The integration of experiential learning, environmental education, and curriculum studies within the framework of nonviolence education are deeply connected. Raising awareness about the relationship between human behavior and environmental degradation are considered forms of violence against nature. By supporting a transformative learning environment, this will allow for the encouragement of students to analyze how this affects humans and ecological systems. The use of experiential learning may develop empathy for ecosystems through immersive experiences and create a practice of problem-solving and critical thinking in a real-world context. By incorporating environmental education into the curriculum, this may foster a stewardship behavior toward the environment and grasp sustainability concepts through active participation. The outcomes of an in-person environmental education program in the schools may result in enhanced student engagement, critical consciousness, empowered actions, and sustainable curriculum development.
Founder and Curator, Wildlife Discovery Center, LLC
I was a former head keeper at Brookfield Zoo before starting my own free-admission, public zoo/nature center 38 years ago. During that time, I also taught college biology/ecology/herpetology courses and worked as a field consultant on 50 National Geographic and other natural history... Read More →
Tuesday May 6, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am CDT Ballroom F
This session will detail the results of a cross-sectional research study that explored environmental educators’ conceptualization of cultural relevance in environmental education, the pedagogical theories and practices environmental educators use when working with students from racially, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse populations, and the ways in which the concepts of multicultural environmental education are being incorporated by environmental educators. This fits within the environmental education through a societal lens strand as it invites attendees to explore justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion among environmental educators. By the end of this session, attendees will have an understanding of perspectives of other environmental educators as well as a foundation for engaging in critical self reflection about their own pedagogical practices.
"The backyard garden can be a place a great educational opportunity, but biophobia can lead to decreased backyard biodiversity. To counteract biophobia, personalized ecologies can be explored. Personalized ecologies are simply direct interactions with individuals of other species (Gaston et al., 2023). Understanding people’s personalized ecologies, even in their own backyard, can help create strategies to increase biodiversity (Gaston et al., 2023; Sanders et al., 2018). However, the actual impact that exploring these ecologies has on biodiversity has not been well documented (Gaston et al., 2023).
Often while gardening, organic disturbances such as “weeds” and reptiles will be encountered. These disturbances (“garden surprises”) can sometimes be unwelcome and illicit various negative responses from the gardener depending on their previous lived experiences, normative beliefs, or education. Many gardeners also have stories to accompany their experiences that help illustrate the epistemology of their responses. Quite often these stories contain some sort of misconception about “weeds” or reptiles that lead to their removal from the backyard garden, inherently decreasing its biodiversity. Understanding these epistemologies and normative beliefs can be useful in future gardener education.
The purpose of the study is to explore the personalized ecologies of backyard gardeners and their responses to garden surprises. This information can be used to understand how their epistemological foundations guide their responses to garden surprises. Participants were members of the Master Gardeners program in Mississippi. Researchers developed an educational intervention about flora and herpetofauna that might be found in gardens of Mississippi. Participants were given an initial survey to assess their comfort with and understanding of these types of garden surprises as well as a follow-up survey to find if their views of garden surprises had changed as a result of the intervention. Participants were also given an option to conduct a live interview with the researchers.
This qualitative study utilizes a pragmatic philosophical approach to find if educational interventions can correct misconceptions that may be present among backyard gardeners. Research questions include: · What inherent biases do Master Gardeners have in relation to unwanted surprises in the garden? · How does education about venomous/non-venomous snakes and their usefulness impact the perspective about unwanted garden surprises? · How does education about weeds and their usefulness impact the perspective about unwanted garden surprises?
In total, 70 participants responded to the initial survey, 46 responded to the post-survey, and 20 requested the follow-up interview. Preliminary qualitative results indicate that the educational intervention had an effect on the participants’ garden surprise responses. Misinformation about these garden surprises was prevalent. Place-based knowledge and normative beliefs play a large role in these misconceptions. Biophobia was a common thread and often manifested as fear of reptiles in their gardens or fear of the impact that unwanted plants could have on their garden. Further analysis of the data can lead to a deeper understanding of the link between misconception or misinformation and biophobia. This information can be used to create educational materials for gardening groups to increase awareness of these creatures' garden values."
The health and academic benefits children gain from experiences in the natural environment are well-documented. Despite the clear potential for supporting children’s well-being, outdoor learning opportunities in American public elementary schools seem to occur in isolated instances with students’ regular engagement outdoors occurring minimally or not at all. While policies that endorse environmental education practices and promote outdoor learning are needed, they do not necessarily lead to increased learning opportunities for students (van Harskamp et al., 2021). Teacher training is essential in promoting sustainability and conservation among future generations. Along with recognizing the importance of environmental education, teachers must feel prepared and confident in their abilities to teach outdoors (van Dijk-Wesselius et al., 2020); thus, an effective and efficient means of ensuring nature-based activities occur in schools is increasing pedagogical practices aimed at environmental education in teacher preparation (Alvarez-Garcia et al., 2015; Alvarez & Vega, 2004; Georgiou et al., 2021). A common approach is for teacher preparation programs to incorporate environmental education through the teaching of science curriculum (Henze, 2000; Falkenberg & Babiuk, 2014; Madhawa et al., 2013). An integrated approach, however, provides multiple opportunities for preservice teachers’ exposure to environmental education and outdoor learning in related disciplines. Teacher educators at one university adopted a tiered approach to increasing prospective elementary teachers’ knowledge and competencies related to outdoor education. A cohort of 26 elementary preservice teachers engaged in practical and experiential activities during coursework, professional development, and field experiences designed to develop their abilities to provide young learners with nature-based lessons integrating science and mathematics. Concepts and strategies presented in science and mathematics methods courses and visiting an outdoor learning site on campus were supplemented with three hours of training provided by a community partner focusing on hands-on STEM activities related to plant and environmental sciences using the 5E curriculum lesson plan. Additionally, students were supported in providing outdoor or nature-based lessons in their field placements as a culmination of their learning. Challenges faced and evidence of authentic learning by teacher educators and preservice teachers will be shared.
