From the Executive Director: STEAM Makes Art an Integral Part of the Equation
 
By now everyone is familiar with the acronym STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and the important role it plays in K-12 curriculum. STEM education is incredibly important for preparing today's students to enter the green workforce and participate in a global society. However, one variable has been missing from the equation and only recently has its absence been noted. This variable, the arts (or the "A" in STEAM), may seem at first blush like a world apart from the logic-driven nature of the sciences. Look deeper and you will see that art and science go hand-in-hand quite naturally. 
Students Learn Skills to Solve Environmental Issues in Project Lead The Way

Vanessa Stratton, Vice President of Programs for Project Lead The Way, shares how the program's engineering pathway challenges students of all ages to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to solve some of our most pressing environmental issues.  
Haiti Container Building Project Benefits Students and Builds Engineering Pipeline for Future Workforce Needs

Tim Brown and Leon Grant of Marietta City Schools in Georgia, discuss how the school district's Haiti Container Building Project and EARLS Lab serve as vehicles to develop a STEM Pipeline in the local community. 
Think Outside! Bringing Nature into STE(A)M Education with Biomimicry

Gretchen Hooker, Educational Resources Manager at the Biomimicry Institute, shares how biomimicry design challenges are sparking increased interest in STEAM, encouraging students to explore creative problem-solving while engaging with nature. 
Reflections of a Lifelong Learner: How STEAM Comes to Life through Entrepreneurial and Design Thinking

Brian Lakamp, Founder and CEO of Totem Power, reflects on his entrepreneurial journey to merge STEAM learning and energy infrastructure to inspire a next generation solution for our modern energy needs. 
Putting the "A" in STEAM

Dr. Jami Frost and colleagues at Ford Elementary School in Acworth, Georgia share an overview of the STEAM programming offered to their students, which will be highlighted during a school tour leading up the 2017 Green Schools Conference and Expo. 
Connecting Art and Science
 
Using clay, creativity, and colors to teach environmental science concepts to 10 - 18 year olds. Reprinted with permission from Green Teacher magazine and originally authored by Amanda Berlinski. 
GSNN Advisory Board Member to be Recognized with  William K. Reilly Award

GSNN is proud to salute Advisory Board member Claire Barnett of Healthy Schools Network, who will be receiving the American University School of Public Affairs' William K. Reilly Award for Environmental Governance and Leadership on March 30th in Washington DC. The award recognizes professionals who have made significant contributions towards advancing environmental protection and conservation. You can learn more about the award here.

Congratulations Claire!
W rite for GreenNotes!

Green Schools National Network is seeking guest authors for its newsletter, GreenNotes.  Learn more about our upcoming topics and how you can contribute. 
GSNN Educator's Toolbox: Professional Development, Resources, Grants, and Awards for February

The latest news on professional development, resources, grants, and awards for February.  



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