DRI

PreK - 5th Educator Training
2024-01-25 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Grass Valley Elementary School, 6465 Grass Valley Rd, Winnemucca, NV, 89445, United States
Join us on January 25 at Grass Valley Elementary School for this special training for PreK – 5th grade educators sponsored by Nevada Gold Mines.
Save your spot by registering online now using our Google Form!
In this session, you will:
– Refresh your VEX 123 skills.
– Learn how to use the VEX 123 to teach ELA, math, & computer science.
– Experience Books & Bots curriculum integrated literacy-based instruction.
– Receive a training certificate for hours.
– Earn $150 stipend.
– Receive a FREE meal included with the training.
Please bring your school’s VEX 123 robots to this training (if available).
If you have any questions, please email aj.long@www-dev.dri.edu.

The Story of the Future
2024-01-25 19:00 - 21:00 | DRI, Reno Campus, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV, 89512, United States
Join us for an enlightening science lecture focused on the power of data, models, dashboards and forecasting in keeping the public informed about critical environmental and community concerns. Explore the dynamics of urban heat and extreme weather modeling. Discover the vital role of community dashboards in presenting quality-of-life data and how data is being used to accurately predict education outcomes. Gain a deeper understanding of how data-driven models can help us prepare for and respond to the challenges of our changing world, all aimed at improving quality of life and creating resilient communities.
Tickets are available through The Discovery at https://nvdm.org/event/science-distilled-the-story-of-the-future/
Featured Presenters:
Kylie Rowe, Executive Director of Truckee Meadows Tomorrow
Measuring What Matters in Washoe County: TMT’s New Initiative in Data + Impact Storytelling
For 30+ years, Truckee Meadows Tomorrow has been Northern Nevada’s hub for quality-of-life data + explanation of services and what we bring to the community. Kylie will be presenting an overview of Quality of Life Community Indicators in Washoe County with examples of data and TMT’s New Pilot Project in Data + Impact Storytelling.

TMT is a grassroots organization that collects and publishes quality-of-life indicator data in northern Nevada. The mission is to enhance quality of life by providing accurate, timely and objective data as the basis for community engagement and dialogue.
John Mejia, Associate Research Professor, Climatology at DRI
Dr. Mejia’s current research focuses on developing regional climate modeling frameworks to examine climate impacts across various scales, ranging from global to regional to urban settings. He integrates observations and model output to generate practical information for environmental management, as well as the formulation of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Dr. Mejia’s presentation will show our advancements in the modeling of the urban climate for the Las Vegas Metropolitan area, including its urban built heterogeneity and its interaction with urban vegetation, water, and energy consumption. Additionally, we shed light on how policies aimed at water conservation (e.g., turf replacement) or heat management (e.g., cool roofs and cool roads) exhibit synergies and tradeoffs, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive understanding for effective urban environmental management.
JT Stark, Data Visualization and Analytics Coordinator at Washoe County School District
Presenting: Insight into High School Graduation
In his position as the Data Analytics Coordinator for the Washoe County School District (WCSD), the 59th largest district in the U.S., JT Stark plays a role in supporting the educational paths of over 60,000 students each year. Recent innovations created within WCSD have allowed WCSD to lead the nation in educational early warning systems, profoundly impacting the field of public education, and identifying students in need more accurately and earlier than ever. Beyond his work at WCSD, JT is an instructor of information systems and data analytics at the University of Nevada’s College of Business, and serves on the board of Truckee Meadows Tomorrow, a local non-profit committed to improving our community’s quality of life through strategic data utilization.

In partnership with:

Sponsored by:

PreK – 5th Educator Training
2024-01-26 10:30 - 13:30 | Winnemucca Boys & Girls Club, 1973 Whitworth Way, Winnemucca, NV, 89445, United States
Join us on January 25 at the Winnemucca Boys & Girls Club for this special training for PreK – 5th grade educators sponsored by Nevada Gold Mines.
Save your spot by registering online now using our Google Form!
In this session, you will:
– Refresh your VEX 123 skills.
– Learn how to use the VEX 123 to teach ELA, math, & computer science.
– Experience Books & Bots curriculum integrated literacy-based instruction.
– Receive a training certificate for hours.
– Earn $150 stipend.
– Receive a FREE meal included with the training.
Please bring your school’s VEX 123 robots to this training (if available).
If you have any questions, please email aj.long@www-dev.dri.edu.

