February Expert Panel: Taking Action! Student Generation of Solutions to Local Environmental Problems
Overview Blog Playlist Expert Panel Discussion Resources Synthesis Brief
Download: Resources Mentioned During Webinar & Webinar Chat
Recorded: Feb 7, 2022 at 3:00 PM EST
Description: This month’s theme explores STEM learning anchored by local, field-based data collection harnessed towards actionable impacts, such as the creation of solutions to local environmental challenges. The theme’s playlist, webinar, and follow-up discussion include dialogue about how local environmental phenomena are selected and what tools can be used for students’ field-based data collection, analyses, and solution generation. Materials will also explore how teachers can support students’ learning opportunities that recognize the cultural and sociotechnical values influencing data collection and that attend to local problems that directly affect students’ lives.
MODERATOR AND PANELIST BIOS
Moderator:
Dr. Nancy Butler Songer is a Professor and Dean of the College of Education at the University of Utah. Current research focuses on the design of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educational innovations for promoting critical thinking, agency, and the design of environmental solutions. Recognition includes a Presidential Faculty Fellowship from the President of the United States and two Fulbright awards.
See Nancy's Video >>
Panelists:
Dr. Kirby Whittington is a postdoctoral research scientist on the Life Right Here and Everywhere project. Kirby joined the team in the fall of 2020 after completing her doctoral degree at Florida State University under the guidance of Dr. Miray Tekkumru-Kisa and Dr. Sherry Southerland. Her research interests include understanding teachers’ development and implementation of curricula that draw on students' funds of knowledge and provide opportunities for rigorous science learning.
See Kirby's Video >>
Beatriz Cañas is a youth advocate and urban environmental educator working at the Chicago Botanic Garden as the Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility initiatives. Her work is centered on organizational culture change and community building. She holds a M.S. from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Natural Resources and Environment in Behavior, Education, Communication and Environmental Justice.
See Beatriz's Video >>
Rebecca Clark Uchenna is a STEM Education Specialist at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. Rebecca combines her passion for conservation, science and education into a unique role at Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. She joined MMSA December 2018 and is currently the program coordinator for the place-based citizen science project, WeatherBlur, and is co-coordinating the Maine State Science Fair through the Reach Program at MMSA. Rebecca holds a M.S. in Environmental Studies, Conversation Biology from Antioch University New England and a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology with a minor in secondary education from the University of Maine.