April 5, 2022
Written by AYLEE member Lauren L.
Early this April, I was fortunate to bring environmental education directly into the classroom at Garneau Elementary School in my hometown of Edmonton. I presented to an energetic and welcoming grade 3-4 split class on the main topics surrounding climate change. The presentation explored the general concept of climate change including the causes and effects as well as solutions available to the students themselves. The presentation was done using google slides and Callum, a fellow AYLEE member, designed the entire presentation including a script. He did a remarkable job and his great deal of time and effort was evident in the reaction of the kids.
The class was incredibly engaged and offered many ideas of solutions they had been practicing at home and at school. What surprised me most was how the kids were so invested in climate action though they had uncertainty in regards to the science and facts. This continued to highlight the need for more environmental education within Alberta’s curriculum.
With a greater understanding of the science and their already existing passion, my hope would be the students now feel more confident when engaging in future climate conversation and action. This can then continue to grow an understanding and awareness of the environment and aid in their ability to share this knowledge with their community.
