Milford STEM educator enhances STEM curriculum through a collaboration with Portugal environmental experts
In 2024, Deborah Rogers, a STEM educator from Milford Public Schools (MPS), was awarded a fellowship from the esteemed Fund for Teachers organization. The initiative has created opportunities for 3rd and 4th-grade students across MPS to explore the interconnectedness of human activities and the environment, emphasizing erosion and its mitigation.
The fellowship provided an opportunity to engage with leading experts in Portugal, including Dr. Joana Gaspar de Freitas, a researcher at the Center for History of the University of Lisbon, and Mr. Celso Alexio Pinto, Head of the Coastal Monitoring and Risk Division at the Portuguese Environment Agency. Through these interactions, Rogers gained valuable insights into Portugal's historical and contemporary approaches to erosion control.
The team conducted field research along Portugal's coastline, documenting areas affected by erosion and observing significant mitigation projects. Rogers captured photographs and filmed 360-degree videos to create immersive Virtual Reality experiences for students. In addition, this school year, students were able to analyze data on weather, climate, and erosion effects in Portugal.
The information gained from the fellowship has been integrated into the STEM curriculum for 3rd and 4th graders, aligning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The integration of this fellowship experience into the curriculum has had a significant impact on approximately 900 students across MPS. By collaborating with international experts and utilizing innovative teaching methods, Rogers has enriched the learning experience, providing students with unique opportunities to engage with complex environmental issues.
Portugal was selected for this study due to its geographical similarities to Connecticut, with both regions experiencing coastal erosion and implementing mitigation strategies. This comparison allows students to connect global environmental issues to their local community, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to preserving coastal ecosystems.
This initiative aligns with MPS' commitment to excellence in education, as evidenced by the district's ongoing efforts to enhance STEM opportunities for all learners. The district has previously invested in STEM labs across all elementary schools, underscoring its dedication to providing students with hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences.
"By bringing real-world experiences into the classroom, we aim to inspire the next generation to become stewards of the Earth," Rogers said. "Through inquiry-based learning in the STEM labs, students can analyze data, explore virtual landscapes, and develop solutions to environmental challenges."
The Fund for Teachers fellowship program empowers educators to design their own professional development experiences, fostering innovative teaching practices that directly benefit students. By supporting teachers as lifelong learners, the program contributes to the advancement of education and the cultivation of global citizenship among students.