WELCOME to BRANCHeS

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) welcomes you to BRANCHeS - the site that will bring to you best environmental education resources and innovation for high school educators.

CURRENT PROGRAMS

 1. The LEAF Educator Network

In June 2010, ESA entered into a partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to support the LEAF-Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future program, designed for high school students in urban areas.  The goals of the partnership are: (1) to create a network of high school environmental educators that will facilitate communication and knowledge sharing through online communications and in-person meetings; and (2) to promote careers in the natural resource professions among high school students.

Click here for TNC’s press release on the Toyota USA Foundation grant

2. Educator Day for High School Teachers

Each year, during its Annual Meeting, ESA organizes a special High School Ecological Literacy and Research Day for teachers. This event focuses on how high school educators can integrate ecological literacy and research into their teaching practice and what a scientific organization can offer to the precollege community. The event is a rare opportunity for teachers to interact with scientists with a wide range of expertise from microbial ecology to climate change studies. ESA scientists are welcome to join in the discussions that will support our high school educators. We especially welcome the teachers from the area where the Annual Meetings are held.

The theme of the 2011 High School Ecological Literacy and Research Day is Puddles, Dirt and Pedagogy:
Linking Scientific Inquiry, Environment and Sustainability.  Registration is open through July 15, 2011.

3. PlantingScience.org

PlantingScience.org is a learning and research resource, bringing together students from grades 6-12, plant scientists, and teachers from across the nation. Students engage in hands-on plant investigations, working with peers and scientist mentors to build collaborations and to improve their understanding of science. Student groups are mentored by scientists online as they complete an inquiry-based curriculum in their classroom. Managed by the Botanical Society of America. ESA is a Scientific Society partner.

Sign up as a Mentor at PlantingScience.
Register your Student Team at PlantingScience.

4. National Lab Network

National Lab Network (formerly known as National Lab Day) is a nationwide initiative to build local communities of support that will foster ongoing collaborations among volunteers, students and educators. ESA scientists are strongly encouraged to sign up to be a resource to teachers.

For more information, please contact:

Lina Oliveros
Urban Education Programs Coordinator
Phone: 202.833.8773
Lina@esa.org