Environmental Science Zines and Podcasts on Display!
By Catie Davis, Program Associate
We recently had the privilege of visiting Oakland High School’s campus to observe display cases which features the projects of 10th and 12th grade Environmental Science Academy (ESA) students, funded by an Environmental Science Resource Grant from PVF.
The ESA program has existed for over 20 years and provides students with experiential learning opportunities as part of a smaller learning community within the comprehensive high school. ESA prides itself in project-based learning to engage and educate students in shaping them to be active, critical thinkers of the world.
Students can be found monitoring water quality at Lake Merritt and designing solutions to the lake’s environmental problems to foraging in the Sausel Creek Watershed for botany and ecosystem units as well as creating podcasts. A few display cases highlights Environmental Issue Zines and interrogates issues such as environmental racism, fast fashion and destructive agriculture which colorfully decorate the walls, bringing a colorful, fun and informative addition to the atmosphere and encourages students to talk about crucial issues (and solutions!) together.
Student’s projects are prominently displayed for the student body to appreciate in multiple buildings across campus. Other display cases (featured below) exhibits student’s collaborative podcasts on plant species, creatively accessed through QR codes.
The Environmental Science Resource Grant program at PVF has quickly grown into one of our most popular grant programs over the years, providing environmental education and resources to low-income schools. Past grants have funded projects, supplies, field trips and the teacher’s own professional development. Read about another recent grant here and apply for a grant by clicking the button below for more information!
The Environmental Science Resource Grant program is made possible with funding from the Lampert Byrd Foundation and the Maxwell | Hanrahan Foundation.
