Research Projects - Climate Change (Track 1)

Education

2009 Annual Report Highlights

Title: Middle School Summer Institute on Climate Change Education

Authors: Dr. Paul Buck (Desert Research Institute and Nevada State College); Ms. Jacque Ewing Taylor (University of Nevada Reno); and Dr. Larry Rudd (Nevada State College).

The Nevada Middle School Summer Institute on Climate Change Education is a two-week professional development program designed to facilitate middle school educators in implementing climate change science content and processes into their classrooms. The 2009 Summer Institute was held in two locations: the first in Las Vegas, NV for Clark County School District middle school teachers and the second was held in Reno, NV for Washoe County middle school teachers. The Institutes focused on one of the key science questions driving Nevada’s NSF EPSCoR Climate Change Project: How will climate change affect water resources and linked ecosystem resources and human systems? Participants received instruction from local and regional scientists currently working on climate change and water resource research. Learning experiences were also provided by local professionals working on water management and sustainability. In addition, participants visited several regional public utility facilities, studied lake and river systems and learned about the effects of water resource deficits in the area.

Program staff and Summer Institute participants on a scientific tour of Lake Mead on the Forever Earth Floating Environmental Laboratory.

This work was supported by NSF Cooperative Agreement EPS-‐0814372 to the Nevada System of Higher Education.

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Title: 2010 Nevada Undergraduate Research Symposium

Authors: Dr. Michael Collopy (University of Nevada, Reno) and Dr. John Farley (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)

Conducting research as an undergraduate student is an enriching experience that can provide meaningful exposure to problem solving and prepare the student to successfully enter and adapt to society upon graduation. Exposure to research is also one of the most effective means to motivate students and stimulate interest in graduate education. The purpose of the 2010 Nevada Undergraduate Research Symposium (NURS ’10) was to provide a forum for undergraduate researchers in all institutions of higher education in Nevada to share the results of their research with fellow students, faculty, and others interested in higher education in Nevada. For two days, undergraduate student researchers from throughout the Nevada System of Higher Education showcased their accomplishments. This year we had nearly 60 undergraduate students presenting the results of their research, either as oral presentations or posters. Students participating in this year’s NURS symposium conducted research in a diverse array of disciplines covering a wide range of topics. The NURS ’10 symposium was supported with funds from the National Science Foundation EPSCoR, UNR’s Office of the Vice President for Research, the Nevada System of Higher Education, and the State of Nevada.

An undergraduate student in the field collecting water samples as part of their research on the effects of climate change on water resources in Nevada.

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This work was supported by NSF Cooperative Agreement EPS-‐0814372 to the Nevada System of Higher Education.