Unlocking the Photon Robot for K-12 Teachers
2024-01-27 08:00 - 11:00 | DRI, Las Vegas Campus, 755 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV, 89119, United States
On Saturday, January 27th, DRI Science Alive is teaming up with Eduscape Learning to offer Unpacking the Photon Robot for K-12 Teachers in the STEM Co-Lab. In this training, we will explore how to use coding to teach STEM skills across the curriculum. Participants will receive a certificate for three continuing education hours for attending the training. Register online now at bit.ly/3R4wpVx!
With the capability to be integrated into every subject area, Photon is the ideal all-in-one robotics solution for every classroom. In this training, participants will discover the capabilities of the coding robot and explore various teaching kits, including Al Discovery, Early Education, Coding & Robotics, and Special Education!
Transportation stipends are available on request.
Made possible with generous support from MGM Resorts International.

The Story of the Future
2024-02-01 18:00 | Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, 89107, United States
Join us for an enlightening science lecture focused on the power of data, models, dashboards and forecasting in keeping the public informed about critical environmental and community concerns. Explore the dynamics of urban heat and extreme weather modeling. Discover the vital role of community dashboards in presenting quality-of-life data and how data is being used to accurately predict education outcomes. Gain a deeper understanding of how data-driven models can help us prepare for and respond to the challenges of our changing world, all aimed at improving quality of life and creating resilient communities.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Beer, wine, and small bites will be available for purchase from Aspire Coffee House.
Visit the Springs Preserve website to purchase tickets: springspreserve.org/events
Featured Presenters:
John Mejia, Associate Research Professor, Climatology at DRI
Dr. Mejia’s current research focuses on developing regional climate modeling frameworks to examine climate impacts across various scales, ranging from global to regional to urban settings. He integrates observations and model output to generate practical information for environmental management, as well as the formulation of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Dr. Mejia’s presentation will show our advancements in the modeling of the urban climate for the Las Vegas Metropolitan area, including its urban built heterogeneity and its interaction with urban vegetation, water, and energy consumption. Additionally, we shed light on how policies aimed at water conservation (e.g., turf replacement) or heat management (e.g., cool roofs and cool roads) exhibit synergies and tradeoffs, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive understanding for effective urban environmental management.
Zane Marshall, Director of Water Resources at the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA)
Zane Marshall has worked for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) for the past 28 years. In his current role as Director of Water Resources, Zane leads seven divisions that oversee water, land, and environmental resource management, environmental restoration and compliance, regional water conservation, climate change, and sustainability initiatives, and the application of geospatial technologies. Zane has a Master of Arts in Science in Biology and Statistics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is a 2014 graduate of the Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Water and Waste Water Leadership Center and a 2015 graduate of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Las Vegas Program.
With Special Guest:
Christine Albano, Assistant Research Professor, Ecohydrology at DRI
In partnership with:

Sponsored by:

EnergySmart Education Virtual Theatre Program
2024-02-26 - 2024-03-01 | Sign up for a performance at your school!
The EnergySmart Education Virtual Theatre Program is back the week of February 26-March 1st! This musical theater presentation is available for 2nd & 3rd-grade classrooms in Nevada in areas serviced by Southwest Gas. Students will sing along with Lazy Lou, the energy waster, and a group of energy scientists as they learn about easy energy and water conservation techniques. Prepare to have energy songs stuck in your head all day!
Limited performances are available. Sign up using our Google Form to join the 2024 performances!
*Please note that there is a limit of 1 performance per school. This means only one teacher from your school is required to complete the form. Please reach out to marlie.gagliardo@gmail.com with any questions.

Introduction to Hydroponics STEM Teacher Training
2024-03-02 08:00 - 11:00 | DRI, Las Vegas Campus, 755 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV, 89119, United States
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, DRI Science Alive is teaming up with Green Our Planet to offer Introduction to Hydroponics training to K-Gr. 12 STEM Teachers in the STEM Co-Lab on our Las Vegas Campus.
Join us to learn about:

The basics of hydroponics such as germinating seeds, transplanting seedlings, mixing nutrient solution, and programming lights.
Building, assembling, and operating hydroponic systems.
How to integrate hydroponics into your classroom through STEM, conservation, health, and financial literacy lessons.