Rebecca M. Giles is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of South Alabama where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and coordinates the Early Childhood Studies program. She has spoken and published widely in the areas of early education, literacy... Read More →
This poster presentation will showcase the outcomes of a summer internship program at the University of Memphis' research center, the Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER). This program enhances the academic experience of undergraduate students by offering hands-on fieldwork in environmental engineering, hydrology, and hydrogeology in West Tennessee. It specifically addresses the needs of students who may lack access to research opportunities and career preparation that are typically available to graduate students.
Education and Outreach Coordinator, University of Memphis - CAESER
I am an accomplished educator with extensive experience in both primary and secondary education. Currently serving as the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the University of Memphis' Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER), I leverage my background in... Read More →
GRITS offers a comprehensive curriculum for STEM workforce development aimed at high school students in coastal Mississippi. This weeklong summer program provides hands-on training in six key STEM skill areas vital to careers in coastal habitat restoration and green infrastructure, including watercraft operation, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operation and safety, GPS mapping, basic electrical system soldering, nursery methods and planting techniques for coastal vegetation, and data analysis, interpretation, and project design. Upon completing this program, students will have acquired valuable STEM skills, enhancing their marketability for jobs or further education. The development and continuation of GRITS will help build a locally trained environmental workforce, propelling students into various coastal STEM careers.
Participants in this session will explore ideas to make the study of soil, more exciting and effective. Pedology does not have to be difficult or boring! It is also not just for the science classroom.
A study of soil can be incorporated into any classroom or environmental program. It can also be used with any age group and with little cost. This can be done by making soil paint, creating art, exploring historical cave paintings through virtual field trips, using readers theater and articles, and by utilizing free interactive technology, games and resources.
Through these activities, students will gain a better understanding of one of the most important and vital natural resources on earth!
This session will provide attendees with insights into how field-based education encourages student engagement, skill acquisition, and career exploration in natural sciences and environmental education. Participants will actively engage in discussions, case studies, and interactive activities inspired by the SFP's course methodologies, including hands-on approaches to teaching coastal restoration and marine conservation. The session focuses on using innovative and hands-on teaching methods, including technology, to make learning engaging and effective. It shows how field-based experiences and affordable tools can help students grow professionally and prepare for careers in marine and coastal sciences. It also highlights ways to connect learning with real-world applications, support different learning styles, and create long-term, meaningful educational opportunities for both students and teachers. Participants in this session can expect to gain practical strategies for incorporating hands-on fieldwork into academic programs while exploring best practices for engaging students in career-focused, practical learning experiences. They will develop ideas for implementing experiential education models in their institutions or programs and gain insights into the long-term impact of immersive education on students’ career growth and professional success.
Project Learning Tree is an organization that prioritizes environmental education for youth by providing teaching resources for educators to use. These resources provide a way for educators to take learning outside along with exposing their students to environmental processes and show how humanity is part of the environment, while using trees and forests as their primary lens. These resources can be used at multiple grade levels, and some are more specific to certain grade levels. Green Jobs guide is one such resource, that provides excellent, in-depth activities that educators can use with older students and students that are about to enter the workforce. The activities in this guide offer insights into what those who work in the forestry sector does, as well provide scenarios that model real-world decision-making situations regarding forested areas. Equity and inclusion are also something that PLT strives for. To showcase that, they have two other resources that may be helpful for some educators: Journeys - Black Faces and Green Spaces and Explora Tu Ambiente - K-8 Activity Guide. The former offers experiences of African American professionals within the forestry and natural resources job sector, providing their journey to their current careers. The latter is a version of the Explore Your Environment - K-8 guide that has been revised for educators who teach students that use Spanish as their first language. These three guides provide insights into careers and ways to interact with individuals in a manner that may let them be seen and heard.
Climb aboard the Miss Peetsy B for a guided bayou tour, where you'll cruise through the winding tidal creeks and marshes of coastal Mississippi. Along the way, discover the unique plants and animals that call these waters home while learning about the vital connections between bayous and the Gulf of Mexico. Transportation to and from the field trip site is included.
