California Association of Science Educators

Join the Environmental Literacy Committee and our Executive Director for our last COP of the school year. We will be focusing on outdoor learning- from CA legislation to resources and learning opportunities. Come prepared to share!

This month, as we celebrate teachers, it’s the perfect opportunity to “pay it forward” with the gift of a CASE Membership to honor a valued colleague or new teacher.

A CASE Membership is more than just a membership — it provides access to professional learning, leadership opportunities, networking, valuable resources, and a supportive community dedicated to advancing science education.

It’s also a meaningful way to say thank you to the educators who inspire curiosity, support students, and make a lasting difference every day. Send the gift of a CASE membership today! (link in comments)

CASE had a wonderful time representing at the CalMSCS COP this week in Santa Rosa. Thank you to all the brilliant leaders guiding the future of Science Education, especially the SST and CalMSCS teams who brought this event to life. We are inspired and invigorated to continue the work of making Science ed a priority in California! schools.

Thank you for the curiosity, dedication and passion you bring to science education each and every day. Your work inspires the next generation of scientists, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. We know this profession isn’t always easy, but we see you, we celebrate you, and we are here for you.

CASE is proud to stand beside you and we are deeply grateful for everything that you do in the classroom and beyond!

Thank you for the curiosity, dedication and passion you bring to science education each and every day. Your work inspires the next generation of scientists, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. We know this profession isn't always easy, but we see you, we celebrate you, and we are here for you.

CASE is proud to stand beside you and we are deeply grateful for everything that you do in the classroom and beyond!

We Can Do It Wednesday: Is your school already doing the work of a Green Ribbon School? 🌿📚

The California Green Ribbon Schools program honors schools that are creating healthier campuses, reducing environmental impact, and preparing students to understand and care for the systems that support life on Earth.

Recognized schools often focus on three big areas:
• Sustainable campuses that conserve energy, water, and resources
• Healthy learning environments for students and staff
• Environmental literacy that empowers students to investigate real-world challenges and solutions

Many schools are already doing this work through garden programs, waste reduction efforts, outdoor learning, and environmental science projects.

What sustainability initiative has made the biggest difference at your school? Your story could inspire other educators across California. 🌎

Take-Action Tuesday: Environmental issues are also civic issues—and students are ready to take action. 🌿🏛️

California's State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) honors students who demonstrate civic knowledge, participation, and leadership by addressing real-world community challenges. Through civic engagement projects and reflection, students can earn this recognition on their high school transcript and diploma.

The CA Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI) developed a guide that helps educators use environmental literacy as a pathway to the SSCE. The resource walks teachers through how environmental investigations, community partnerships, and advocacy projects can align directly with the Seal's criteria.

Ideas educators can explore with students:
• Investigating a local environmental challenge and its community impacts
• Collaborating with community members or local agencies to propose solutions
• Reflecting on how civic participation can help build sustainable and resilient communities

Environmental learning becomes even more powerful when students move from understanding problems to taking informed civic action.

What environmental challenge could your students explore through a civic engagement project? Link to the guide is in the comments below!

It wasn't one single moment; it was a gradual realization. As her backyard grew browner and drier, heat waves intensified, and wildfire season threatened the people she loves, climate change stopped feeling distant and started feeling personal. "Climate change is very much a relevant, existential threat," shared Katinka Lennemann.

That realization reshaped her future. Instead of thinking about the type of work she wanted to do, Katinka started reflecting on climate change as the issue that she wanted to make a difference in. She's now looking for organizations and projects that address climate change.

When thinking about her peers, who may be overwhelmed by climate change, Katinka shares, "That's normal. And you're not alone. One of the most beautiful things about humans is the driving ability to persevere, and to persevere together. Should you feel ready, I would encourage you to join any sort of group who is making a difference, big or small. There is power in the collective towards having hope for the future."

As we approach the end of Earth Month, how are you creating space for students to turn concern into collective action?

Are you or your students feeling overwhelmed by the news about our planet? "All the Feelings Under the Sun" by Leslie Davenport is a gentle, beautifully illustrated book that helps learners of all ages name, understand, and process big emotions.

Encourage reflection, connection, and hope in your classroom or at home. Sometimes the first step to caring for the Earth is caring for our feelings. ☀️🌍☀️

It starts today—your students can do real science right outside your classroom. 🌿📸

The City Nature Challenge bioblitz is live (April 24–27)! Students and communities around the world are documenting local biodiversity—one observation at a time.

With just a phone and a curious eye, students can observe, record, and share evidence of life in their neighborhoods, schoolyards, and local parks. These observations contribute to real datasets used to understand and protect ecosystems.

Quick ways to jump in today:
• Head outside for a 10–15 minute mini bioblitz on campus
• Use iNaturalist to photograph and identify organisms
• Have students Notice & Wonder about patterns in what they find
• Compare observations and look for ecosystem interactions
• Come back in a few days to look at all the data collected in your area in iNaturalist

This is NGSS in action—students are investigating, analyzing real data, and making sense of the natural world in real time.

And the best part? Students start to realize that biodiversity is everywhere—even in the spaces they see every day.

What might your students discover if they stepped outside today? 🌎