Wednesday, November 25, 2009

EE and Diversity

EETAP Releases New EE Article
Demographic changes and the emergence of a more global society have challenged the field of environmental education (EE) to be more inclusive and to offer programming that is relevant to culturally diverse groups. But what do we mean by diversity, and where is the EE field going with it?

“Still Developing the Toolbox: Making EE Relevant for Culturally Diverse Groups,” by Joanne M. Lozar Glenn, addresses this question and profiles five organizations working to connect their programming to the communities they serve. From creating learning groups to reaching urban, immigrant, and native audiences, these organizations address what it means to work with diverse audiences, and how connecting with these communities changes what they’re doing and how that work gets done.

The article includes 10 “learnings” that have emerged from environmental educators who are on the ground and at the forefront of efforts to make EE more inclusive. The article also provides a list of resources (books, articles, websites, programs, and organizations and individuals) designed to inspire readers who want to learn more about this topic and to get ideas they can apply to their own work.


EPA Data Finder
(resource for GreenSchools! program)
EPA recently launched Data Finder, a single place to find EPA's data sources so people can better access and understand environmental information. Environmental datasets are organized into the following six categories: air, climate change, health risks, pollutants and contaminants, waste, and water. Visit the site, suggest new content, and comment on its functionality.

Plan ahead for February Black History Month

Project Learning Tree is versatile! It is easy to find activities to support an endless number of themes, local issues, seasonal topics, special interests and content areas. For example, according to Georgia PLT coordinator, Carla Rapp, professors at Spellman College in Atlanta think PLT is perfect for "Culturally Responsive Teaching", and use PLT activities frequently in their classes.

Check out these PLT activities that connect African Americans and black history week with PLT activities:

Activity 16: Pass the Plants, Please
This activity will get students thinking about just how big a part plants play in our daily diets. Many of our traditional Southern dishes are a direct result of the early influence of African American slaves. Students can research this topic. (Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Math, Language Arts) Concept: Humans throughout the world create differing social, cultural, and economic systems and organizations to help them meet their physical and spiritual needs.

Activity 17: People of the Forest
This activity highlights the Mbuti of Africa in the Republic of Congo. More that just a place to live, the forest provides their basic needs. (Subjects: Social Studies, Language Arts)

Activity 18: A Tale of the Sun
Every culture in the world has stories that are part of its history and tradition. This activity can be adapted to look at stories told by African Americans about the environment and perspectives of the people who tell them. (subjects: Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) One such story can be found at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/mythology/liza_sun.html

Activity 40: Then and Now
If your community is like most others, it’s now quite a bit different than it was 100, 50, 25, or even five years ago. By interviewing elders, your students will understand how we, as people, affect and alter the environment in which we live. (subjects: Science, Social Studies, Language Arts). This activity can be adapted to look at the African American local culture by interviewing elders in the local community.

Activity 74: People, Places and Things
By taking a closer look at their community, students can gain an appreciation for it structure and complexity. In this activity, students will develop a deeper understanding for the many people, places, and things on which they depend every day. (subject: Social Studies) This activity can easily be used to identify people, places and things in their own community that are related to the African American local culture.

Activity 91: In the Good Old Days
Human attitudes and values, and therefore behavior, with regard to the environment can change over the course of generation. In this activity, students express their own views about forests, and then read excerpts from the writings of different authors who have influenced people’s thinking about the environment. (subject: Science, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Language Arts) It highlights Wangari Maathai's accomplishment of receiving the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. Quote by Wangari can be found on page 400. More information about her can be found on p.398, #11 in the box.


ALSO:
Suggested Reading: Dudley Edmondson from Minnesota who currently wrote a book titled Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places. This would actually go with the PLT lesson 34 Who works in this Forest?
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Brown-Faces-Americas-Places/dp/1591931738

Here are five trees and their stories about African Americans that may be of national or regional interest.

Emancipation oak: http://www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/detail.cfm?AutofieldforPrimaryKey=1334

See also, http://www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/detail.cfm?AutofieldforPrimaryKey=1443

Sallie's Crying tree: http://www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/detail.cfm?AutofieldforPrimaryKey=1398

Reconstruction-era (and Brown vs. Bd. Of Education)magnolias: http://www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/detail.cfm?AutofieldforPrimaryKey=1465
Zion poplars, a national historic place: http://www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/detail.cfm?AutofieldforPrimaryKey=1966

George Washington Carver birthplace trees: http://www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/detail.cfm?AutofieldforPrimaryKey=1611

Finally, the PLT PreK-8 Activity Guide had a very thorough "Topic Index" in Appendix 5. The category "CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES" lists 13 activities (some mentioned above).

Monday, November 2, 2009

Grants and Funding Opportunities

Braitmayer Foundation Education Grants
Deadline: November 15, 2009
The Braitmayer Foundation offers grants to fund a broad range of K-12 education programs with curricular reform initiatives and professional development opportunities for teachers. The grants can be used as seed money, challenge grants, or to match other grants to the recipient organizations. Grants up to $35,000 are awarded and applications are accepted twice each year.


Lego Children’s Fund Grants

Deadline: November 1, 2009
The Lego Children’s Fund provides grants to organizations for collaborative programs involving early childhood education and development; technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities, and/or athletic programs focused on underserved youth. Typical awards range from $500 to $5,000.

Intel Community Grants
Deadline: November 1, 2009
Intel Corporation awards grants for K-12 higher education and community education programs in science, math, and technology education, particularly for women and underserved populations. Funding for environmental programs are also considered.


Target Field Trip Grants

Deadline: November 3, 2009
Target will award grants of up to $800 each to K-12 educators across the United States. Funded field trips may involve museum visits or environmental and science projects; artistic and cultural experiences; and civics or community service projects. Visit the Target website to apply.


Healthy Sprouts Awards Program

Deadline: October 17, 2009
The National Gardening Association encourages the growth of health-focused youth garden programs through the Healthy Sprouts Awards Program sponsored by Gardener's Supply Company. The awards support school and youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and the hunger issues in the United States. To be eligible, a school or organization must plan to garden in 2010 with at least fifteen children between the ages of 3 and 18. The selection of winners is based on the relationship between the garden program and nutrition and hunger issues in the U.S. Visit the KidsGardening website to download an application. Grants are awarded in gift certificates to Gardener’s Supply Company and are valued at $200 and $500.