samantha Murray for these items:

MEEC Grant-writing Workshop 9/24/15 in Victorville:

Join MEEC on September 24, 2015 for a FREE two-hour workshop spotlighting MEEC funding opportunities available to High Desert teachers!  During the workshop, teachers will have the opportunity to review MEEC’s grant application processes and walk away knowing the requirements for each of MEEC’s available funding sources.   Participants will  view sample applications for each program and have their application questions answered for the following grant opportunities:
EnviroBus Bucks Transportation Grants, School Garden Grants, EE Mini Grants, YELC and STEM Service-Learning Grants.

WHEN:  September 24, 2015
TIME: 4:30 PM-6:30 PM
WHERE:  Mojave Desert AQMD Offices, 14306 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392

Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.  To reserve your space today, contact MEEC Program Specialist, Samantha Murray at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717 or email: smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov.  Registration Deadline is September 16, 2015.  For more info, visit:  MEEC Grant Workshop.


Energy from the Sun Teacher Workshop 10/1/15 in Palmdale:

Thanks to a generous grant from The Boeing Company, MEEC’s “Energy From the Sun”  teacher workshops will  equip educators with the tools to enable their students to conduct scientific research utilizing solar energy, draw conclusions, and develop critical thinking skills while learning how to reach logical conclusions and solutions about our future energy usage.

Each participating teacher will receive a kit that contains a Solar Oven, Solar Panel Kit, UV beads PLUS standards-based curriculum from the National Environmental Education Development Program (NEED).  NEED curriculum includes four levels: Primary, Elementary, Intermediate, and Secondary.  The NEED Project curriculum includes Teachers’ Guides and Student Lab Books for hands-on activities as well as a variety of resources to learn about renewable energy and their applications. Student Lab Book activities are designed for group learning, which promotes interaction among students. NEED's   K-12 curriculum helps schools meet the Common Core State Standards, develops student leadership, and brings the latest technology into the classroom.  Each kit is valued at over $200!!

When and where:  October 1, 2015, 4:00-6:00pm - AVUHSD Palmdale Conference Center, 1156 East Ave S, Palmdale, CA 93550.  RSVP by September 23, 2015 (currently full, but waitlist being taken); for details visit:  Energy from the Sun Workshop

Youth Environmental Leadership Conference 10/24/15 in the Victor Valley area: 

 Once again, the event will feature the "STEMFest" in addition to 3 workshops that the teams will rotate through. "STEMFest" is an opportunity for teams to rotate through the arena engaging with experts, mentors and other exhibitors to learn more about STEM environmental careers and projects while having fun with hands-on activities. Topics will focus on "green" themes such as water conservation, solar oven construction, robotics, composting, and school garden projects. The "technical" activities will be with the exhibitors in STEMFest, which provides a well-balanced program with something for everyone.  Attendees will hear a motivational address from Garner Holt, President and founder of Garner Holt Productions, Inc., an international design and manufacturing company that creates animatronics and special effects for theme parks, museums, shopping malls and restaurants.

Lunch, snacks, re-usable water bottles, YELC T-Shirts, and all conference materials are provided free of charge. Additionally, teams participating in YELC are eligible to apply for a project grant up to $250 to implement or further their environmental service learning project! By applying for and accepting these grant funds, you also agree to come back and participate with your team in the follow-up Spring 2016 YELC Showcase to share your project (regardless of what stage it's in) with other teams.  Transportation Reimbursement funds may be available upon request (if applicable) for participating teams in the Antelope Valley.

Teams of two to eight students, in grades 3 through 12, along with an attending teacher/advisor, from schools throughout the Mojave and High Desert, are invited to take part in this unique and FREE Conference.  Have parents complete the necessary participation forms and return them to MEEC by the October 5, 2015 Deadline.   Applications and transportation grants will be available online at: MEEC YELC 2016.

