12th Annual SEEA Conference & Research Symposium

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.