Spring marks the onset of the environmental education event season. We've curated a comprehensive list of events scheduled through May, emphasizing environmental literacy, climate education, and participatory science opportunities throughout the County.

Kicking off this weekend is the highly anticipated STEAM Festival on March 8th, 2024, hosted by California State University – Channel Islands (CSUCI). Attendees can engage in hands-on educational activities facilitated by UC ANR staff and various community-based and academic organizations.  The event will promote 'science, technology, engineering, art, and math' (STEAM) via interactive exhibits, science experiments, and maybe even some cool rocket launches to inspire youth towards STEAM careers.

STEM educational models emerged in the mid to late 2000s with the aim of broadening exploration in science and technology careers, while also ensuring inclusivity for students with historically limited access. The enactment of Every Student Succeeds Act in 2017 sparked inquiries among educators, administrators, and parents about the incorporation of art education and social-emotional well-being activities into STEM, leading to the rise of STEAM programs nationwide.

 "STEAM is more than just integrating fine arts and design thinking into STEM fields. The liberal arts contribute the 'who & why,' the rationale, to the 'what & how' of STEM." - - Georgette Yackman, founding researcher of STEAM.

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) identifies five areas of competence in its social-emotional learning (SEL) framework: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, positive relationships, and responsible decision-making. These elements align synergistically with skills, attitudes, behaviors, and values central to STEAM learning.

The remarkable effectiveness of STEAM prompted academic administrators and social scientists to explore why students responded so positively. Studies, such as one conducted by Microsoft and cited by the University of California San Diego (UCSD), indicate that early exposure to STEAM disciplines correlates with better outcomes. Despite this, many STEM college students feel inadequately prepared by their K–12 education, highlighting the need for improvement. And there remains a significant gender disparity in STEM employment, emphasizing the importance of encouraging more girls to pursue STEAM disciplines.

Education and environment writer, Jeevan Vasagar, argues that the education sector is facing pressure to adapt to a shifting landscape. With technology and outsourcing gradually diminishing repetitive tasks, the capacity to tackle novel and unique challenges has become more essential than ever.

The UC Environmental Stewards Program indirectly promotes STEAM education through its California Naturalist and Climate Stewards courses, training instructors to serve in various community outreach and educational roles across the state. The program aims to dismantle barriers and foster scientific advancement for all individuals.

Leonardo Da Vinci's words, "Study the science of art. Study the art of science," resonate even today. Programs like STEAM aspire to equip our youth for the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution and the demands of climate change adaptation.

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Green Tips of the Month

Spring is a great time to attend, or even better, volunteer with a community-based education program in your area. For more information, check out these events coming up around Ventura County.

• Attend the CSUCI STEAM Carnival on March 8^th. Details can be found here.
• Celebrate World Wildlife Day (officially March 3^rd) by visiting the Wallis Anneberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills. Guided tours are offered starting in April. Click the link to find out more or register.   
• What better way to honor World Water Day on March 22 than by visiting the brand-new Santa Clara River Preserve. See details on how to access and rain closures.
• Attend one (or more) of the Earth Day Events planned around Ventura County
  • City of Ventura and MERITO Foundation will host an Earth Day event on April 20^th
  • Thousand Oaks will host Arbor Earth Day on April 20^th
  • Calabasas Earth Day Festival and Green Expo on April 13^th
  • Attend Santa Barbara's Earth Day Event, April 27-28
  • Rancho Simi is hosting an Earth Day Event on April 26th