Environmental Education Mini-Grant Applications Due 10/30/15:

For a limited time, MEEC is accepting applications for environmental education school project and material mini-grants.   Recipients will be notified in early November and grants will be awarded by November 30th. Projects must be implemented/materials must be used in classrooms located in the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County, the Antelope Valley or the Palo Verde Valley of Riverside County.  Applicants must also teach within these jurisdictions.

Funded projects must be completed/purchased by June 18, 2016.  Average grant amount will vary from $100 to $500, but may be higher.  Individual award amounts to be determined by MEEC. Only one grant will be awarded per teacher per school year.

Application deadline is 5:00 PM October 30, 2015.  The EE Mini Grant Application is attached and can also be downloaded from MEEC’s website at MEEC EE Mini-Grants.   Completed applications may be mailed to MEEC/EE Mini Grants, 14306 Park Avenue, Victorville, CA 92392 or faxed to (760) 241-6271. For questions, contact Christie Robinson at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6101.

"A Garden in Every School" Grant Applications Due by 10/30/15:

Through the generous support of MEEC’s  sponsors and a special grant from MEEC partner Alliance for Water Awareness and Conservation (AWAC), schools may apply for a grant to provide them with the basic tools necessary to start or sustain a school garden.  This grant opportunity is now open to schools in the Antelope Valley.

Interested teachers must submit a completed application form that includes the proposed project, desired materials , a budget cost breakout based on the actual material costs, including shipping and handling, if applicable (labor costs are not eligible for funding)  and how the project will address educational standards.  Recipients will be notified in early November and grants will be awarded by November 30th.  Grant Applications are attached and also available on MEEC’s website at MEEC School Garden Grants .

The maximum grant amount is $500.00. Individual award amounts will be determined by MEEC. Only one grant will be awarded per school per school year. To date, MEEC has awarded school garden grants to 29 schools in the High Desert.  The application deadline is 5:00 PM October 30, 2015. Completed applications may be mailed to MEEC/School Garden Program, 14306 Park Avenue, Victorville, CA 92392 or faxed to (760) 241-6271. For questions, contact MEEC Program Specialist Samantha Murray at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717. 

MEEC "Slow Your Flow of H20" Video Contest Submissions Due by 5/5/15

With the Governor's new announced water restrictions due to California's drought, this contest is particularly timely.

The Mojave Water Agency invites you to take part in the “Slow Your Flow of H2O” water conservation video contest!  Students in grades 3-12 can create a 30-second to one minute video demonstrating the unique ways they are taking their water conservation techniques to the next level in and around their homes.   

When it comes to conserving water, even the smallest adjustments can have a big impact.  Taking shorter showers and watering your lawn less often are effective ways to reduce our water footprint, but what else can you do to conserve water? 

There are THREE Prize categories:  Grades 3-5; Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12.   First, second, and third place winners will be awarded in each category.  All awards are gift cards.

First place winners will receive $150, second place $75, and third place will receive $50.

 

CONTEST CRITERIA

• Create an innovative 30-second to one minute video promoting water conservation.
• Videos may be submitted as a DVD/CD, SchoolTube/YouTube/PowToon link,  or Media File.
• Your video will be judged on uniqueness, creativity and the best portrayal of how you conserve water indoors or outdoors.   Additional Judging Criteria: Does your video encourage others to conserve water? Is it entertaining? Does is demonstrate how you are conserving water?  Providing a “title” for your video is optional.
• Video links  and Media Files may be emailed to  smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov
• DVD/CD entries may be mailed or hand delivered to: MEEC, 14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392
• Individual entries only.  Each entry must contain the student’s name, grade, school and contact phone number to be considered.
• Deadline for submission is May 5, 2015 at 5:00 PM.
• Winners will be notified by phone and invited to attend the Red Carpet Award Ceremony presentation on May 21, 2015 at The Mojave Water Agency.

For further information, please call Samantha Murray, at: (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717 or visit Meec/MWA Slow Your Flow of H20 Video Contest
All submissions become the property of MEEC and The Mojave Water Agency

MEEC Environmental/Engineering Scholarship Available for Graduating HS Seniors - Applications Due by 4/3/15

Calling all graduating high school seniors! $2000 Scholarship Opportunity!

