Engage Students to Take Action to Conserve Resources, Protect the Environment, and
Prepare for Climate Change

Room: 212
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm

The San Mateo County Sustainability Department manages several programs that engage students in and out of the classroom. The overall purpose of these programs is to educate students on environmental topics, so they feel empowered to take action in their communities both now and in the future. These programs include Solutions to Waste Schools Program, Youth Climate Ambassadors Leadership Program (YCA), and Youth Exploring Climate Science Program (YECS).

This session will cover why, how, and ways in which Sustainability Department staff work with students via engaging field trips, hands-on lessons such as interactive games and worm composting, and student-led community impact projects. Additionally, speakers will review the importance of building partnerships with local organizations and developing school program activities based on the learning theory of social constructivism.

Government agencies, environmental education providers, and classroom teachers will benefit from this discussion to increase student engagement at their schools, in their communities, and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn how to:

1) Promote environmental education programs within schools and districts.

2) Connect with various community organizations to create meaningful partnerships.

3) Develop interactive activities to engage students to take action.

4) Engage students with their local environment to promote a sense of stewardship and belonging.

5) Advance school sustainability and environmental literacy initiatives by working directly with students and teachers in and out of the classroom.

Speakers:

Gerald Schwartz, Resource Conservation Specialist III, San Mateo County Sustainability Department
Jess Dominick, Sustainability Specialist, San Mateo County Sustainability Department
Stephen Winsor, Resource Conservation Specialist II, County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability

Speaker Photos and Bio’s Coming Soon!

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