Paddle through the winding waterways of Davis Bayou on a guided kayaking adventure with the USM Marine Education Center, where you'll explore the rich ecosystems of Mississippi's coastal estuaries. Along the way, encounter diverse wildlife, from wading birds to jumping mullet, while learning about the vital role bayous play in marine and coastal habitats. Transportation to and from the field trip site is included.
Tuesday May 6, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT Davis Bayou
Explore the vibrant world of Walter Anderson at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, where you'll discover stunning murals, intricate block prints, and deep connection to tthe Gulf Coast. After the tour, unleash your creativity in a hands-on block printing activity inspired by Anderson's techniques and natural motifs. Participants must arrange their own transportation
Explore the scenic trails of Gulf Islands National Seashore on a self-guided birding walk, where you can spot wading birds, songbirds, and birds of prey in their coastal habitats. As you wander through maritime forests and salt marshas, take in the sights and sounds of the diverse bird species that call this landscape home. You must arrange your own transportation.
Discover the rich heritage of the Gulf Coast at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, where exhibits showcase the region's shipbuilding, fishing, and shrimping traditions. From historic wooden boats to hands-on displays, the museum offers a fascinating look at the people and industries that have shaped Mississippi's coastal culture. Transportation is provided.
Dive into the wonders of the Gulf at the Mississippi Aquarium, where you'll come face-to-face with sharks, river otters, and sea turtles while exploring immersive exhibits. From touch pools to towering aquariums, this experience offers offers an up-close look at the diverse marine life that thries along Mississippi's coast and beyond. you must arrange your own transportation.
Tuesday May 6, 2025 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT Mississippi Aquarium2100 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501
I have a B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology from Arizona State University. I have been the Director of the Adopt-A-Stream program under the Mississippi Wildlife Federation since 2006. I teach about the importance of clean streams/rivers and reducing non-point source pollution through... Read More →
Executive Director, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
Ashley Hoffman has served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education since 2010. She holds a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida and a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University... Read More →
Wednesday May 7, 2025 8:15am - 8:45am CDT Ballroom A
The Cumberland River Compact (CRC) provides hands-on, place-based learning for teachers and students across middle Tennessee. Through a partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools, CRC delivers in-school field trips called STEAM Expeditions to more than 2,000 6th graders at the district’s designated STEAM schools. During this experience, students explore local aquatic insects collected from a nearby stream and use data to make predictions about stream health. During this session, attendees will learn instructional strategies from the STEAM Expedition program, practice these techniques with preserved aquatic samples, and understand the logistical details to make the programs happen.
Discover how land-use practices affect water quality with EnviroScape models, 3D mini watersheds. Learn about point and nonpoint source pollution and explore steps like identifying local environmental issues, launching community projects, and using EnviroScapes for sustainability education.
An EnviroScape model is a 3-D self-contained mini watershed that allows participants to observe and simulate, in real-time, the interactions of precipitation with various land-use practices and the impacts they have on streams, lakes, water supplies, and groundwater. An EnviroScape model allows you to simulate many sources of both point and nonpoint source pollution, create floods, pave over a field here, plant a buffer there and see what happens. We have two different versions of EnviroScapes including the standard Watershed/Nonpoint Source Model and the Coastal Watershed Model for demonstration. We will discuss human and non-human impacts on ecosystem dynamics in various environments. actionable item(s) will attendees 1. Identifying local environmental issues, businesses and organizations can develop projects to address them for sustainable development and reduction of environmental impacts. 2. Implementing community participation such as organizing a cleanup or starting a recycling program. 3. Borrowing the EnviroScape Models to educate the public of point and nonpoint source pollution.
Toni Bruner has been working in informal education for 20 years. Her love for nature began on the banks of the Alabama River, where she spent her summers alongside her father at Fort Toulouse in Wetumpka, AL. Toni’s career in education began in 2004 with Legacy Partners in Environmental... Read More →
Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CDT Ballroom H
Recognizing the significant pressures placed on classroom teachers from day one, including ongoing evaluations by administrators and parents, how can we, as external partners, make a difference for both educators and their students? Join us for a workshop exploring the powerful role of informal and formal educators in bringing environmental science concepts to life within the existing curriculum to improve science learning.
This session delves into the transformative power of storytelling as a tool to bridge the gap between fear, knowledge, and action in rural Southern communities impacted by pollutive industries. Through the lens of environmental education and justice, participants will explore how to highlight the experiences of often-overlooked communities, building empathy and understanding for cultural values while fostering stronger emotional connections to nature. Presenters will share proven strategies for engaging community members, particularly youth and elderly individuals, through immersive, enjoyable, and interactive environmental education activities that inspire care for the environment. By combining storytelling with action-oriented education, they’ve cultivated trust in communities where environmental misinformation often fuels hesitancy and mistrust. This session aligns with three conference strands: Environmental Education through a Societal Lens – Showcasing JEDI principles, it identifies obstacles, highlights invisible communities, and finds common ground to foster collaboration. Invisible Obstacles – Bridging fear and knowledge, it addresses emotional and cultural barriers to environmental action. The Power of Storytelling – Using compelling narratives, the session demonstrates how stories promote values, spark positive behavior changes, and create deeper connections with the environment. Interactive Component: Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including creating their own community-centered environmental stories and role-playing scenarios to build empathy for underrepresented voices. They will also participate in small group discussions to brainstorm methods for incorporating storytelling into their own environmental education initiatives. Key Takeaways: Strategies for addressing mistrust and misinformation in marginalized communities through storytelling. Approaches to designing youth-friendly environmental education activities that foster care for nature. Practical tools for integrating empathy and cultural sensitivity into environmental education programs. This session promises to equip participants with actionable methods to enhance their environmental education practices, ensuring they leave inspired to make a tangible difference in their own communities.