The Mojave Environmental Education Consortium is pleased to announce its 2014/2015 Environmental/Science Scholarship Program. MEEC will be awarding five $2000 scholarships to qualifying applicants for the 2014/2015 academic year. Graduating high school seniors attending high school within MEEC’s boundaries are encouraged to apply.

MEEC’s boundaries consist of the High Desert portion of San BernardinoCounty, the Palo Verde Valley of Riverside County and the High Desert region of North Los Angeles County, including the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale.

Eligible students must declare a major in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or other closely related Science or Engineering field.

Applicants are required to provide the following:
1. A completed application form (available at MEEC Environmental/Engineering Scholarship 2015 )
2. Transcripts and SAT/ACT scores (unofficial copies accepted)
3. 500 word personal essay on – “My Career Goals and Why I would like a Career in the Environment, Science, or Engineering field ”
4. Application packages must be received no later than 5 PM, on April 3, 2015. Applicant packet may be mailed or dropped off at:

MEEC – ATTN: Scholarship Committee
14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392

Applications may also be faxed to (760) 241-6271 or emailed to Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist at smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov

Range and Natural Resources Camp Scholarship Applications Due By 4/24/15

The 31st Annual Range and Natural Resources Camp will be taking place June 21-26, 2015 at the beautiful Elkus Youth Ranch in Half Moon Bay, California. The camp offers students between the ages of 15-18 the opportunity to work with peers from throughout the state and is designed to offer an appreciation of the extent, importance and value of California’s rangelands and natural resources. Range Camp fosters an appreciation for several fields of applied science and management through interaction with university faculty and experienced professionals in classroom and field activities.

Students will address the importance of such topics as plant identification, livestock production, wildlife management, forestry, fire ecology, geology, soils, water resources, rangeland ecosystems, technologies used in natural resource science and management.

At the end of the week, students will be evaluated on their understanding of the materials, with the top two campers being awarded an all-expense-paid trip to represent California and the Pacific Islands at SRM’s High School Youth Forum (HSYF) held in conjunction with its national science meeting in Corpus Christie, Texas, from January 30- February 6, 2014. The third highest camper will be invited to attend as well, but will need to find other means of paying for the trip. (Delegates must still be in high school through Feb 2015.)

MEEC is offering four student scholarships that will be awarded to attend Range Camp this summer. Scholarships include tuition and roundtrip airfare up to $350 per person. To apply, students must be enrolled in a school located within the MEEC boundaries of San Bernardino County’s High Desert Region, the Antelope Valley or Riverside County’s Blythe Region and be age 15-18 by the start date of camp. The deadline for application submission to MEEC is April 24, 2015 at 4:00 PM.

Application must be submitted to MEEC in order to be considered for the scholarship. Any applications directly submitted to range camp cannot be guaranteed to be reviewed for the scholarship.  Please mail application to:  MEEC, 14306 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392.
 
 
 

MEEC Solar Oven Cook-Off Challenge Registration Deadline 4/30/15

MEEC is hosting the third annual Solar Oven Cook-Off Challenge for High Desert students in grades 4-12.  The competition will be held on Saturday, 16 May 2015, from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley.  The deadline to register for this yummy event is 5:00pm on 30 April 2015.  Teams of 2-5 students work together to design and build solar cookers, and demonstrate their performance by creating an original dish of food to be judged.  Three awards are given in each age division (grades 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12) for construction and for the recipe. 

Team registration forms, rules and guidelines are available at MEEC.  For further information, contact Christie Robinson at christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov or call 760.245.1661 x 6101.

MEEC and Lockheed to Host Environmental Education Curriculum Workshop in Palmdale 4/28/15

FREE teacher workshop introducing the California “Education and the Environment Initiative” Curriculum developed by CalRecycle’s Office of Education & the Environment. This professional development workshop will provide participants with an overview of this dynamic standards-based curriculum designed to increase academic learning and benefit students and the community.

