EarthGen

STEM Seminars

Based on a model developed with ESD 112, EarthGen’s STEM Seminars blend science content and social impacts with effective NGSS teaching strategies. These seminars engage hundreds of teachers each year in learning how climate change affects communities across Washington and in examining solutions. STEM Seminars anchor learning to local, relevant climate change impacts, such as increased heat waves, deteriorating public health, and flooding and erosion from coastal hazards.

Teachers analyze data with scientists from the University of Washington who share their first-hand experience conducting climate research. Their global expertise is complemented by local specialists who share regional perspectives on climate issues and present approaches to address climate change here in Washington state. For example, at a training on Climate Change and Shellfish, an elder from the Swinomish Tribe relayed the importance of shellfish to native culture and the local economy, framing the global issue of climate change in a local context. In each STEM Seminar, teachers benefit from structured planning time, which helps them prepare activities with their students based on their own learning.

EarthGen also offers fully asynchronous courses for teachers to pursue at their own pace, such as an introductory-level course that presents the fundamental principles of climate change science.

Climate Justice League

EarthGen facilitates professional learning communities for teachers to deepen their understanding of complex topics, such as navigating challenging conversations in the classroom; building community; and receiving advice and feedback from colleagues. The Climate Justice League, developed in partnership with ESD 112, focuses on the intersection of climate change and social injustice. Now offered across the state, teachers in the Climate Justice League learn how climate justice connects with issues in their own community and how to engage their students in taking action for change. Educators learn directly from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders in climate justice work. With support from the Climate Justice League, facilitators, and their educator cohorts, teachers plan and implement lessons around climate justice issues that are relevant to their communities. Climate Justice League alumni provide further support to current participants, engaging in storyline and other resource development.

BIPOC Voices

The BIPOC Voices project is designed to support educator and student learning about BIPOC professionals who work as scientists and activists. Designed in collaboration with ESD 112 and the University of Washington, this project centers BIPOC expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and strengthens the representation of BIPOC scientists and advocates in the educational system. Its resources include four video interviews and an activity guide to inspire critical conversations. A fully asynchronous course prepares teachers to engage their students with the materials, while an activity guide supports student awareness of career opportunities and compensates for learning gaps from the pandemic.

Youth Fellowship

New in the 22-23 school year, EarthGen offers a youth fellowship opportunity to Washington high school students. Through tailored support from EarthGen staff, youth fellows will deepen their knowledge about climate science and climate justice, perform statewide research on young people’s ideas for strengthening climate education, and present their findings.