Participants will receive a certificate for three continuing education hours for attending the training. Register online now at bit.ly/3H2NfzB

Transportation stipends are available on request.
Made possible with generous support from MGM Resorts International.

Society for California Archaeology 2024 Annual Meeting: Prehistoric Ceramics in the California Deserts
2024-03-07 - 2024-03-10 | Riverside Convention Center, 3637 5th Street, Riverside, CA, 92501, United States
Register now for the Society for California Archaeology 2024 Annual Meeting: Considering Cultural Landscapes featuring Hannah Robinson from the Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District, and Gregory Haynes from Desert Research Institute, Las Vegas, on Friday, March 8.
Register online at: https://scahome.org/ANNUAL-MEETING
Prehistoric Ceramics in the California Deserts: Building Consensus among Stakeholders in the Twenty-First Century
Friday, March 8, 2024
One hundred years ago, Malcolm Rogers began his archaeological investigations using ceramics to construct a prehistoric culture history of the Colorado and Mojave deserts of California. Since that time many archaeologists have followed Rogers, seeking to understand prehistoric cultural affiliations, culture change, and how people made a living in these lands using ceramics. But prehistoric ceramics intersect with, and are important to, many people beyond those in academia. Descendant communities have their own unique knowledge about these artifacts and their meaning in the lives of their ancestors. Land managers, who administer public lands and the resources present thereon, are charged with the protection and conservation of ceramic-related resources. Just as importantly are museum and curation professionals who care for ceramic collections in-perpetuity on behalf of the American public. Each of these stakeholders have their own perspectives about prehistoric ceramics in the California deserts. This symposium brings together individuals from these diverse backgrounds to discuss future directions in our understanding, management, and curation of ceramic artifacts and ceramic assemblages in the twenty-first century.
Participants
Hannah Robinson, District Archaeologist, Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District
Greg Haynes, Associate Research Professor, Desert Research Institute
Rena Van Fleet, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Karen Harry, Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Tony Soares, Ceramic Replication Professional
Aaron Wright, Preservation Anthropologist, Archaeology Southwest
Kristin O’Lear, Executive Director, Imperial Valley Desert Museum
Jill McCormick, Yuma Field Office Archaeologist, Bureau of Land Management

2024 NV STEAM Conference
2024-03-13 - 2024-03-16 | Virtual
The Nevada Museum of Art, in partnership with DRI, hosts an annual statewide virtual conference to push the boundaries of STEAM Education. Hosting more than 600 educators from across the Silver State, the NV STEAM Conference is the leading statewide event for exploring ideas and strategies that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math into pioneering classroom practices that foster student creativity. In collaboration with Nevada Department of Education; Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology; the STEM Advisory Council; and the NV STEAM subcommittee comprised of leading arts, science, and educational organizations from across the state, the NV STEAM Conference inspires innovation through engaging, hands-on workshops and nationally recognized keynote speakers.
The theme of the 2024 NV STEAM Conference is “Healthy People, Places, and Environments.” The conference will be presented virtually, beginning with a keynote on Wednesday, March 13 and followed by an additional keynote and breakout workshops on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Registration for K-12 educators is always FREE due to the generosity of our sponsors
Nevada Educators earn professional development hours approved by the Department of Education for participation
SPONSORS:
The Nevada STEAM Conference is a partnership between the Nevada Museum of Art and Desert Research Institute
MAJOR SPONSORS
Arrow Electronics
Nevada Gold Mines, operated by Barrick
SPONSORS
Ormat Technologies
SUPPORTERS
Nevada Department of Education
Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology
EVENT COLLABORATORS AND PRESENTERS
Desert Research Institute
For more information visit: nvsteam.org

