Episode 15: Hands-On Climate Education and Action In Elementary Schools

Everyday Climate Champions

In this episode, we explore hands-on climate education and action at elementary schools: featuring McDowell Elementary in Petaluma, CA. For many years, 3rd grade teacher Angela Werner has incorporated a slew of climate education activities into her curriculum - from creek restoration to visits to her local wetlands to cultivating a school garden. She and her former student, Sherlyn Deras Ramos, reflect on their experiences and encourage other schools to get involved in nature-based programs. Find out how elementary school students are becoming the next generation of everyday climate champions. Guests: Angela Werner, 3rd grade teacher and Sherlyn Deras Ramos, 4th grade student Great Guest Quote: “I would say to just jump in 'cause there's so much out there. Even if you feel like you don't really know what you're doing, take that step.” – Angela Werner Host: Sean Mendelson Keywords: #climaterestoration,#Sanomaenvironmentaleducationcollaborative,#climateliteracy.#climateeducation,#climatecrisis,#climateaction,#elementaryschools,#STRAW,#InOurOwnBackyard,#gardenofeatin’ Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PFnBkszxHymoSH9eaTwU7mOI_jDKEsWX7351X1p0VzE/edit?usp=sharing Did you know? We LOVE listener feedback! Share your thoughts and insights by taking this brief survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWtyEkf8meN01BVOEgOJ_pWYxkha5EiV5Po2alSbvc_IzyEA/viewform Related Action Resources: STRAW: Student and Teachers Restoring a Watershed, a program of Point Blue Conservation, which works with classes to restore their local waterways with native plants: https://www.pointblue.org/our-work/education/ In Our Own Backyard, which provides four guided field trips per school year to nearby nature scapes, focusing on exploration & discovery, animal habitats, watersheds, and stewardship: https://www.landpaths.org/iooby/ SEEC Sonoma Environmental Education Collaborative, which promotes climate education programs throughout the county: https://sonomacountyee.org/pathways-project Petaluma River Cleanup, an annual community event: https://cityofpetaluma.org/event/petaluma-river-clean-up/ Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, supporting Shollenberger Park and other wetlands in the region: https://petalumawetlands.org/ Garden of Eatin’, teaching children to make healthy food choices through a comprehensive, hands-on based garden curriculum: https://nbcc.net/garden-of-eatin/ California’s recently passed climate literacy bill, which requires K-12 to teach about climate change in their science curriculum, AB 285: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB285 McDowell Elementary School, a dual immersion school in Petaluma, CA where our guests tach and learn: https://www.petalumacityschools.org/mcdowell Please share this podcast with a few friends, family, or colleagues. Remember to follow this podcast to find out when new episodes get released! Contact Us: Do you know a Bay Area-based Everyday Climate Champion? We’d love to interview them! Get in touch: [e-mail] Website: www.climaterealitybayarea.org/eccpodcast The Climate Reality Project Bay Area Chapter catalyzes local solutions to the climate crisis in every corner of the San Francisco Bay Area. We work together to spark urgent action and rapid adoption of solutions to the climate crisis. As Climate Reality founder and Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore says, “Solving the climate crisis is within our grasp, but we need people like you to stand up and act.” To learn more, visit: www.ClimateRealityBayArea.org Podcast Production Team: Executive Producer/Editor: Dalya Massachi; Sound Designer/Engineer: Martin Sanchez; Co-Hosts/Researchers: George Dy, Ellisa Feinstein, Isabella Genereaux, Sean Mendelson, Hasini Parepalli, Logo Designer: Gabriela Vargas