Pennsylvania State Senator Steve Santarsiero and Bucks County State Representatives Tina Davis and Jim Prokopiak announced that Bucks County has been awarded almost $45,000 in environmental education grants from the PA Department of Environmental Education.
The grants include $30,000 awarded to The Heritage Conservancy for the “Building Inclusive Environmental Literacy for All Students” program as well as $14,975 for Pennsbury School Districts “Advancing Sustainability Education Through STEELS Science Standards” program.
The Heritage Conservancy has partnered with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Bristol Township School District and Silver Lake Nature Center to expand its Environmental Literacy Network to both students and teachers in Environmental Justice communities.
“In our increasingly digital world, programs like this are essential for helping our children reconnect to our environment,” Santarsiero said. “This program will help students learn more about the world around them, understand the importance of our natural world and support both students and teachers in learning more about environmental literacy.”
The project focuses on land use and water and consists of two Inclusive ELit professional development days. The lessons are adapted for diverse learners and include nature-based activities that support K-5 self-regulation and connection to the environment.
“Teaching kids that taking care of the environment is important and fun is one of the best ways to ensure the next generation cares about our planet,” Davis said. “I am always proud to advocate for more funding towards education, especially for topics like these.”
Pennsbury School District plans on integrating Pennsylvania’s Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) standards into the K-12 curriculum. They also plan on using the grant money to construct a greenhouse at their new high school as part of a hands-on learning experience.
“This project is a great example of how a small grant can make a big difference. Incorporating environmental literacy into the curriculum at Pennsbury will teach our students environmental responsibility and engage everyone in community-based projects and environmental efforts,” Santarsiero said. “This will prepare our young people to address environmental challenges, something that will become even more important in the years to come.”
According to Santarsiero, this program will enhance STEM learning. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. The program also aims to promote critical thinking, environmental literacy and connect students with local farms and other environmental organizations.
“Teaching kids about recycling, protecting the environment and practicing responsibility go a long way in ensuring that the next generation is an eco-friendly one. As a former member of the school board myself, I am always happy to support new educational opportunities and programs for young minds,” Prokopiak said.
