Civic Science: Inquiry to Action - Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation

Civic Science: Inquiry to Action

Spark Curiosity, Inspire Change

CELF’s Civic Science: Inquiry to Action program engages students in hands-on learning to identify, analyze, and solve environmental and climate justice issues that impact their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond.

By navigating the connection between science, society, and policy, young people are empowered to make a positive impact on our world. Led by classroom teachers trained and supported by CELF, students are transformed into active global citizens, ready to face tomorrow’s challenges head-on.

In 2023 we mobilized…
20,000+ Students
700+ Educators
across 9 states & 2 countries

Why Civic Science Matters

Civic Science: Inquiry to Action is what every student, teacher, and community needs now. Environmental and social justice issues affect everyone—whether we live in big cities or small towns.  It’s vital for students to understand the impact of environmental degradation and the importance of clean air, soil, waterways, parks, and playgrounds. As biodiversity loss threatens human survival, future generations are critical stewards of the globe.

Student-led Research Examines…

The impact of idling buses, indoor cleaning products, and expressways on air quality

How precipitation affects pollution

What air quality does to wetlands

Expired school air filters and what they mean for indoor quality

How the community benefits from school gardens

Issues of equity, environmental justice, and more!

How It Works

CELF Civic Science: Inquiry to Action is an exciting semester- or year-long program that engages students in project- and place-based STEAM learning beyond the classroom. Students will conduct environmental research in their communities with field-expert guidance. They’ll collect, analyze, share their data, and collaborate to determine causes and design solutions. Finally, students will present their findings to an audience of peers and policymakers, inspiring innovation, and action! 

Finding Solutions, Together

Civic Science: Inquiry to Action connects students and teachers with local leaders, community partners, and experts to identify and solve our communities’ environmental challenges. CELF partners with top healthcare facilities, higher-education, and government agencies to bring expertise to student-led projects. Civic Science: Inquiry to Action builds community and empowers students to find their voices to affect change.

Meet Our Partners! CELF’s partners include the Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Habitat Map, NYC DOE Department of Health, and CUNY School of Law in New York; and SPLASh, Bayou Preservation Association, Lone Star College -Kingwood, and University of Houston Clear Lake in Texas.

Who benefits? You! Find out more:

Join us this School Year!

CELF’s Civic Science: Inquiry to Action Program for the 2024-25 school year will provide educators with field-based and virtual professional development opportunities, resources, and a community of practice to support you in guiding your students in community projects, with opportunities for students to present their research findings and share their action plans with community stakeholders and decision-makers during our culminating Student Symposium events. This year’s cohort will include tailored support for projects focused on climate, renewable energy, waste, air, and water issues.

Participating teachers will have access to:

• Microgrants to support student field trips and/or project resources
• Digital resources for various pathways of study
• CELF’s Student Symposium events in Spring 2025
• $250 teacher stipends upon program completion

Learn more below, and register today!

OPEN

Civic Science USA 2024-25

Location: Varies
Dates: September 2024 – May 2025


Join CELF’s 2024-25 Civic Science cohort to receive year-round training and support to help you cultivate the next generation of climate and environmental justice advocates. Leveraging CELF’s Inquiry to Action Framework, this program will include after-school field events, virtual sessions, office hours, and 1:1 coaching to support you in developing and implementing student inquiry projects, and preparing your students to present on their projects and action steps during our culminating Student Symposium events in spring 2025.

Tuition: Free
Funded through the generosity of CELF supporters

More program and session details here

CLOSED

NYC Civic Science Summer Institute: Narrating Our Place in Nature

Location: New York Botanical Garden
Dates: July 9 — July 11, 2024
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00pm ET


At the heart of our Summer Institute lies the power of storytelling. By weaving narratives of our relationship with nature, we not only educate but inspire action. Join us as we explore how storytelling can illuminate the connections between humans and the environment, driving positive change for a sustainable future.

Tuition: Free
Funded through the generosity of CELF supporters

View Flyer

Contact Us

For New York educators, program costs, and info:
Vicky Garufi, Director of Education 
victoria@celfeducation.org

For school districts in the Houston-area:
Lisa Gianukos 
lisagianukos@celfeducation.org

FAQs

Join our 2024-25 Civic Science USA Cohort for resources and support to elevate student inquiry!Learn More
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