Global Warming

News You Can Use National Teachers Group Confronts Climate Change DenialCalling to Keep the Politics Out of Science Class

By Lee Chisholm, Science and Social Studies teacher

The National Science Teachers Association issued a formal position paper asking K–12 science teachers throughout the United States, within their science classes, to proactively reject the idea that there is any scientific (as distinct from political or sociological) controversy about human-caused global warming. In its position statement, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) calls on science teachers from kindergarten through high school to emphasize to students that "no scientific controversy of climate change."

This fall, twenty-one plaintiffs, all students, are expected to begin the first day of trial in Juliana v. United States. A groundbreaking lawsuit, Juliana will be heard in the Federal District Court of Oregon. It was filed by young people for young people—in recognition of the fact that young people (and all those yet unborn) have a fundamental right to a stable

exists regarding the basic facts climate under the United States Constitution and the public trust doctrine. Their case asserts that the federal government is depriving them of life, liberty, property, and the equal protection of the laws by its actions and inactions in relation to the fossil fuel industry. The remedy they seek is not money damages for themselves, but rather a court-ordered national remedial plan for everybody—a plan that phases out fossil fuel emissions and draws down atmospheric levels of CO2 below 350 ppm (from the 410 ppm currently) by the year 2100.

By bringing the third branch of government, the judicial, now into play after the legislative and the executive branches have so greatly and so long fallen short, Juliana v U.S. calls for a greater look into this issue, raising the level of importance of science. It could mean for environmental justice what Brown v. Board of Education meant for civil rights.

Early Career Conference

You may have missed our Pottery and Perks night, but don’t miss this event! MEA is hosting its first conference dedicated just to those who are in the first seven years of the profession. This half-day training session will share key information you need to keep your strength through the spring and how to make the best use of your union support. The conference is being held at Southern Maine Community College. If you live more than 90 miles outside of the event, MEA will pay for the cost of a hotel room the night before.

Cost: Free for members, lunch provided Date: January 26, 9 AM-2PM

Location: Southern Maine Community College FMI: maineea.org/conferences_trainings/

Make it a Seussical Day with a grant from MEA!

NEA's Read Across America will take place local association President for funding of activities within the on Friday, March 1, 2019 to celebrate Dr. Seuss' local association. birthday! Grant applications must be signed by the Local Association To help plan and prepare for a reading President and can be found at celebration, MEA is offering Read Across America Incentive maineea.org/read-across-america/ Grants to our local associations who sponsor association activities for this event. Grants of $50 each will be awarded on GRANT DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 6, 2019 a first-come, first-served basis. Requests must be made by the

Canva

It’s even easier to create professional looking flyers, posters, invitations, social media graphics and more with the FREE online tool called Canva. You don’t need any design backgroundjust choose a template and modify to your needs. This tool is perfect to create something quickly that will stand out. There are free photos, icons and layouts to choose from. Learn more at canva.com and take a look at some sample designs that can all be modified with your specific school colors.

Adobe Spark is a free online and mobile graphic design tool that allows you to create individual websites, graphics or videos. This FREE tool is particularly useful to make presentations come to life, and is very easy for students to use.

Spark Post, Page & Video

Adobe Spark

Pick a photo, add text and apply design filters to instantly stand out from the crowd on social media.

Turn words and images into beautiful, magazine-style web stories. These webpages are easy to make and great for class presentations, for both teachers and students. Spark Video allows you to easily add photos, video clips, icons, or your own voice to craft your own video. Select from professional-quality soundtracks and cinematic motion to add more interest to your video.