The Story of the Mind
2024-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 | The Discovery, 490 S. Center Street, Reno, NV, 89501, United States
Embark on a fascinating exploration of the science of the mind in this engaging lecture. We will delve into the intricate links between obesity and trauma, unravel the science behind addiction, demystify the brain’s activity during meditation, and delve into the enigmatic mysteries of the human brain. Gain insights into the intricate workings of the mind and its profound impact on our health, behavior, and overall well-being.
During intermission, attendees at this Science Distilled event are welcome to explore Mental Health: Mind Matters, The Discovery’s current featured exhibition.
Get your tickets online through The Discovery: nvdm.org/event/science-distilled-the-story-of-the-mind/

Featured panelists:

Emma White wears many hats including being an author, professional speaker, podcast host, and Founder and President of the Life Is Worth It Organization. Emma is an accomplished advocate and mental health expert whose passionate voice and lived experience has gained national acclaim. In her day job, she is the Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Nevada Department of Education and the Project Aware Manager for the Office of Suicide Prevention, where she specializes in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies on local, state, and federal levels.
Joe Grzymski, Ph. D. is the Chief Genomics Officer of Renown Health, the Director of the Renown Institute for Health Innovation, and a faculty member in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine in the fields of Computational Biology and Genetics. Dr. Grzymski conceived of the Healthy Nevada Project and now leads a diverse team of geneticists, data scientists, programmers, engineers, clinicians, and doctors as a part of the Renown Institute for Health Innovation and within the School of Medicine.
Stephanie Koning, Ph. D. is Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Public Health in the Department of Health Behavior, Policy, and Administration Sciences. Her research spans population health, human biology, and social systems and policy. She focuses on biopsychosocial determinants of maternal and child health; structural violence, social stress, and trauma; and the health implications of migration and displacement.

In partnership with:

Sponsored by:

Books & Bots Training: Henderson
2024-03-20 16:45 - 18:45 | McCaw STEAM Academy, 330 Tin Street, Henderson, NV, 89015, United States
PreK – 5th grade educators are invited to join the Nevada Robotics team this month for a Books & Bots training. Refresh your VEX 123 skills, get paid, receive free resources, and enjoy a meal with fellow educators.
Register now by filling out our Google Form.
Books & Bots is a curriculum developed by Nevada Robotics staff that partners high quality picture books with robotics lessons to promote literacy and teach computer science. All lessons meet state computer science, math, and ELA standards. Lessons may also meet art standards. Each lesson provides the opportunity for teachers to incorporate Social Emotional Learning competencies and art standards.
Follow us on social media to learn about future professional development offerings:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

Training Perks
STIPEND – $150
FREE MEAL
TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR HOURS
FREE RESOURCES

Books & Bots Training: Mesquite
2024-03-21 16:30 - 18:30 | Mesquite STEAM Center, 312 W Mesquite Blvd,, Mesquite, NV, 89027, United States

The Story of Resilience
2024-04-11 19:00 - 21:00 | DRI, Reno Campus, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV, 89512, United States
This installment in the Science Distilled series will explore the critical topic of climate resiliency and local solutions. Gain valuable insights into emerging research on cooling the climate and how we can manage forests into the future.
Get your tickets online through The Discovery
Featured Presenters:
David Mitchell
Dr. David Mitchell received his Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, USA, in 1995 and has contributed to the peer-reviewed literature in the atmospheric science sub-disciplines of cloud physics, radiation, remote sensing and climate dynamics. He and his students developed a theory describing the evolution of the North American monsoon that is now widely accepted, and he developed a treatment of ice cloud radiative properties that is currently used in the NCAR climate models. He and Dr. Anne Garnier developed and published (in 2016) the first satellite remote sensing retrieval for ice particle concentrations and later developed a method providing global percentages of cirrus clouds strongly affected by homogeneous ice nucleation. He published the first paper on the climate intervention method known as “cirrus cloud thinning” which may produce significant surface cooling at high latitudes. He has given 40 invited talks at universities and research institutes in the USA, the U.K., Germany, Mexico, Norway, France, and Sweden.
Anna Higgins
Anna Higgins is a forester with over twenty years of experience in forestry and wildfire throughout the West. She has a B.S. Forestry from the University of Montana, and a M.S. Forestry from Northern Arizona University. She has worked for the Oregon Department of Forestry, the US Forest Service, and currently the Nevada Division of Forestry. As the Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program Forester, Anna oversees the management of the forests in all NV State Parks inside the Lake Tahoe Basin. She is also a qualified prescribed fire Burn Boss and is very passionate about reintroducing good fire back into our forests.
Anna will present how the forests of Lake Tahoe have changed since Euro-American settlement, what risks the forests are facing in a changing climate, and how land managers and the Washoe tribe of Nevada and California are working to make the forests more resilient.