This interactive workshop will consider research about the anxieties, distress and disengagement that can result when students (and educators) learn about environmental problems. The need for "HOPE" (a project-based learning framework) will be presented as an essential basis for change, rather than merely a feeling.
Workshop participants will: - explore physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature; - use technology to measure positive impacts on the earth; - recognize environmental heroes from various cultures; - observe the resilience of nature; - consider the potential of human empathy and ingenuity; and - try instructional strategies intended to help students gain skills, experience, and confidence by solving bite-sized local problems
The focus will be on maximizing the mental health benefits of nature, instilling authentic hope, and engaging students in meaningful and effective problem-solving.
Depression and anxiety can be common reactions to environmental education, affecting both students and educators. Fear does not inspire or motivate students to make a difference in the world: instead, it can result in hopelessness and disengagement. The proposed workshop will share highlights from an eeCourse in development.
Karan joined EEA as executive director in January 2020, having been a member of EEA since 2006. She previously worked as director of the CPF Institute for the Captain Planet Foundation and executive director of the Greater Atlanta Conservation Corps. Karan is a Georgia Science Ambassador... Read More →
Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CDT Ballroom F
Learn how the power of the story of President Theodore Roosevelt’s black bear hunt in Mississippi has influenced positive attitudes, behavior, and conservation efforts on the bear population in the southeast.
Participants in this session will discover similarities between traditional literacy and environmental literacy and how each supports the other. Through hands-on activities and practice lessons, attendees will examine how the two intersect, use children's literature to expand and enhance existing EE curricula, and discover new resources for program development. Participants will explore the benefits of collaborating with libraries and leave with the bones of a story-based program to share with their own audiences. As a 35-year employee of the Kenton County Public Library with more than 20 years as a children's programmer, Jennifer is uniquely poised to address the value of story as a communication tool and how stories have been used for generations to share values and change attitudes. Jennifer is also a KY Certified Master Environmental Educator and is credentialed by the (KY) Governor's Office of Early Childhood as an Early Care and Education Trainer (EE Specialty), putting her firmly in the intersection between traditional and environmental literacy. Though her current job title is School Outreach Programmer, she presents programs for all ages.
School Outreach Programmer, Kenton County Public Library
Jennifer is a School Outreach Programmer for the Kenton County Public Library. She is a KY Certified Master Environmental Educator, and a KY Early Care and Education Credentialed Trainer (EE Specialty). She is a Certified Facilitator for many EE curricula including Don't Waste It... Read More →
Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CDT Ballroom C
Sharing how the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum introduces environmental education to preschool aged children in a fun and engaging way. They use the history of the Fortenberry-Parkman farmstead featured at the museum to bring to life what is happening in a book about farm life or other topics that impact the environment. The Story Time with Uncle Story program includes interacting with the content of the book and an enjoyable activity and or craft. They will also share how this program impacts the guests they meet and how that impact will make environmental education more appealing as the children grow. Participants will get to experience Story Time with Uncle Story and see environmental education through the eyes of a child.
This session enables attendees to participate in a hands-on mapping design challenge centered on the grand global challenge of saving the Earth's biodiversity. The Mapping to Conserve Biodiversity in Mississippi Design Challenge engages learners in data-driven, evidence-based biodiversity conservation decisions that reflect current efforts in science and policy. This 3-dimensional, CCR-aligned activity is based upon the principle of Half-Earth, a concept conceived by the late American biologist E.O. Wilson and adopted by a new generation of scientists and conservationists who conclude that we must set aside half of Earth's land and seas for nature to maintain biodiversity and ensure the long-term health of our planet. This principle informs programs like America the Beautiful and the global 30 x 30 efforts aiming to restore, connect, and conserve 30% of lands and waters by 2030.
To complete the challenge, learners receive data on the conservation status and range of Mississippi vertebrate species, along with high-resolution printed maps illustrating the distribution of cities, agriculture, human pressures, biodiversity hotspots, and existing protected areas in the state. Then, by interpreting both mathematical and visual data, learners apply their understanding to identify the ideal areas of Mississippi for protection based on scientific Half-Earth principles while also considering human needs through an equitable lens. Reflecting real-world conservation practice, each design solution is unique and involves decisions and compromises that learners must defend with evidence. While the activity is open-ended, students must support and communicate conservation solutions with data and provide peer review through gallery walks or similar team exchanges. A provided teacher guide includes prompts to encourage student debate while offering suggestions to facilitate resolution through data. The activity raises learner awareness of resources for research and presentations, especially those that link local biodiversity conservation to global efforts.