 

Attendees of this workshop will receive hands-on training in the EEI Curriculum designed to prepare educators to:

· Cultivate students' understanding of their relationship with the environment.

· Prepare students to be critical thinkers and 21st century problem solvers.

· Teach science standards to mastery and support California Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-12 

In addition, all attendees will qualify to receive a FREE EEI Curriculum unit of their choice for   their classroom.

When: April 28, 2015 

Where:  Logix Credit Union– Conference Room A&B, 1011 Lockheed Way, Palmdale, CA 93599.

Time: 4:00—6:00PM

Workshop will include a special multimedia presentation highlighting the many accomplishments of Lockheed Martin throughout the years!  Workshop Registration begins at 3:45 

 RSVP by April 20, 2015!

To register for this workshop , please contact:  Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist at  (760) 245-1661 x 6717 or email: smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov

"Waiting for a Rainy Day" Essay Contest Deadline 4/3/15

In honor of Earth Day, The Boeing Company’s  “Waiting for a Rainy Day” essay contest deadline has been extended to April 3, 2015. With California experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record, this is an excellent way for your students to dive into an investigation on the status and current events related to the drought.   With Earth Day just around the corner, it’s a good time to think about one of California’s most priceless resources and the vital role it plays in our lives. 

 In 500 words or less, can you describe at least three environmental impacts from the California drought?  If you can, you might win a $50, $25 or $15 gift card! This competition is open to students in grades K-12, with  FIVE Prize categories:

Kindergarten: Can you draw a picture with 2-3 sentences about the concept?
Elementary School (grades 1-2) Middle School (grades 6-8)
Elementary School (grades 3-5) High School (grades 9-12)

First, second, and third place winners will be awarded in each category. All awards are gift cards.
First place winners will receive $50, second place $25, and third place will receive $15. Kindergarten winners will receive a $10 award for all places.

CONTEST CRITERIA
Essays should be no more than 500 words in length. Each essay must contain the author’s name, grade, school and contact phone number to be considered.
Deadline for submission is March 26, 2015 at 5:00 PM.
Winners will be notified by phone and invited to attend an Award Ceremony presentation
on April 21, 2015 at the Antelope Valley AQMD at 43301 Division Street, Suite 206, Lancaster, CA 93535.
Submissions may be mailed or delivered to:  MEEC, 14306 Park Ave,  Victorville, CA 92392
You may also fax your submissions to (760) 241-6271 or email to smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov
All submissions become the property of MEEC and The Boeing Company.   For further information, please call Samantha Murray, at: (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717.

 Help  celebrate  Earth  Day  2015  and  submit  your  entries  TODAY!!!  For more information, visit MEEC's website at: MEEC Boeing Essay Contest "Waiting for a Rainy Day" .

MEEC Student of the Year Nominations Due By 4/3/15

In 2015, MEEC is proud to sponsor its tenth MEEC “Student of the Year” Awards. Each Student of the Year recipient will receive $60 in cash, as well as a $60 Staples gift card. The awards banquet will be held on May 14, 2015 at 6 PM at Spring Valley Lake Country Club in Victorville.

 

MEEC is soliciting one Student of the Year nomination from each Antelope Valley/Mojave Desert school site in its service area. The nomination can come from either a principal or teacher. When selecting the student nominee, the nominator must take into consideration the work that the student has done in leadership toward environmental issues and stewardship. The following stipulations will serve as a guide for assisting in the nomination process:

 

• The student will be nominated by a teacher or principal from his/her school.
• The student nominee must have spent a minimum of 12 hours in conservation and environmental education activities.
• The student has educated peer students, school employees or community in environmental issues or conservation.
• The student must have above average academic standing (>2.0 GPA for secondary, and the equivalent for primary grades).
•  The student must display leadership qualities, possess good character and a good reputation among peers, and not be a disciplinary problem.

Download and complete the nomination form from MEEC Student of the Year, and mail your submission to MEEC, 14306 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392. Forms may also be faxed to (760) 241-6271 or emailed to smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov. Deadline for entries is 5:00 PM April 3, 2015.