In partnership with:

Sponsored by:

Books + Bots Training: Spring Creek
2024-04-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Liberty Peak Elementary School, 250 Parkchester Drive, Spring Creek, 89815, United States
PreK – 5th grade educators are invited to join the Nevada Robotics team this month for a Books & Bots training. Refresh your VEX 123 skills, get paid, receive free resources, and enjoy a meal with fellow educators.
Register now by filling out our Google Form.
Books & Bots is a curriculum developed by Nevada Robotics staff that partners high-quality picture books with robotics lessons to promote literacy and teach computer science. All lessons meet state computer science, math, and ELA standards. Lessons may also meet art standards. Each lesson provides the opportunity for teachers to incorporate Social Emotional Learning competencies and art standards.
Training Perks:
STIPEND – $150
FREE MEAL
TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR HOURS
FREE RESOURCES

The Story of Resilience
2024-04-18 18:00 | Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, 89107, United States
This science lecture will explore the critical topic of climate resiliency and community solutions. Discover how climate intervention research offers potential strategies to counter a warming climate, learn about the impact of urban forestry in mitigating urban heat, and explore the collaborative efforts of science and nonprofits to ensure water accessibility. We’ll also delve into grassroots initiatives aimed at fostering climate-resilient communities. Gain valuable insights into the science-backed approaches and community-driven actions that contribute to a sustainable, resilient future in the face of climate change.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Beer, wine, and small bites will be available for purchase from Aspire Coffee House.
Visit the Springs Preserve website to purchase tickets: springspreserve.org/events
Featured Presenters:
David Mitchell
Dr. David Mitchell received his Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, USA, in 1995 and has contributed to the peer-reviewed literature in the atmospheric science sub-disciplines of cloud physics, radiation, remote sensing and climate dynamics. He and his students developed a theory describing the evolution of the North American monsoon that is now widely accepted, and he developed a treatment of ice cloud radiative properties that is currently used in the NCAR climate models. He and Dr. Anne Garnier developed and published (in 2016) the first satellite remote sensing retrieval for ice particle concentrations and later developed a method providing global percentages of cirrus clouds strongly affected by homogeneous ice nucleation. He published the first paper on the climate intervention method known as “cirrus cloud thinning” which may produce significant surface cooling at high latitudes. He has given 40 invited talks at universities and research institutes in the USA, the U.K., Germany, Mexico, Norway, France, and Sweden.
Marco Velotta
Marco Velotta, MS, AICP, LEED Green Assoc. is a Planning Project Manager and Chief Sustainability Officer of the City of Las Vegas. Marco leads the management and implementation of the City’s Strategy for Community Resilience, Net-Zero Energy, and Sustainability to conserve and reduce the City’s consumption of energy, water, and waste by overseeing renewable energy, energy efficiency, green building, water conservation, recycling, and alternative transportation efforts.
In partnership with:

Fire Ecology of Nevada Green Box
2024-04-27 10:00 - 13:00 | DRI, Reno Campus, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV, 89512, United States
DRI Science Alive invites educators to explore our newest middle school Green Box. Dive info hands-on investigations and game-ified simulations on fire, fuel, soil, and ecology. Although this professional development training will cover middle school standards, all interested educators are welcome to attend!
Participants are eligible for three continuing education hours and lunch will be provided.
Space is limited so be sure to register today using our Google Form!

The Story of Extremes
2024-05-09 19:00 - 21:00 | DRI, Reno Campus, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV, 89512, United States
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation delving into the realm of extremes. We’ll explore the impacts and dynamics of extreme heat, flash flooding, atmospheric rivers, and even delve into the complexities of extreme human behavior. Through an analytical lens, we’ll decipher the mechanisms driving these phenomena and their far-reaching consequences on our environment and society. Discover the science behind these extreme occurrences and gain a deeper understanding of how they shape our world.
Tickets are available now through The Discovery!

