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2 Free Smithsonian Online Programs Connect Students with Scientists

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 09/03/13

The Smithsonian Institution is hosting two free online education conferences that will bring scientists together with students and teachers. The program is being delivered through the Institution's Center for Learning and Digital Access. Each event makes experts available, along with free digital-learning resources and teaching strategies that can be used by educators to develop cross-curricular lessons for their classes.

Sharon Ryan from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Brian Gratwicke from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute will present "In the Face of Extinction: Thinking about the Biodiversity and Conservation of Frogs" Sept. 11, 2013 at 1 p.m. Eastern. The two researchers will discuss why frogs are disappearing around the world, why it matters, and what scientists and others are doing to prevent mass extinction.

Tony Thomas from the Anacostia Community Museum will present "Urban Waterways: Thinking about Environmental Stewardship" Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. Eastern. That program will include an overview of the "citizen scientist" program, which encourages students to become environmental stewards and take responsibility for the waterways in their own areas.

In both sessions experts will respond to student questions. Also, participants will be eligible to earn digital badges through the Smithsonian's Quests digital badge program.