National Grid Foundation Supports Science Education in Boston Public Schools by Providing Three Teachers with Earthwatch Fellowships
BOSTON (PRWEB) June 28, 2018 -- Three Boston Public School teachers will have the opportunity to travel to an ancient agricultural system in the marshes of Xochimilco, Mexico, in July. Thanks to funding provided by the National Grid Foundation, these teachers will be learning first-hand about conserving wetlands and traditional agriculture as part of the Earthwatch Teach Earth fellowship program.
The National Grid Foundation Fellows, along with ten other teachers from around the country, will work alongside Dr. Claudia Ponce de Leon and her research team for one week, supporting an ongoing study of how land use and water management practices have affected endangered wetland ecosystems in Xochimilco. During the week, the teachers will have the unique opportunity to act as field scientists – scouting for the presence of native species, like the critically endangered Mexican axolotl salamander, taking water samples from canals, and collecting soil samples from surrounding farms.
These data will help researchers track the effects of urbanization, intensive agriculture, and invasive species introduction on the quality of the natural resources in the area with the goal of increasing local awareness of the conservation and ecosystem benefits of preserving a traditional form of agriculture called “chinampas.”
Earthwatch, a Boston-based non-profit organization, has been sending teachers of all subjects and grade levels into the field for over 25 years with the goal of building the skills and confidence teachers need to inspire the next generation of scientists. Now, for the first time, the National Grid Foundation is teaming up with Earthwatch to provide fellowships to three local teachers.
“We are pleased to team up with Earthwatch and support its Teach Earth program. Together, we ultimately are providing science and sustainability education to hundreds of Boston’s students that span from kindergarten to high school through this immersive teacher training program,” said Ed White, Executive Director of National Grid Foundation. “We are continually looking for ways to help solve today’s educational and environment challenges. Our work with Earthwatch helps to expand the learning experience, improve the lives of young people, and build stronger communities.”
These teachers were selected to provide sorely needed professional science development opportunities to Boston Public School teachers, and to engage the local community.
“Sharing my experience of international science collaboration on ecological issues with my students can serve as a great anchor to discussions around how science can support communities near and far,” said James Lyon, a seventh grade teacher at Boston Green Academy, who was selected as a fellow.
Kathleen Nehmer, a ninth through twelfth grade environmental science, engineering, and physics teacher at Boston Arts academy, and Jessie Auger, a kindergarten and K-4 curriculum developer at Sarah Greenwood Dual Language School were also chosen to receive National Grid Foundation Fellowships.
The fellows will bring this extraordinary experience back to their classrooms, translating their newfound hands-on knowledge into lesson plans for their students. Through daily facilitated learning lessons, they will work as a team to develop an environmental science unit while in the field, with each teacher creating a lesson plan. After they return, they will continue to collaborate on how to best communicate their lessons to their students.
“Investing in environmental science education is paramount if we hope to empower future generations and provide them with the tools needed to combat the greatest environmental challenges the world has faced,” said Earthwatch CEO Scott Kania. “We are excited to offer Boston teachers the opportunity to join an immersive professional development opportunity like Teach Earth so they can return to the classroom invigorated with the ability to make science come alive for their students.”
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Earthwatch Institute (earthwatch.org) is an international nonprofit organization that connects citizens with scientists to improve the health and sustainability of the planet. Since it’s founding in 1971, Earthwatch has empowered more than 100,000 volunteers from all walks of life to join leading scientists on field research expeditions that tackle critical environmental challenges around the globe – from climate change to ocean health to human-wildlife conflict. Earthwatch works with all sectors of society, including corporations, teachers, students, community leaders, zoos, and aquaria, as well as the general public.
The National Grid Foundation was created to enhance the quality of life across its grant making territory. The Foundation’s ongoing challenge is to create opportunities for solutions to educational and environmental issues. Its objective is based on the principle that giving people the tools to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and communities. Since its inception in December 1998, the Foundation has provided more than $23 million in grants to over 1,000 organizations.
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Media Contacts:
Alix Morris, Earthwatch Institute, [email protected], 978-450-1229
Debbie Drew, National Grid Foundation, [email protected], 781-907-1753
Alix Morris, Earthwatch Institute, http://earthwatch.org, +1 (978) 450-1206, [email protected]
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