___________________
Featured panelists:
Dan McEvoy, Ph.D. is a researcher with the Western Regional Climate Center at DRI. His research interests are interdisciplinary and span the fields of climate, hydrology, and meteorology.
Guo Yu, Ph.D. is an assistant research professor of Hydrometeorology. His research explores hydroclimate extremes, process-based hydrologic modeling, rainfall and flood frequency analyses, and climate change impact studies.
Wendy Baroli operates a small Personal Farmer Program™ and manages a land and water resource bordering Northern Nevada and Northern California.

____________________

In partnership with:

Sponsored by:

New World Luminescence Dating Workshop 2024
2024-06-11 - 2024-06-14 | DRI, Reno Campus, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV, 89512, United States
We are excited to host the New World Luminescence Dating Workshop (NWLDW) June 11-14, 2024 at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno, NV!
Luminescence dating includes a group of established and rapidly emerging trapped charge dating techniques that are routinely used to constrain the timing of climate change, tectonics, sea level change, topographic change, natural hazards, human history and evolution, and human-environment interactions. NWDLW is a biannual workshop that features posters and presentations from students and researchers that develop and apply luminescence dating techniques in the Earth Sciences and Archaeology. This workshop serves as a forum for luminescence practitioners to share their findings with the broader scientific community, and provides a friendly, inclusive venue for students to meet and interact with experts in the field.
Stay tuned for updates on the DRI Luminescence Research Lab (DRILL) webpage as well as on our twitter @DRILuminescence.

The Story of Extremes
2024-06-13 18:00 | Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, 89107, United States
Join us for a thought-provoking science lecture delving into extreme heat. We’ll explore the impacts and dynamics of its far-reaching consequences on vulnerable populations, our environment, and society. Discover how extreme heat shapes our communities.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Beer, wine, and small bites will be available for purchase from Aspire Coffee House.
Visit the Springs Preserve website to purchase tickets: springspreserve.org/events
Featured Panelists:
Ariel Choinard – DRI, CNAP
Ariel Choinard, M.A. started at DRI in February 2023 as the project coordinator for the California-Nevada Adaptation Program (CNAP) and the new Southern Nevada Heat Resiliency Lab. She is working to build connections between scientists, community members, and community organizations to co-produce solutions, adaptations, and resilience to climate hazards. Choinardcame to DRI after working as the Urban Heat Resilience Fellow for Clark County and is based at DRI’s Las Vegas campus.
Lisa Ortega – City of Henderson, Urban Forestry Program
Lisa Ortega created the City of Henderson Urban Forestry Program through active inventory, writing the UF Program Plan, and contract accountability. She has been a consultant in her own business, Great Basin Sage Consulting, LLC since 2018, consulting on tree health, risk assessments and tree appraisals. She also started a tree planting nonprofit, Nevada Plants (2021).
Nancy Beecher – Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), Water Resources Department
Nancy Beecher is a Senior Environmental Biologist at SNWA. She has a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology, an M.S. in natural resource sciences, and is working on an M.S.L. in water and environmental law. She conducted her Ph.D. research in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica, where she studied how climate‐induced changes in pond water levels can influence amphibian development and immunity. She has been with SNWA for the past 17 years, where she brings together biological, hydrologic, geospatial, and legal information to inform land and water resource management. She and her colleagues recently completed a study on balancing heat resilience and water conservation in the Las Vegas Valley Metropolitan Area.

In partnership with:

Sponsored by:

Solar Days at the Boulder City Library
2024-06-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Boulder City Library, 701 Adams Boulevard, Boulder City, NV, 89005, United States
Join us at Boulder City Library in the Community Room for this FREE event where kids ages 6-12 can learn about energy resources, electricity, and solar power through our Solar Days Program sponsored by DRI’s EnergySmart Education and Southwest Gas!

