TOOLS & SUPPORT FOR INTEGRATING REAL ENVIRONMENTAL DATA INTO EDUCATION

Using real data in a classroom setting can help students better understand scientific concepts. By working with data from a place they are familiar with they can form deeper connections and learn to solve challenges faced by "real" researchers, such as interpreting metadata and data scarcity. With the support and resources provided by the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI), educators can more easily implement this pedagogical approach into their classroom. Supported by the National Science Foundation, CUAHSI offers an extensive catalogue of environmental observations, tools for accessing data, and support staff, all of which are freely available to teachers. This presentation will describe the current tools and resources available as well as provide examples that demonstrate how some educators have integrated them into their curriculum.