Learning environment EEI program to turn school kids into nature children by Car o l I n ke l l i s
L
ong before green beHonda, who admits came mainstream, she’s not nearly as comback when most of fortable speaking to adults us had no idea what a caras she is to 9- and 10-yearbon footprint was, Laura olds, explained EEI—and Honda was introducing discussed her experience ecology concepts in her piloting it—last month classroom at Manor Elat a meeting of the Marin ementary School in Fairfax. Children & Nature ConThrough engrossing handsnection, a coalition of on activities, her students environmental educators learn about the environin and beyond Marin. ment, and their effect on it, (Learn more about this by planting butterfly habigroup, its members and tat gardens; hatching trout their offerings at www.eeeggs and releasing the trout com.net.) One of Honda’s fry at a hatchery; recycling The Education and Environment Initiative is frustrations is the number and composting on cam- all about ‘thinking globally, acting locally.’ of county teachers who pus; and so much more. aren’t aware EEI exists. She While engaged in these projects, students most hopes that parents and community members likely aren’t even aware that they are also learn- will bring it to the attention of their school ing history and geography as well as honing district’s superintendent. their math, language arts and social skills. The curriculum is based on five broad Over the years Honda’s enthusiasm and principles: creative teaching techniques have earned s People depend on natural systems her accolades, including California Science s People influence natural systems Teachers Association’s Distinguished Science s Natural systems change in ways that people benefit from and can influence Teacher of the Year, the Madelon Tormanen Humane Teacher of the Year and the Heads There are no permanent or impermeable boundaries that prevent matter from lands Institute Community Action Award. flowing between systems Luckily for students, there are “Laura Hondas” throughout the state; unfortunately, s Decisions affecting resources and natural systems are complex and involve many there aren’t enough of them. Recognizing the factors importance of environmental literacy, CaliMindy Fox, director of the Office of fornia educators and lawmakers developed Education and Environment at the California the Education and Environment Initiative (EEI) to ensure that all K-12 students have the Environmental Protection Agency, says EEI has “caught on like wildfire.” It helped that in opportunity to learn about environmental the review process, feedback from the teachers stewardship through a stimulating program who piloted the program was incorporated, that emphasizes humans’ interconnectedness making it even more teacher- and studentwith nature. The state EPA oversees the profriendly. According to Honda, the lessons gram. Honda is “thrilled with the wonderful provide an excellent foundation or jumping lessons,” especially for those teachers she says off point so teachers can integrate them into “aren’t comfortable teaching science.” their existing lesson plans—in or out of the The initiative has been on the books since classroom. October 2003, when then-Gov. Gray Davis Acknowledging that budget cuts have had signed AB 1548, authored by then-Assema negative effect on education, Fox says EEI is blymember Fran Pavley (now a state Senator, actively pursuing private-public partnerships D-Santa Monica) and sponsored by Heal in order to provide funds for schools to use it. the Bay, into law. Over the years content was Curriculum units are available to all schools developed and field tested, feedback incorand can be downloaded from the EEI website. porated and lessons tweaked to produce a Plus, she says, the Annenberg Foundation’s curriculum that is, according to Honda, “easy generous support has made it possible to to use” with “beautifully done” materials. provide teachers with a DVD containing all Honda’s class at Manor was among the the materials. 19 districts chosen to pilot test the program With so much emphasis on in 2007-08. The state Board of Education testing and teaching to the approved the curriculum in January 2010 tests, it’s encouraging to see and it is now available the state embrace hands-on to all schools statewide. activities that require critiHonda says teachers at cal thinking. ✹ her school are looking forward to using the EEI Learn more about EEI at www.calepa.ca.gov/education/eei/. units this school year.
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