Reno Sparks Heat Mapping Project - Call for Volunteers!
2024-07-27 | NV
Did you know that Reno is the fastest-warming city in the United States? The data collected from this campaign can help allocate resources like tree planting, shade structure installation, and cooling centers. Volunteer to help us with this one-day heat mapping campaign in Reno and Sparks on July 27. Visit bit.ly/driheatmap for more information and to fill out the volunteer form.
Sign up by July 12 to volunteer!

Reno Aces Fundraising Game for STEM Education
2024-07-28 13:05 | Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Ave., Reno, NV, 89501, United States
Make this event a home run by joining DRI’s STEM Education Program for a fundraiser on July 28th with the Reno Aces! It’s simple. Just use the link below to purchase your tickets. Half of the sales from this link will go back to DRI’s STEM Education Program, which will help to support innovative, accessible, and free STEM learning resources, tools, and trainings for youth, college students, and educators in Nevada. There’s lots of fun on deck for family and friends. Enjoy the salty taste of ballpark peanuts, the crack of the bat, and the excitement of the crowd, all while making a meaningful impact in your local community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support STEM education initiatives in Nevada!
Get your tickets today!
Learn more about the STEM Education Team and their programming at: dri.edu/science-alive

Invasive Weed Pulling Event at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
2024-08-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument: Eglington Preserve Kiosk, Grand Teton Dr. and Tule Springs Pkwy., Las Vegas, 89084, United States
Join Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (TUSK), the Protectors of Tule Springs, and DRI for a weed pull to remove harmful invasive plants on your National Monument. Weed wrangler volunteers learn, practice, and foster a habit of maintaining an ecosystem and help prepare for future replanting with native species.
When: Tuesday, August 6th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
What to bring: Plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and your favorite gloves. We will also have gloves available for volunteers to borrow if needed.
Where: Meet at the TUSK/Eglington Preserve Kiosk. From Aliante Parkway and Grand Teton, go EAST on Grand Teton for about 1/2 mile to a white sign on the left that says “TUSK Kiosk.” Turn left at the sign onto the loose asphalt road that follows the post and cable fence on your left, and you will see the kiosk just ahead on the right. Parking is next to the kiosk on the asphalt parking area.
Please RSVP here: tinyurl.com/Halogeton
We will send a confirmation email the week before with directions and map.
Join us to learn about native ecosystems and help native plants thrive!

AWE+ 2024 Wildfire Recovery and Resilience: Working Across Silos to Drive Solutions
2024-08-21 - 2024-08-22 | Encore Las Vegas, 3121 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, 89109, United States
AWE+ an Adaptable World Environment
August 21-22, 2024 – Las Vegas, NV
For over six decades, DRI has tirelessly tackled scientific challenges related to global climate. DRI is unwavering in its commitment to continue this intensive research. But fortifying communities against future devastation requires more than science. It demands the collective resolve of communities: agency staff, elected officials, policymakers, first responders, researchers and scientists, industry leaders, environmentalists and residents working together on measures to advance resilience and adaptability. This is where AWE+ comes into play.
In our inaugural event, AWE+ will focus on human adaptation to wildfires and their often-devastating impacts. AWE+ envisions a world where communities cultivate resilient measures amid the escalating intensity of wildfire events across the globe – not only to address the sheer destruction but also the cascading effects of pollutants and smoke that degrade air quality, contaminate water supplies and result in post-fire debris flows and flooding. All pose acute threats and increasing societal costs that mandate an urgent acceleration towards resilient, fire-adapted transformation. Through AWE+, DRI will be a catalyst for honest conversations that grapple with tough questions and break out of past paradigms.
Visit our website for details, featured speakers, and agenda overview.

Fall Professional Development Trainings - Microscopes: Art & Science
2024-08-24 08:00 - 11:00 | DRI, Las Vegas Campus, 755 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV, 89119, United States
Discover the intersection of art and science with DRI’s STEM Education Program’s FREE educator professional development training Microscopes: Science and Art! Explore how microscopic worlds inspire creativity and deepen scientific inquiry in your classroom. Equip yourself with versatile teaching strategies that bridge disciplines and ignite curiosity among your students. A limited number of microscopes and digital cameras from our STEM Co-Lab Lending Library will be available for check-out at the end of the training!
Educators who complete the session will receive a certificate of completion for up to 3 Continuing Education Hours.
Register now using our form!