The activity was developed using evidence-based practices to facilitate student learning through student inquiry and ownership and has been effectively implemented at the middle school, high school, and college levels. To help ensure the activity can be effectively used in a formal educational setting, it employs science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to address Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards in middle school science and high school biology courses. Participants will receive access to the materials for classroom implementation and a structured framework to be modified or extended to serve their practice.
At the end of this activity, learners will be able to 1. Use maps to identify how humans use and protect land and species ranges and to illustrate conservation biology decisions. 2. Demonstrate how diverse information and mathematical data can be layered onto a map for analysis. 3. Contribute to the collective understanding of biodiversity conservation through small-group and whole-class discussions by evaluating evidence, engaging in argumentation, and forming solutions. 4. Articulate the complexity of making conservation decisions and the need to incorporate diverse disciplines and perspectives, including ecology, geography, agriculture, forestry, and urban and cultural traditions, to inform conservation efforts. 5. Construct an explanation of humans' multiple impacts on biodiversity using interactive research tools that are dynamically updated to reveal global and local species distributions and changes in human land use.
Since environmental education can be an extremely broad subject, with focus on so many different areas, we want to offer what we are doing from a transportation infrastructure stand point, specifically on litter prevention. We would talk about MDOT's state wide litter prevention programs and explain each program's focus, delivery, target audiences, and outcome. We want to engage the group with some of our hands on educational materials and tools we use, such as our Enviroscape that is used to show storm water runoff as it would be from a classroom view. We would want to also gain useful information from other states such as what they are doing in the same field, costs, numbers, and even suggestions on what MDOT could do to enhance or further develop what we are currently doing.
Overcoming Obstacles to Outdoor Learning SEEA’s eeLandscape Analysis - and particularly the School Survey - revealed a number of barriers that limit opportunities for students to experience the benefits of outdoor learning. Despite research documenting the academic gains, real world connections to curriculum, physical and mental health benefits, problem-solving skills, self-efficacy, and nature connection that can result from outdoor learning, few classes regularly spend time outside the classroom walls. And those classes that do venture over the threshold often miss out on opportunities for enriching and empowering student-directed learning. This workshop will focus on methods and models for overcoming obstacles to outdoor learning. Building on survey findings and research, workshop participants will explore instructional strategies and approaches that have been effective in getting students outside more frequently, and for more meaningful real-world learning experiences and nature connections.
Karan joined EEA as executive director in January 2020, having been a member of EEA since 2006. She previously worked as director of the CPF Institute for the Captain Planet Foundation and executive director of the Greater Atlanta Conservation Corps. Karan is a Georgia Science Ambassador... Read More →
Wednesday May 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CDT Ballroom F
Join The Local Authority for an interactive session that integrates literature, visual arts, and creative writing to inspire Mississippi students to fall in love with reading and storytelling. This session showcases how culturally relevant stories and art-focused curriculum guides can enhance comprehension, creativity, and self-expression in the classroom. Participants will explore sample lessons from our curriculum guides, designed around our original Mississippi-based books. Each guide integrates authentic arts experiences—such as creating character collages, story-based skits, and poetry writing—while aligning with state standards for comprehension and writing. These activities provide innovative strategies to engage students in meaningful discussions about culture, identity, and storytelling, fostering their skills as readers, writers, and artists. The session will include: Interactive Exploration: Participants will engage in a hands-on mini-lesson combining reading, comprehension, and art activities. Curriculum Design Demonstration: Insights into how our curriculum guides connect literature to visual and performing arts, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable. Student Voice Showcase: Examples of student-created work to illustrate how these lessons encourage self-expression and celebrate diversity. Practical Implementation: Strategies for integrating our resources into classrooms, with flexible options for all grade levels and learning environments. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools, including an exclusive curriculum sample, strategies to foster a love of reading, and ideas to inspire students to tell their own stories through art and writing.
Join us for an interactive workshop designed to immerse participants in the world of environmental science through hands-on activities. In this session, you'll engage in exciting lessons like the DIY Watershed, Estuary Survivor Game, and the Edible Aquifer in a Cup. We will explore the scientific concepts behind each activity while experiencing them as students do.
Attendees will leave equipped with detailed lesson plans and additional resources for teaching earth science and environmental topics effectively in their classrooms. This session is perfect for educators looking to enhance their curriculum with engaging, experiential learning opportunities that foster a deeper understanding of our planet's ecosystems. Take advantage of this chance to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!
Education and Outreach Coordinator, University of Memphis - CAESER
I am an accomplished educator with extensive experience in both primary and secondary education. Currently serving as the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the University of Memphis' Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER), I leverage my background in... Read More →
Wednesday May 7, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT Ballroom G
This interactive session explores how Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of fish printing, serves as a powerful tool to bridge the gap between entertainment and environmental education. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that demonstrate how art can captivate diverse audiences while fostering a deeper understanding of ecological and cultural topics. By using a non-traditional location for the workshop, people that would not normally engage in environmental education are reached.
