AFRE News & Views:
Summary of Contents

Fall 2005 Articles

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Natural Disaster Workshops Transform Students, Teachers
In 2002, the largest and most devastating forest fire in Arizona's history destroyed more than 463,000 acres including 423 homes. Area students were anxious when they returned to school. The solution: The development of AFRE workshops that help teachers whose students are exposed to disasters to cope with their trauma.

AFRE Collaborations Provide Value to Business and Industry
Some of AFRE's most successful collaborations have been with business and industry groups. Their objectives range from exposing students to careers they were previously unaware of, to helping them to better understand the science that underpins current events, to helping teachers better prepare the state's future work force.

Looking Back: Summer Workshops Draw Record Attendance
In June and July 2005, approximately 450 Arizona K-12 teachers attended 14 AFRE professional development events statewide. Teachers donned waders and plunged into the Salt River to learn and practice scientific methods for testing water quality. Others learned about the multitude of natural resources required to build a house.

Reaching Out: New Natural Resources Poster Showcased
A collaboration between AFRE and the National Energy Foundation has produced a beautifully illustrated poster highlighting all natural resources, their related industries and their value to our livelihood and lifestyle. The back of the poster features an award-winning, in-depth educational unit that helps students understand their role in preserving and sustaining natural resources.

Teachers, Community Members Help Redesign Recreation Corridor
In April, Friends of the West Valley Recreation Corridor (Friends) and AFRE brought together 80 diverse community members in a highly interactive workshop to envision ways to improve the quality of life along the Agua Fria River. Workshop members envisioned nine plans, including recreational opportunities, open space and educational outreach facilities.

Planning Ahead
For the first time during the academic year, AFRE is offering a "Best Practices" Series of workshops to help improve the overall quality of Arizona K-12 teacher and student performance. AFRE also is offering its popular AZventure workshops and study tours which focus on "real world" issues and use Arizona's environment as its classroom.