Clean Air Month Poster Contest Entries Due 5/16/14

The MDAQMD is sponsoring a Clean Air Month poster design contest answering the question "how can you protect your health by preventing bad air days?"  Prizes, including up to $100 and a bike, are available in different age categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  The original posters must be on 8.5 x 11" horizontal, white paper, using colored pencils, pens, markers, or crayons only, drawn free-hand, provide entrant's contact information, and will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the theme.

For more information, visit Clean Air Poster Contest 2014. 

Range and Natural Resources Youth Camp Scholarship Applications Due 4/18/14

MEEC is offering scholarships to students aged 15-18 in its Antelope Valley/High Desert service areas to attend the Range and Natural Resources Youth Camp at Elkus Youth Camp at Half Moon Bay, California from 15-20 June 2014.  The applications are due directly to MEEC by no later than 18 April 2014 (applications submitted directly to the Range Camp are not eligible for consideration).

"Range Camp fosters an appreciation for several fields of applied science and management through interaction with university faculty and experienced professionals in classroom and field activities.  Students will address the importance of such topics as plant identification, livestock production, wildlife management, forestry, fire ecology, geology, soils, water resources, rangeland ecosystems, technologies used in natural resource science and management.  At the end of the week, students will be evaluated on their understanding of the materials, with the top two campers being awarded an all-expense-paid trip to represent California and the Pacific Islands at SRM’s High School Youth Forum (HSYF) held in conjunction with its national science meeting in Sacramento, CA, January 30- February 6, 2014. The third highest camper will be invited to attend as well, but will need to find other means of paying for the trip. (Delegates must still be in high school through Feb 2015.)"

The scholarships include tuition and airfare of up to $350.  For further details on eligibility, scholarship requirements, and to download the application materials, visit MEEC Range Camp Scholarships .

Youth Environmental Leadership Conference Registration Now Open

MEEC has announced the availability of Youth Environmental Leadership Conference registration materials for the event on 4 October 2014.  In addition to the STEMFest, breakout sessions will be held at the annual free STEM Service Learning event in the Victorville area.  Topics will focus on “green” themes such as water conservation, solar oven construction, robotics, and school garden projects. Transportation grants and project grants will be available for High Desert, California teams which register to participate.  Due to the registration deadline of 15 September 2014, teams will be allowed to bring some students from the 2013 competition team.  For more details, to access registration forms, and mini-grant forms, please visit YELC 2014 Applications.

Boeing Essay Contest Entries Due By 4/10/14

"Oceans: Preserving the Earth's Liquid World" is the theme of this year's Boeing spring essay contest, sponsored by MEEC.  Students in grades K-12 may enter the contest, with kindergarten students able to offer a drawing plus 2-3 sentences about the theme, and other essays not to exceed 250 words in length about the subject.  Winners in each age category (K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) will receive gift cards.  "EACH ESSAY MUST CONTAIN THE
AUTHOR’S GRADE, SCHOOL AND HOME PHONE NUMBER TO BE CONSIDERED.  Submissions may be mailed, delivered or faxed by 10 April 2014 to:MEEC, 14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392 or (760) 241-6271.  All submissions become the property of MEEC and Boeing. 
"Winners will be notified by phone and invited to attend the Award Ceremony presentation
on April 23, 2014 at the Antelope Valley AQMD located at 43301 Division St, Suite 206, Lancaster.  For further information, please call Samantha Murray, at: (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717."

MEEC Solar Cook-Off Competition Registration Due By 5/1/14

The second annual MEEC solar oven cook-off competition is back and hotter than ever!  Teams of students in grades 4-12 are invited to register by 1 May 2014 to compete on 14 June 2014 at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley.  Students will design, build, and create/fix original recipes involving their solar cookers.  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three in each age division (4th-6th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th) for construction (Best Oven Design) and recipe (Top Solar Chef).  For more information and to register, visit MEEC Solar Oven Cook-Off .