Aligning with the conference strand of integrating creativity into educational practices, this session highlights the versatility of Gyotaku in teaching about fish biodiversity, river basins, water quality, and both place-based and Japanese cultural history. Attendees will learn how this art form connects participants to environmental and cultural heritage while sparking curiosity and engagement.
Key takeaways include methods for using Gyotaku to align with environmental education goals, strategies for integrating it into lessons on aquatic ecosystems and cultural history, and techniques for promoting community engagement through interdisciplinary, interactive learning. Participants will leave with tools to make education both impactful and memorable while inspiring environmental stewardship in audiences that may not have thought about it, through the connection of art and nature as entertainment.
Brittany Smith is the founder of Flora and Fauna Festivities LLC, a North Carolina-based company that blends environmental education with immersive, nature-inspired experiences. With a background in public education and a passion for the outdoors, Brittany left the classroom to create... Read More →
A One Health approach to environmental education emphasizes a connected view of our planet and the humans, animals, and environments that create our world. “One Health, One World, Learning Together” will introduce using One Health concepts in environmental education programming. Using a holistic approach to environmental learning emphasizes the ways we are connected to our environments and how the choices humans make everyday affect the world around us. Sharing stories about our connected planet gives learners of all ages and backgrounds a chance to see how our world is interconnected and how choices we make in our region can affect humans and wildlife around the world. Using Louisville Zoo programs as examples this presentation will explore how to create and grow programming that engages people across boundaries and encourages compassion. Participants will learn program strategies that work, brainstorm program topics, and get tips for building community partnerships to support connected long-term programming.
Katy Morrison started as a fulltime conservation educator with the Louisville Zoo in 2020 after years working in place-based education in part-time or seasonal positions. She specializes in early childhood and family programming that engages learners of all ages with the natural world... Read More →
Climate change can be a difficult concept for some students to grasp and sometimes even more challenging to teach! The presenter will provide participants with practical tips and activities to bring climate change education into the classroom. The activities will be geared towards upper elementary to high school students. The participants should expect to engage in interactive activities that they can take back to their classes. Participants will play detective while learning how climate change is affecting the spread of waterborne diseases. Participants will also apply STEM concepts with “storm water” cleanup. All of the activities and lessons that are presented will be aligned with national science standards. Educators and facilitators can expect to gain insight and activities that can be realistically used in their classes to incorporate climate change education.
FoodChain invites conference participants to explore the dynamic intersection of environmental education and hands-on urban agriculture in this highly interactive session. Drawing on FoodChain’s pioneering 7,000-gallon aquaponics system—the first of its kind in Kentucky—attendees will discover how middle and high school students are transforming their learning experiences through the Bluegrass Urban Farm Friends (BUFF) program. Under the guidance of dedicated staff and volunteers, these students work up to ten hours per week on tasks such as seeding, transplanting, water quality management, and fish care, all while connecting critical environmental concepts to real-world applications. Anchored in the conference strand Bringing Environmental Education to the Classroom, this session will highlight how FoodChain overcomes common obstacles—ranging from funding limitations to space constraints—by cultivating partnerships with local schools and community stakeholders. Presenters will share strategies for replicating key elements of BUFF in diverse settings, including actionable tips for securing support, integrating technology, and leveraging student-driven research projects. Participants will engage in small-group discussions to brainstorm creative approaches for weaving aquaponics and other high-impact agricultural practices into school curricula. By the end of the session, attendees can expect to leave with concrete resources, including lesson plan templates, volunteer engagement frameworks, and storytelling techniques that capture the transformational power of urban agriculture. This professional development opportunity offers more than information-sharing: it immerses participants in a holistic model of experiential learning that fosters environmental stewardship, promotes healthy food choices, and empowers the next generation of environmental leaders.
Trevor Claiborn, AKA Farmer Brown Tha MC, is an author, musician, illustrator, and environmental educator, and public speaker.In 2015 while earning his B.S. in Agriculture, Food, and Environment at Kentucky State University Land Grant College, Trevor created and developed “Farmer... Read More →
‘Postcards from the Past’ is a classroom-based program in which middle and high school students investigate how human cultures have interacted with coastal environments throughout history. Students in the program learn about the animals of the Gulf of Mexico (with a focus on shelled animals), human use of coastal resources, anthropogenic change, and the science of geochronology through short, hands-on activities. They adopt an individual radiocarbon-dated clam (0 to 6000 BP) from one of several Gulf of Mexico locations. This is a starting point in investigating how human cultures used and affected the Gulf of Mexico during their clam’s lifetime. Pre-recorded videos from art educators are shared that serve as inspiration for expressing this understanding in a mixed media ‘Postcard from the Past’. Participants in this session will get their hands dirty exploring foolproof art techniques and learn how to bring the environmental and cultural history of the northern Gulf of Mexico into their classrooms. ‘Postcards from the Past’ is a collaboration between Dr. Paul Harnik (Colgate University) and the education program at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
I am a Marine Educator with Discovery Hall Programs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. I have a BS in marine science and MAT in science education. I have been an informal educator for 17 years and love working with people of all ages. I am currently the VP of EEAA and looking forward... Read More →
Wednesday May 7, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT Ballroom H
Learn about recent findings on the current state of environmental education in the southeast, including gaps and barriers to access that prevent the successful implementation of environmental education in communities and schools. Collected from hundreds of schools and environmental education providers across the southeast, the findings and tools from our regional landscape analysis of environmental education are relevant to environmental education providers, funders, and school teachers and administrators. Participants will have access to tools and resources to strengthen connections between schools and environmental education providers in their community.
