The Ithaca CLE is a network of educators working to engage area youth in place-based, locally relevant investigations of ecosystems and climate change. It is convened by the Sciencenter, with insights and expertise contributed by all participants, including:

• Classroom teachers (middle and high school)
• Librarians and museum professionals
• Other community-based educators

The CLE model understands that formal and non-formal learning spaces in Ithaca and surrounding areas serve overlapping audiences. A single learner visits various sites and engages with multiple educators over the course of a day, week, or year. By coordinating programming, educators can diversify entry points and strengthen pathways to increase data literacy, reinforce knowledge of climate change topics, and foster STEM leadership identities in youth participants.

Over time, the CLE’s structure will evolve based on the interests and needs of its members. Current activities are outlined below.

Professional Learning & Resource Sharing

The CLE encourages relationship and capacity building among educators who are facilitating learning experiences for Ithaca-area middle and high schoolers. To date, this takes the form of:

• Quarterly virtual or in-person meet-ups hosted by participating institutions
• A shared contact list available for all CLE participants to disseminate information about program and professional development offerings, policy initiatives, funding opportunities, research, and best practices related to climate change education

Youth Engagement

The CLE seeks to support initiatives that enhance climate and data literacy through:

• Projects that engage youth in exploration of a similar climate-related theme or topic across multiple learning spaces
• Cross-promotion of programming

The Ithaca CLE is part of the NASA-funded Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) project led by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Participants gain access to materials, research, and ideas being developed to promote connected learning around climate and data literacy.

“Our goal through the LENE program is to help every learner find a path into STEM learning. Our vision is that everywhere youth go in their community – from the classroom, to the library, to parks, and after school clubs – they encounter caring adults who express interest in science and demonstrate the relevance of STEM skills, in particular around climate and data literacy, for issues facing their communities.”

GET CONNECTED!

Interested in joining the Ithaca CLE? Sign up here!

Questions?  Contact Angela Damery adamery@sciencenter.org.