California Association of Science Educators Conference Recap

Youth Education Program Manager, Peggy Harte, recently presented a short course on campus-based monitoring at the California Association of Science Educators’ (CASE) conference. Presenting alongside Chris Griesemer (Director of the Sacramento Area Science Project) the course highlighted ways educators can use their school campus to examine local phenomena and engage youth in nature monitoring programs through participatory science. The short course successfully brought together TOSAs and administrators, focusing on supporting teacher leaders in attending to equity through access to authentic inquiry and highlighted connections between the NGSS, EP&Cs and the new California math framework’s focus on data literacy. Participants explored what it looks like when elementary students engage with local data through hands-on campus-based monitoring projects that connect to broader data collection endeavors and the work of scientists. The course highlighted the research-based framework developed by the center for participatory science, emphasizing science learning, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. By the end, attendees were equipped with practical tools, resources, and an understanding of how to engage youth in environmental monitoring on their campus, promote access and inclusion in science education by removing barriers (like the cost of buses for field trips). Reflective discussions allowed them to consider implementation strategies and challenges for their specific educational contexts.

In addition to offering the short course, Peggy also organized a three day  bioblitz as part of CASE. During the bioblitz event, CASE attendees identify as many different plant and animal species as possible (using the iNaturalist app) within the grounds of the conference. The bioblitz was an opportunity to allow participants to connect with nature, contribute to real scientific research, and learn how to monitor biodiversity in their community. It was also a way to highlight for educators how easy it is to get students to begin seeing their campus as an ecosystem as they learn to identify wild plants and animals that share their space. You can read more about past bioblitz events like the 2024 City Nature Challenge here.