Executive Director, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
Ashley Hoffman has served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education since 2010. She holds a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida and a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University... Read More →
Wednesday May 7, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT Ballroom F
Join us for an evening cruise aboard the old Biloxie Schooner sailing vessel for a sunset cruise aboard a piece of maritime history. Transportation to and from the field trip site is included in the cost.
Join us aboard the USM vessel, Miss Peetsy B, for an evening cruise around Deer Island. You will see dolphins and other sealife as we take in the sights from the water. Transportation to and from the field trip site is included.
Join researchers from the USM Center for Fisheries Research and Development for a half-day shark tagging expedition aboard the R/V Jim Franks. Assist scientists in deploying baited hand lines, collecting biological data, and tagging live sharks to support ongoing research on Gulf of Mexico shark populations. Along the way, learn about shark ecology, conservation efforts, and the critical role these apex predators play in marine ecosystems. This hands-on research experience offers a unique opportunity to contribute to real scientific studies while exploring Mississippi's coastal waters. Transportation is provided.
The Environmental Justice STEMM Leadership Academy (EJSLA) is an innovative afterschool program designed to educate and empower middle and high school students in coastal communities about environmental justice issues along the Gulf of Mexico. Through hands-on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) activities, community-based research, and advocacy training, students become agents of change, equipped to address environmental challenges affecting their communities.
This interactive presentation will showcase the structure, curriculum, and impact of EJSLA. Participants will engage in hands-on activities drawn directly from our Academy sessions. We will also display student work, including research projects and advocacy campaigns. These artifacts will illustrate the depth of student learning, their ability to translate STEMM knowledge into action, and the power of youth-led advocacy. Throughout the session, we will share our successes, challenges, and lessons learned, providing insights into program implementation, student engagement, and strategies for fostering leadership in young people. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for developing similar initiatives in their own communities and institutions, along with a deeper understanding of how environmental justice education can inspire the next generation of changemakers.
With federal and traditional funding sources shifting rapidly, many of us are finding ourselves in unfamiliar, unstable territory. How do we build a sustainable future when the old funding models are no longer reliable? This session will dig into strategies for cultivating individual donors, writing and managing grants, building foundation relationships, and thinking strategically about where your next dollars can come from. You'll leave with real-world examples, templates for your own fundraising strategy, and tips you can immediately put into action—whether you’re an all-volunteer organization or part of a larger team. Change can be tough, but it can also spark new ideas, new partnerships, and new opportunities.
Executive Director, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
Ashley Hoffman has served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education since 2010. She holds a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida and a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT Ballroom G
UL Research Institutes is a world-leading organization that is hard at work discovering how safety science can help solve increasingly urgent problems like renewable energy from lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, ULRI is committed to educating the future of safety science with their free platform - Xplorlabs.org. Xplorlabs inspires students and educators to solve real problems like supply chain issues of lithium-ion batteries. In this interactive session participants will attempt to mine for resources, reclaim the land once those resources have been extracted, and use the no cost Xplorlabs.org to explore solutions to the problems mineral extraction poses. They will then consider the application of this hands-on lab to place-based education opportunities (e.g. Okefenokee Swamp titanium mine, Boundary Waters copper and nickel mine).
Instructional Coach, Underwriters Laboratories Research Institute
I am an Education & Training Specialist with UL-Research Institutes where we develop free pathways for students to explore the world of safety science. Xplorlabs.org includes "The Science of Fire Forensics", "The Science of Extraction to E-Waste", "The Science of Thermal Runaway... Read More →
Rhonda Lewis has dedicated her entire career to educating and advancing individuals in an effort to drive success to rural communities in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Rhonda has 25 years of experience working as an educator in elementary, middle, and high schools. Currently... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT Ballroom G
Join The Living Arts & Science Center for a deep dive into implementing environmental education through the lens of a multidisciplinary non-profit.
The Living Arts & Science Center’s mission is to engage the community in participation in the arts and sciences through education, discovery, exploration, and creativity. The LASC is a unique educational institution where both art and science learning is collaboratively taught. Diverse programming is offered to individuals, schools, artists, and agencies making learning accessible to all. LASC programming is offered at our downtown Lexington location as well as in schools, community centers, libraries, hospitals, parks, and other facilities throughout the Commonwealth.
You will be joined by Jeanette Tesmer: Executive Director, Callie Northern: Education Director, and Lennon Michalski: Gallery Director. Jeanette Tesmer, Callie Northern and Lennon Michalski will dive into how their non profit organization implements environmental education and sustainability into their programming.
