Climate Change Understanding and Environmental Action at Greater Southern Tier BOCES

Project Summary

Students across Greater Southern Tier BOCES in grades K-8 explored climate literacy through hands-on activities including bird migration tracking, composting, renewable energy modeling, tree planting, and daily habit changes to mitigate climate impact

Detailed Story

Students across Greater Southern Tier BOCES in grades K-8 participated in a comprehensive climate education program incorporating multiple environmental themes. The project included tracking bird migration patterns and learning how climate change impacts birds’ journeys, with students eagerly checking migration data portals to see how many birds flew over their homes each night. Students built small classroom composting units and examined waste management practices, discovering how everyday choices contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Through a NYSERDA WhyMaker-derived activity, students modeled New York’s energy grid on a map and used windmills, hydro dams, and solar panels to understand electricity generation. The project also partnered with the DEC’s 25 Million Tree initiative, with each school receiving trees to plant along their property borders to improve forest habitat, combat erosion, reduce energy consumption through shading, improve air quality, and create habitat buffers. Students embraced the idea that even small actions matter, adopting the motto “Be a hummingbird. Do the best you can.” The project is expanding, with students advocating for cafeteria composting systems and taking ownership of environmental stewardship in their schools and communities.

Impact Statement

Students developed environmental literacy through hands-on experiences, creating “AWE moments” where they realized their personal impact and ability to make choices that benefit the environment. Students initiated composting projects, monitored bird migration patterns, planted trees, and created “climate catchers” to understand carbon footprint reduction strategies. The project successfully connected climate education to local environmental features and student daily habits.