Full Course Website: http://calnat.ucanr.edu/Take_a_class/ucrpdc/
The UC Climate Stewards Course introduces Californians to how climate is changing both natural and social systems; it also empowers them to discover ways to improve ecosystem and community resilience. UCR Palm Desert launched a 10-week pilot program in fall 2020, and a second cohort in July 2021. The course uses an interdisciplinary curriculum that consists of online and hands-on learning in the field, experience sharing, and community service to build community connections and instill agency.
UCR's Dr. Cameron Barrows is the lead instructor, covering topics including: climate and earth science; interpretation, communication, and education skills; and tools for engaging communities in action.
We understand that when people have the chance to engage in hands-on discovery of the world around them, they develop a greater sense of science identity. This is true of inquiry into the natural world (e.g., recording temperature measurements) and into the social systems that surround us (e.g., assessing accessibility of cooling centers during extreme heat events). Additionally, professional scientists are increasingly using data gathered by community scientists to aid in local research. Our belief is that community science plays an important role as a research technique, providing teaching and learning opportunities, and applied participation in community problem solving.
Dates: September 25 - December 11, 2024
Fees: $375
Delivery Mode: Hybrid
Contact: palmdesert@ucr.edu
Organization Description: UCR Palm Desert expands the reach of University of California, Riverside into one of the fastest growing regions of California, the Coachella Valley. Established as a teaching and research center in 2005, UCR Palm Desert is a catalyst for diversification by providing relevant regional research, offering innovative academic programs that attract and retain world class talent to the region, convening and creating partnerships that advance the public good, and enriching the cultural life of the community.
For more than a decade, UCR’s Palm Desert Center has organized hundreds of lectures, conversations, art shows, movie screenings, and other life-enhancing programs – mostly for free – all while teaching others and conducting renowned research.
Our mission from the beginning has been to provide cultural and life-long learning offerings to the entire desert community. We continue to be committed to that mission.