Environmental Education

The Environmental Education program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB) is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the natural world while encouraging sustainable practices through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Our program provides students with opportunities to engage with the environment through outdoor exploration, scientific inquiry, and project-based learning that aligns with New York State Science Standards. By integrating environmental literacy into the curriculum, we aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions regarding environmental stewardship and conservation.

Our offerings include dynamic field trips, interactive classroom activities, and access to a wide range of environmental science resources. Students will have the chance to explore ecosystems, examine biodiversity, investigate renewable energy sources, and study the impact of human activities on the environment. The program also emphasizes the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills as students participate in real-world environmental challenges, preparing them to become responsible global citizens.

In addition to student engagement, E2CCB’s Environmental Education program provides professional development for educators, offering training in environmental science instruction and curriculum integration. This includes access to our comprehensive resource library, as well as guidance in planning outdoor educational activities that promote active learning and environmental responsibility.

Whether you are looking to introduce students to environmental concepts or expand on existing knowledge, our program supports a holistic approach to environmental education, ensuring that learners of all ages are empowered to protect and sustain the planet for future generations.

RTPI offers a series of engaging programs for students from grades 3 to 12. These include:

• Roger Tory Peterson Speaks for the Birds (Grades 6-8): This 45-minute program explores the life of renowned naturalist Roger Tory Peterson, teaching students about bioaccumulation through a focus on ospreys.
• For the Birds (Grades 3-5): In this 40-minute session, students learn about Peterson’s contributions as an ornithologist and artist, using the Peterson Field Guide to identify birds through an interactive game.
• Poison-Dart Frogs in Your Classroom (Grade 3): A frog expert introduces students to the world of poison-dart frogs and their adaptations, with live frogs included in this 45-minute lesson.
• Rainforest in Your Classroom (Grade 5): Using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), students can explore tropical rainforests and interact with researchers in the field, focusing on migratory birds, amphibians, and mammals.
• Urban Ecology (Grades 7-12): This 45-minute classroom visit (with optional field trips) introduces students to the study of ecosystems in urban environments, helping them design solutions to reduce human impacts on biodiversity.

Audubon provides unique opportunities for students to connect with nature through both Discovery Walks and in-classroom programs.

• Discovery Walks: Students explore nature with guided 1.5-hour walks led by experienced naturalists. These walks are available for schools and youth groups at $7 per child with a $70 minimum.
• Classroom Programs: Audubon naturalists visit classrooms across Chautauqua and Warren counties, offering a range of nature-based lessons. These programs cover topics such as plant life, food webs, habitats, wetlands, citizen science, and even electrical footprints. Program durations vary by grade level, from 45 to 55 minutes, with options for students from preschool through sixth grade.