CS-STEM Professional Development for Elko Area PreK & K Educators
2024-09-12 16:30 - 19:30 | Great Basin College, 1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV, 89801, United States
METRICS (Mentoring Educators Teaching Robotics & Innovation in Computer Science) is engaging and ongoing training using Nevada Robotics’ Books and Bots Curriculum. Teachers learn how to use robots to meet PreK and K literacy and math standards, and how to develop early readers, critical thinkers, and problem solvers.
Teachers receive an $800 stipend for 10 hours of training, free meals, free lessons, free books, and free access to robots.
Training Details:
Participants must attend all four sessions.
Thursday, September 12
Thursday, October 3
Thursday, January 23
Thursday, February 27
Sign in & dinner at 4:30 p.m.
Trainings are from 5:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Location: Great Basin College, Elko
Register now for all four sessions!
Questions? Contact AJ Long, Engineering Education Program Manager at aj.long@www-dev.dri.edu

Fall Professional Development Trainings: Solar Energy & Intro to Climate Change
2024-09-14 08:00 - 11:00 | DRI, Reno Campus, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV, 89512, United States
Join us this fall for a hands-on exploration of DRI’s STEM Education Program’s newest energy-themed high school Green Boxes in our FREE educator professional development training – Solar Energy and Intro to Climate Change! Green Boxes are self-contained, NGSS-aligned, curriculum kits that provide educators with three weeks’ worth of curriculum and all supplies necessary for your classroom to conduct each activity. Gain practical insights into renewable energy solutions and equip yourself with tools to educate students on pressing environmental issues. Join us to inspire the next generation of eco-conscious leaders through innovative curriculum integration and impactful classroom discussions.
Educators who complete the session will receive a certificate of completion for up to 3 Continuing Education Hours.
Register now using our form!

Fall Professional Development Trainings: Solar Energy & Intro to Climate Change
2024-09-14 08:00 - 11:00 | DRI, Las Vegas Campus, 755 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV, 89119, United States

Science Distilled: Drive-in for Science
2024-09-14 19:00 - 21:00 | West Wind Drive-In and Public Market, 555 El Rancho Drive, Sparks, NV, 89431, United States
Drive in, sit back, and get ready to watch a scientific film on the BIG screen! Join DRI, The Discovery and PBS Reno for the second annual Drive-in for Science, your chance to watch an amazing science documentary at the nostalgic El Rancho Drive-in in Sparks. Don’t forget the popcorn and Red Vines!
Location: West Wind El Rancho Drive-In Theater, 555 El Rancho Drive, Sparks
Times: Gate opens at 7:00 p.m. and the film begins at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available for purchase online through the Discovery!
Featured film:
NOVA: New Eye on the Universe Join scientists as they use NASA’s brand new James Webb Space Telescope to peer deep in time to hunt for the first stars and galaxies in our universe, and try to detect the fingerprints of life in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. Rating: TV-PG

In partnership with:

Sponsored by:

National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop
2024-09-16 - 2024-09-19 | Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Blvd., Atlantic City, NV, 08401, United States
The International Association of Wildland Fire and the Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC) and its three regional strategy committees, invite you to register for the 7th Annual National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop, September 16-19, 2024 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
WFLC has affirmed that the Cohesive Strategy remains the solid framework by which all stakeholders can address barriers and identify actionable for today’s complex wildland fire issues. The Cohesive Strategy Addendum Update was released in 2023 and provides a strategic look at the critical emphasis areas and key implementation challenges which were not addressed or have surfaced in the ten years since the development of the original 2014 Cohesive Strategy framework.
This event will take advantage of the unique opportunity to utilize the collective voice and brain trust of Workshop attendees to identify solutions and actions for barriers you’re experiencing, as well as for the Critical Emphasis Areas and Challenges outlined in the Cohesive Strategy Addendum that are keeping us from implementing the Cohesive Strategy at scale.
Featuring DRI’s Dr. Tim Brown and Dr. Tamara Wall will be presenting the session, “Prescribed fire and drought metrics – What’s right, what’s wrong, what’s useful?” on Monday, September 16. View the full schedule of events on the event website.
