Dear Educator,
Summer vacation is finally here, and we hope you are taking a well-deserved break! While you are staying cool this summer check out Ten Strands’ Outdoor Learning Case Study. The case study highlights how one school has created outdoor learning spaces for students. Whatever your plans are for this summer break, we hope that you have some time to relax, and catch up on environmental literacy in the news.
Happy Summer!
–The OEE Team
EEI Program Updates
Take a break, you’ve earned it! Keep your eye out for EEI program updates to come in the autumn.
Professional Development Opportunities
Summer Institute for Climate Change Education
Ten Strands is leading a California cohort for Climate Generation’s Summer Institute for Climate Change Education, A Regrounding in Truth. Join educators from across the country for an impactful three-day online training July 28-30. Registration fees apply – Ten Strands, Climate Generation and Funders have partnered to make scholarships available to those who need them. Scholarship application deadline: Friday, June 18, 2021.
North American Association for Environmental Education Research Symposium
Join the five-decades long tradition of leading scholars and environmental education (EE) professionals in the annual research symposium. Examine in-progress environmental education research and engage in dialogue with EE researchers and practitioners in this virtual event. Participate online from October 7-8, 2021.
The Lawrence Hall of Science New Resource
The Lawrence Hall of Science has developed a new resource to help educators identify curriculum units that emphasize environmental concepts connected to science learning standards. Find out more about how the Environmental Literacy Curriculum Connections may also help in planning outdoor programming, safe in-person learning, and maximizing students’ time outdoors.
Award, Grant, and Contest Opportunities
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest – Water Rising
The 2021 Ocean Awareness Contest, Water Rising, challenges students to explore and understand their connection to water, and to creatively call attention to and communicate the need to protect water resources. The types of creative projects that will be accepted include works of art, creative writing, film, interactive multimedia, performing arts, and poetry.
Deadline: June 14, 2021
Award: $100-$1,500
Captain Planet Foundation, ecoSolution Grant
These ‘small grants’ are designed to support solution-oriented youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes! To learn more about how ecoSolution grants work and how to apply, visit the website.
Deadline: July 15, 2021
Award: $500-$2,500
Whole Foods Bee Grants
These grant programs allow for schools and non-profit organizations to receive support for educational beehives and bee programming so students can observe bees up close and learn about the vital role these pollinators play in our food system.
Deadline: September 2021
Award: $1,500
Annie’s Grants for Gardens
Annie’s Grants for Gardens program offers funding for edible garden projects that help connect to nutritious food. Grant can be used to purchase gardening tools, seeds, or other needed supplies for new gardens or to support existing garden projects.
Deadline: November 2, 2021
Award: Up to $5,000
Environmental Literacy News
Outdoor Learning Case Study: Park Day School
By Karen Cowe, Linda Livers
May 18, 2021
Ten Strands
Poetry and Placemaking: Establishing Meaning and Connection in Nature
By Allie Rigby
April 27, 2021
Ten Strands
Salton Sea, Lithium, and Environmental Justice
By Shelley Brooks, PhD
April 14, 2021
California History Social-Science Project
Current Events in the Classroom
By Shelley Brooks, PhD
April 13, 2021
Ten Strands
California: Environmental Education and Justice
By North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
April 4, 2021
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
Environmental Education Behind the Redwood Curtain
By Olivia Kernen
March 31, 2021
Ten Strands
California Education and the Environment Initiative 