Executive Director, Jeanette Tesmer, will discuss the value of partnership with the community. How to effectively plan and prepare for funding opportunities with sustainability in mind. Education Director, Callie Northern, will discuss implementing valuable educational opportunities that include environmental education and sustainability. Programming opportunities include field trips, summer camps, and classes for both adults and children. By 2026, LASC’s plans to fully grow all of the on-site animals' food through hydroponic systems. Gallery Director, Lennon Michalski, will discuss LASC’s chef in residence program and share opportunities and goals for LASC’s kitchen to become not only a place for educational opportunities, but be fully sustainable utilizing the grounds for garden spaces that can be turned into multiple educational opportunities.
Callie Northern is the Director of Education at The Living Arts & Science Center. Callie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and a Minor in Art History from Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to joining LASC, Callie taught preschool education for 5 years. She has also served... Read More →
The Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Program (MSCCP) is bringing hands-on experiences to Coastal Mississippi classrooms! MSCCP is a non-profit educational program that promotes the conservation of the local marine environment by facilitating active stewardship within coastal Mississippi. The MSCCP was formed with the mission of preventing and removing litter from the coastal environment through education, outreach, research, and cleanup events.
MSCCP hosts and facilitates cleanups throughout the year, bringing together volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to help keep Mississippi beaches clean and beautiful. Our volunteers make a huge difference in our understanding of the types and quantities of litter found locally, but reducing litter and marine debris starts long before a beach cleanup. While cleanups are important to collect data and possible sources of debris, the cycle will never end if we do not stop it at its source. A critical step toward this end is education.
MSCCP visits classrooms in K-12 schools as well as community organizations to teach students about the hazards associated with marine debris and ways to reduce the amount of waste we produce in our daily lives. MSCCP engages students in learning through hands-on activities, including microplastic filtration and observation, the "Fishing with Trash" game, and opportunities to participate in cleanups on or off campus. All presentation materials and activities are aligned to Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards.
This session relates to the conference strand “Bringing EE to the Classroom” as it incorporates standards, supports teachers with activity guides, and is nature-based. It also opens pathways to partnering with school districts for long-term, sustainable programming through alignment with state standards.
Participants can expect to learn the details of each activity as well as receive activity guides, if desired. Participants will also take part in playing the "Fishing with Trash" game.
VP of Guest Experience and Education, Mississippi Aquarium
Hadiya is the Vice President of Guest Experience and Education at the Mississippi Aquarium. She brings a wealth of experience as an interpreter and informal educator. Hadiya began her career working with the National Park Service in their Interpretation division. She then moved on... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT Ballroom F
Hop aboard the Biloxi Shrimp Tour for a fascinating look at the region's vibrant shrimping industry, where you'll see working boats and learn about the history and techniques behind the catch. Along the way, hear from local shrimpers and gain insight into the challenges and rewards of harvesting the Gulf's prized seafood.
Join a Master Naturalist on a guided trail walk through a lush landscape filled with native plants, where you'll learn about the unique flora that thrives in the region. Discover the ecological importance of these plants and how they support local wildlife, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty around you. You must arrange your own transportation.
Embark on a scienc boat ride to Deer Island, a pristine barrier island just off the coast of Biloxi, where you can explore sandy beaches and enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you're hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing, this uninhabitated island offers a peaceful escape into nature.
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm CDT Deer IslandBiloxi, MS
NEED offers a vast number of activities that combine our desire to have energy and the impact it has on the environment. We will work through activities and explore the NEED website.
Community Engaged Learning (CEL) is a form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs. Faculty and educators facilitate these experiences by creating each facet of the engaged activity with a designated community partner, discussing and evaluating the mutually beneficial, reciprocal relationship that ensures all parties are supported. The specific links between the CEL experiences and the student learning outcomes are reflected in the activities that the students take part in as an intentional part of the instruction and contributes to the depth of students’ learning within the context of their studies. Students are given ongoing structured opportunities for critical reflection before, during and after their engagement that are designed to have them pause and consider how what they are seeing and experiencing matters not only to themselves, but also the communities in which they live and grow. In this session, Kelly Porter, design and environmental educator, will discuss this dynamic pedagogy using case studies from courses she’s created at the higher education level that merge design, EE and environmentally based non-profits in her community of Northeast Tennessee. Attendees will learn best practices in Community Engaged Learning (CEL), including guided reflection as a key stage of the CEL process. They will also receive resources to help them begin their own CEL initiatives from both the educator’s and the community partner’s perspectives. This session aligns with the volunteer track, as CEL fosters a reciprocal exchange—providing students with real-world, high-impact learning experiences while supporting community partners through meaningful service-learning projects. Additionally, this session fits within the ""EE through a societal lens"" track, as CEL pedagogy encourages students to reflect on how their efforts throughout a project directly impact their communities. This reflection can foster a heightened sense of empathy and an awareness of the significant effects their actions can have.
Kelly C. Porter, M.F.A. is a design educator currently working in the collaborative intersections of environmentalism, sustainability and design. She joined the faculty of East Tennessee State University in 2014. She earned an M.F.A. in Studio Art, Graphic Design, from the University... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT Ballroom F
