SubjectToClimate's free online resources provide inquiry-based, interdisciplinary elementary lessons about climate change. These lessons follow an inquiry-based framework that enables students to practice NGSS K-2 learning outcomes, such as observing patterns in the natural world to explain natural phenomena, and using evidence to construct explanations. Through the use of engaging activities and real-world examples, these lessons help students to develop a deeper understanding of climate change and its impact on the environment. The interdisciplinary approach encourages the integration of science, math, and literacy, making these resources a valuable tool for educators looking to incorporate climate change education into their curriculum. The poster session will highlight the key features of the resources and provide examples of how they have been implemented in classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how they can incorporate climate change into elementary-level science curriculum using NGSS, while learning about SubjectToClimate’s free platform that offers teaching resources, lessons by teachers, and much more.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Makarevich (SubjectToClimate)

Discussion of culture is often missing in garden-based education. To share and validate the interests of our culturally diverse students, we will delve deep into the significance of culture as it relates to food and gardens and also as it relates to the diverse populations with whom we work. Through student voices and examples we will share the principles of culturally responsive garden education that honors diversity and inclusion. Join us as we explore ways to celebrate and center culture through garden-based learning. School gardens have many benefits for students which include helping students make nutritious choices, encouraging students to be environmentally conscious, and providing experiential learning. Research shows that students who participate in garden-based science curriculum score significantly higher on science achievement tests than students in a traditional classroom-based control group. This garden-enhanced achievement benefits both boys and girls equally.

TAKEAWAYS:
By their nature, gardens embody diversity. Garden education is increasingly recognized as an interdisciplinary approach that integrates academic goals, health and wellness, place-based education, and community connections and relationships.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Noonan (Topeka Public Schools USD 501: Topeka, KS), Rhonda Gadino (Topeka Public Schools: No City, No State)

School gardens are a fantastic way to transition from a more traditional classroom to an outdoor, experiential learning opportunity centered on student engagement and critical thinking. Students are able to physically connect with nutrition education, understand the process of growing healthy foods, and recognize environmental stewardship. A school garden can also be integrated into many subjects such as math, science, health, literacy and social studies. The school garden offers a place to enrich teaching efforts with powerful hands-on experiences that make learning come alive. Each school or youth garden is as unique as the school or community that plants it. Gardens may come in many configurations, ranging from a collection of container gardens or a grouping of raised beds to a half-acre of plowed land. Successful garden programs do have certain features in common, however, they are designed to meet local program needs, to be sustainable, and to use the physical site and resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
School gardens are a fantastic way to transition from a more traditional classroom to an outdoor, experiential learning opportunity centered on student engagement and critical thinking. A school garden can be integrated into many subjects such as math, science, health, literacy and social studies.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Noonan (Topeka Public Schools USD 501: Topeka, KS), Rhonda Gadino (Topeka Public Schools: No City, No State)

Our cross-cultural environmental education unit allowed us to collaborate with classes in Venezuela and Nicaragua to deepen our understanding of migratory birds. We integrated Science, Technology, Art, and Spanish into the curriculum, and used technology to facilitate cultural exchange. Through Stop Motion Animation and paper maché models, students connected with peers and learned about the challenges birds face. By understanding their role as environmental stewards, students learned how they can help preserve habitats and protect these birds. We're hope this unit inspires others to take action in preserving our environment and the habitats of migratory birds. We connect learning across disciplines and relationships with students in Nicaragua and Venezuela to promote global education and environmental stewardship. The collaboration and partnership with a school in Ometepe Island allowed for a holistic approach to learning about the birds and their migration patterns.

TAKEAWAYS:
Our trans-disciplinary approach deepened students' learning by raising awareness of the challenges neotropical migrating birds face, such as building collisions during migration. By understanding their role as environmental stewards, students can help preserve habitats and protect these birds.

SPEAKERS:
Larissa Giacoman (Spanish Teacher: Alexandria, VA), Michelle Bruch (Primary Science Teacher)

Due to the increasing environmental concerns among consumers, governments worldwide are focusing on adopting clean mobility solutions through alternative fuel. The team decided to gather leftover seeds to extract oils that will serve as our source of FAMEThe team used grape, pumpkin, watermelon, pomegranate, and cactus seed oils as a source of fatty acid methyl esters or biodiesel as an Alternative Biofuel. Results show that all plant seeds are a feasible source of biodiesel, pumpkin. on the other hand, oil from the pumpkin seeds shows remarkable results wherein it produces 100 mL of oil from 500 grams of seeds and it has also the highest height (9 inches) of flame when measured. It was also observed that it easily captured the fire during the flammability test. On the other hand, the team observed that the flame color of most of the biodiesel was orange, except for the grape seed which shows a more yellow flame.

TAKEAWAYS:
Making of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (Biodiesel) Out of Native Plant Seeds

SPEAKERS:
Roy Basa (Zuni Public School District: Zuni, NM)