Environmental Literacy Action Plan
Environmental Literacy for educators is a crucial aspect in teaching environmental education. I strive to bridge the gap that has arisen in the education of environmental curriculum, due to the lack of resources and trainings provided to educators on environmental topics. This action plan discuss in detail the steps I would take in creating resources for teachers and attending conferences to share these resources.
Biodiversity Curriculum Guide
I have advanced my studies by taking completing the California Naturalist Certificate with University of California - Agriculture and Natural Resources Department. Throughout this program I was able to network with my fellow classmates, most whom are teachers at the local schools in the South Coast Bioregion. To wrap up the course I took a deep dive into the biodiversity chapter we read and created a curriculum guide that my fellow classmates and teachers could utilize in their courses.
Image by: Alexia (taken from Our Climate)
Climate Change Evidence - educating my neighbor on the plane
Climate change is a challenging conversation to have. It was important to learn multiple perspectives and techniques for inspiring a conversation about climate change and the environment. By reflecting on these approaches such as the connections approach Katharine Hayhoe speaks about, I have dedicated time to preparing for how I would pitch climate change to a classroom. This assignment challenged me too critically think about important environmental facts I have learned about and wrap up the conversation with power building techniques I had learned in MASJC 51000 Critical Youth Organizing.
“The gReat Divorce of NAture” in the South Coast Bioregion
Within this short write up, I consider the effects of “The Great Divorce” with nature in my bioregion. Even the areas that seemed “untouched” in my bioregion have been exploited for natural resources. Historical theories of overconsumption of resources is a prevalent issue we continue to see today. I utilize the example of the agricultural issues the Mayans and Mesopotamia had, which led to population decline and abandonment of the land. Humans have altered the environment for thousands of years because they are eager to extract the energy it provides. This short write up calls for society to recognize our “Great Divorce” with nature.
Image by: Allen J. SchabenImage by: Taylor Voegelie
Field Journaling
Field journaling is a practice I hope to share with my community and continue partaking in. While journaling I would make connections to the weather, the food sources, the geological formations, and several other characteristics. I would attempt to distinguish patterns and identify what species were native and invasive. I was even able to compare my bioregion with a neighboring bioregion as I field journaled on a trip. This allowed me to take what I have learned from my other classes and apply it to the field. Anyone has the opportunity to field journal and I believe this is a practice that should be implemented in schools. If you want some inspiration click below to see some of my entries.
Youth power building proposal - resilience as resistance with Our Climate
I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the planning team for the Resilience as Resistance: Mental Health and Climate Activism event we hold at my work with Our Climate. After learning about the four main types of resistance in my Critical Youth Organizing class which include, self-defeating resistance, reactionary resistance, conformist resistance, and transformative resistance, I was able to build out this program to be more supportive towards the youth who attend.
Image by: Seth HallImage by: Alexia (taken from Our Climate)