The Milford Environmental Protection Initiative has provided a $900 grant to the Connecticut Audubon Society will fund the purchase of new scientific equipment that will support online, at-home educational programming for students in the Milford community.
The new equipment – an EnviroScape 3D coastal landscape model – will greatly enhance the delivery of science programs to students learning at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. The EnviroScape demonstrates coastal pollution sources and prevention and allows users to explore the 3D coastal landscape with hands-on activities.
As part of its Science in Nature educational programming, CAS educators will create videos and lesson plans using the model to teach about the pollutants impacting the local environment and how pollutants can be reduced and remediated.
“Connecticut Audubon Society prides itself on its award-winning, field-based educational programs offered to the students and residents of Milford and surrounding towns,” said Shari Greenblatt, CAS Southwest Regional Director. “However, due to COVID-19, we were forced to transform our in-person school programs to online distance learning. This 3-D environmental educational model will allow us to create engaging learning opportunities for both the classroom and for students learning from home.”
Presentations featuring the EnviroScape while COVID-19 restrictions are in place will be conducted remotely via live video and recorded classroom lessons. Once public health conditions allow, the EnviroScape will continue to be used as an in-person, hands-on interactive tool at the CAS Coastal Center at Milford Point, in area schools and throughout the community.
CAS’s mission is to conserve Connecticut’s environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state’s bird populations and their habitats. Connecticut Audubon Society established Science in Nature in 2012 to help introduce Connecticut students to basic concepts in outdoor conservation science. It is based on current state and national science standards.
MEPI’s mission is to support environmental protection efforts in the City of Milford.