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BNT Hosts Environmental Education Conference with MoE and US Embassy
By Leah Carr
Aug 10, 2021 - 3:14:06 PM

Banner for BNT Environmental Education Conference

Nassau, Bahamas - The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is honoured to host the first virtual BNT Environmental Education Conference from August 16 to August 20, 2021, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the United States Embassy. Supported by the Sandals Foundation, this conference for educators will introduce the new environmental components of the Ministry of Education’s Primary Science Curriculum.

During the five-day virtual event, educators will be introduced to resources and materials for teaching topics such as species life cycles, climate change, and sustainable marine resources. There will also be a focus on classroom activities that inspire volunteerism and environmental action.

Among an outstanding line-up of environmental educators will be two US Embassy-sponsored speakers: Stephanie Keller, Education Projects Manager for the Jane Goodall Institute’s “Roots and Shoots” global youth program; and Dr. Vince Bertram, President and Chief Executive Officer of Project Lead the Way (PLTW). “Roots and Shoots” works with participants to identify problems in their communities, while helping them become the compassionate citizens our planet needs. PLTW is transforming the learning experience for PreK – grade 12 students across the U.S. by empowering them to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science.

“We expect Ms. Keller and Dr. Bertram to bring powerful messages on the importance of preparing today’s children to become the innovators and inventors of tomorrow. Both of their programs embrace STEAM, which is the concept of incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics throughout curriculum topics, prioritizing hands-on experience and real-world application,” said Portia Sweeting, BNT Director of Education. “We feel the environmental subject thread being introduced to the local Primary Science Curriculum will encourage problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity; as well as social skills, communication, and initiative in making a more sustainable world.”

The Bahamas National Trust has long been a leader in environmental education in The Bahamas, developing resources to complement and support the Ministry of Education’s curriculum.

In recent years the BNT’s Parks Experience Program has introduced over 5,000 young people annually to national parks on Andros, Grand Bahama, and New Providence. Additionally, the organization’s Education department continuously works to familiarize educators with the importance of national parks as outdoor classrooms for learning about flora, fauna and Bahamian ecosystems.

The Environmental Education Conference is open to anyone who wants to learn more about teaching environmental science. Registration is free and can be accessed by visiting Environmental Education Conference 2021 – Bahamas National Trust (bnt.bs).

To learn more about the role the BNT plays to manage terrestrial and marine national parks, protect species that inhabit them, and inform environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow/subscribe to various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.