Students learn about turbidity
Education Programs
TERC's goal is to provide science-based information about the Lake Tahoe region in order to foster responsible action and stewardship. The following educational programs are planned for the Thomas J. Long Foundation Education Center located within the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences. These programs are led by the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center with leadership from director Geoff Schladow and education and outreach director Heather Segale.
Education Center and Green Building Tours
Education Center and Green Building Tours are offered Tuesday through Friday from 1 - 5 p.m. year-round; and on Saturdays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. during peak summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). We are closed on observed holidays. Exhibits in the Thomas J. Long Foundation Education Center provide visitors with an understanding of the environmental issues of concern at Lake Tahoe and throughout the western United States. Video exhibits contain information about what makes Lake Tahoe so special; the scientific research at the lake and how research is being used in restoration efforts; and the role the public plays in efforts to preserve and protect environmental quality. Tours include three interactive display areas where visitors can discover and explore Lake Tahoe. The Otellini 3-D visualization lab includes the movie "Lake Tahoe in Depth", an “earth viewer” and “Lake Tahoe Digital Elevation Model.” Walk-in visitors are welcome during regular hours or call (775) 881-7566 to schedule a tour.
Citizen Science
Join UC Davis staff and volunteers to conduct Citizen Science. Monitor water quality, birds and plant phenology at the Tahoe City Field Station on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the peak summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Student Field Trips to Education Center
TERC hosts fifth and sixth grade students at the Science Education Center so that students have an opportunity to learn about the unique features of Lake Tahoe, the interesting science and research activities occurring here, and how they can protect this watershed. Activities are coordinated with state science curriculum. Teachers should visit here to learn more.
Monthly Lecture Series
The Monthly Lecture Series provides a forum for community members to gain access to scientific experts. Faculty from UC Davis and other institutions, including regional, national and international campuses, along with governmental and private industry scientists will present focused lectures on various environmental issues, scientific research and related regional topics of interest.
Docent Training Programs
The docent training programs are currently offered once per year in the spring. The training program consists of 3 sessions. Docents can also join the program by meeting with our staff, reading the Docent Manual and shadowing tours until they are comfortable hosting tours.
Youth Science Institute
UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) and Space Science for Schools (SS4S) offer a 15-week (January through May) afterschool program for high school students. Click here for more information.
Trout in the Classroom
Selected classrooms participate in the Trout in the Classroom program each year. Click here for more information.
Special Events
Various events, such as Children’s Environmental Science Day, Science Expo, Family Science Day and Summer Star Parties are planned each year. Programs for educators including Project WET workshops and Watershed Tours are also planned regularly (see watershed tours video). Check the Calendar for details.
Technical Workshops
Various technical workshops including the Physical Processes in Natural Waters, Streambank Restoration, and others are scheduled at the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences building. The biannual Tahoe Science Conference is scheduled for May 22 - 24, 2012.
Summer “Tahoe Teacher Institute”
UC Davis partners with various school districts (San Joaquin County Office of Education, Carson City School District, and Lake Tahoe Unified School District) to host a summer Tahoe Teacher Institute. The next summer institute for educators is currently being planned for June 2012.