Help youth take action on biodiversity in your community!

Help youth take action on biodiversity in your community!

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) is working with educators and young people to build knowledge and skills around global and local biodiversity issues! We invite those who are interested to join and take part in a 12-hour virtual professional development academy November 2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th and December 5th , 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm ET on the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals community research guide, Biodiversity! How can we balance the needs of people with the needs of other living things? 

This virtual professional development academy will support educators through offering activities around biodiversity concepts, guidance for student-driven investigations on biodiversity in their community, and opportunities to interact with biodiversity experts, all in relation to how biodiversity can help us achieve the UN SDGs. An interactive Moodle course will also be provided to provide educators extra support, resources, and materials for review. Through this dual approach, educators will receive insight on integrating sustainability education into their classroom from other educators in their cohort, professionals working at the Smithsonian Science Education Center, and from external collaborators.   

By attending this training you will:  

  • Learn how a wide range of biodiversity topics intersect with sustainability, and investigate how they show up in your community  

  • Gain an understanding of how to facilitate inclusive, student-led, biodiversity investigations and actions  

  • Develop an action plan for implementing the guide in your context  

Learn more about the program and how to apply below by October 27, 2023!  

For all inquiries about this program, you can contact Jacqueline Kolb at KolbJ@si.edu.   

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This virtual academy is open to classroom teachers, informal educators, and community members who work with students aged 11-18 across the globe. 40 educators will be selected to participate in the Academy. 

WHEN WILL THE ACADEMY BE HELD?

Academy Dates:  November 2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th and December 5th 

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm ET 

Note: Please be aware that the US will go through its daylight savings transition after the first session, so check all dates to make sure the timing works for you if your location does not observe this change. 

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

By 11:59pm Eastern on October 27, 2023, please complete this application form.