In late January, EarthGen hosted its first-ever Winter Institute in Yakima. This one-day event brought together 29 teachers from across Washington to learn more about culturally responsive teaching and to connect with each other.
The day began with an activity focused on identity and community. Teachers then learned about the main ideas behind culturally responsive teaching and heard from guest speakers who work in migrant, multilingual, and Native education. These speakers shared stories and experiences from their local communities.
Later, participants explored three classroom-ready science units that connect to students’ real lives and encourage action to care for the environment. One teacher shared, “EarthGen helped me explore new ways to get students excited, engaged, and interested in helping their environment—starting right at home.”
Teachers left the Winter Institute with new ideas, tools, and inspiration to support their students and bring meaningful science learning into their classrooms.