"Rethink Recycling" Video Contest Entries Due by 3/7/14

MEEC and the High Desert Power Project are sponsoring the "Rethink Recycling" video contest.  Students at all K-12 grade levels are eligible to participate by submitting their 30-60 second videos about recycling.  Gift card prizes will be offered for each grade span winner (K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12).

CONTEST CRITERIA
• Create an innovative 30 second to one minute video encouraging recycling. Your video should include examples of at least 3 recyclable items. Your video will be judged for uniqueness, creativity and the best portrayal of how you spread the word on recycling. Providing a “title” for the video is optional.
• Videos may be submitted as a DVD/CD, SchoolTube/YouTube link, or Media File
• Once videos are uploaded to Schooltube.com or YouTube.com, links may be emailed to: smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov. Media Files may also be emailed. DVD/CD entries may be mailed to: MEEC, 14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392
• Students may submit multiple videos, but only one video can win per person. Each entry must contain the students name, grade, school and home phone number to be considered.
• Deadline for submission is March 7, 2014 at 5:00 PM.
• Winners will be notified by phone and invited to attend the Award Ceremony presentation on March 18, 2014 at the High Desert Power Project, which will include a tour of the facility for the  winners and their families.

For further information, please call Samantha Murray, at: (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717

Advanced STEM Service Learning Workshop 2/13/14 in Palmdale

MEEC, with generous grant funding from Boeing, will be offering an Advanced STEM Service Learning Workshop for teachers of grades 3-12 in the High Desert on Thursday, 13 February 2014, from 4:30 to 7:30pm, at the AVUHSD Palmdale Conference Center in Palmdale.  The workshop will show how to integrate CCSS and NGSS into STEM service learning projects, using hands-on activities.  Attendees will receive a free copy of the resource book Integrating Scientific Practices and Service Learning: Engaging Students in STEM ($35 value), and dinner will be provided. 

Register by 6 February 2014 by contacting Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist, at (760) 245-1661 x 6717 or e-mail at smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov .

Other sessions will be available on 29 January in Victorville, and on 5 February in Yucca Valley.  See Advanced STEM Service Learning Workshop for further details.

MEEC Environmental Education Grant Proposals Due by 10/31

MEEC is offering teachers in its service area the opportunity to receive a mini-grant for environmental education classroom project materials.

"Interested teachers should submit a letter describing the proposed project and desired materials, the project/materials’ environmental component and how the project will address educational standards, in one to two pages maximum. Letter must also contain a timeline for project implementation and a budget or cost breakout based on the applicant’s research of actual material costs, including shipping and handling, if applicable. Labor costs are not eligible for funding. Projects must be implemented/materials must be used in classrooms located in the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County, the Antelope Valley or the Palo Verde Valley of Riverside County. Applicants must also teach within these jurisdictions.

"Funded projects must be completed/purchased by June 18, 2014. Average grant amount will vary from $100 to $500, but may be higher. Individual award amounts to be determined by MEEC. Only one grant will be awarded per teacher per school year.

"Application deadline is October 31, 2013. Proposals may be mailed to MEEC/EE School Mini-Grants, 14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392, e-mailed to smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov or faxed to (760) 241-6271. For questions, contact Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717."

Enviro-Bus Bucks Field Trip Grants Now Available - Application Deadline 10/30/13

MEEC has announced that the annual Enviro-Bus Bucks field trip grant applications are now available for teachers in the High Desert areas of San Bernardino and northern Los Angeles County, as well as Riverside County's Palo Verde Valley- the deadline to submit the on-line application is 30 October 2013.  No handwritten applications will be accepted; the applications must be accompanied by transportation agency cost quotes (if not available through your school district, then proof of mileage and hourly or mileage rates for the transportation agency). 

To download the 2013/2014 EBB online Application form, Rules & Guidelines, and available Host Sites, please go to: www.meeconline.com (green box.)  Grant recipients will be notified between 15 and 30 November 2013.