Happy 91st Birthday, Dr. Jane Goodall

This past Thursday was Dr. Jane Goodall's 91st birthday. Born April 3, 1934, she is still going strong, living a long, remarkable life! Thinking about her timeline, imagine all that she has lived through in terms of innovation & inventions, world events, social changes, and more. Then, there's her own amazing career as a primatologist, author, speaker, and planetary giver-of-hope. She is an extraordinary woman. I feel lucky to have seen her speak in person. (April 4th, 2008, in fact--the day after her 74th birthday.)

I've written about Jane Goodall several times here at GTG (check out the list below). Given that, it should be no surprise my level of reverence to her as an eco-rockstar. Celebrating her birthday and accomplishments seems like the perfect way to start off the month we celebrate Earth Day! We need to honor and thank champions, and Dr. Jane Goodall is a great place to start! I hope she's having an amazing birthday weekend!

• Happy 80th Bday Jane Goodall!! April 4, 2014
• The Love of Books... And Jane Goodall, August 15, 2014
• Jimmy & Jane (Fallon & Goodall, That is!), Sept 23, 2017
• 60 Seconds with Jane Goodall, May 16, 2020
• A Trio of Messengers of Hope, Feb 9, 2022
• Jane Goodall's 90th Birthday--Environmental Champion, April 17, 2024

Images from : https://bayweekly.com/old-site/year08/issuexvi15/burtonxvi15.html and Eco With Em's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ecowithem/posts/pfbid02xs9W9DuKusEFd69iFbg4jppm66FZGzHKRK3RiXziypR42Z8qns2Jbu4Vt2dH3Rbdl

The ABC Benefits of Travel

We just recently had spring break (a true joy for teachers and students alike). 

During that time, my husband and I went to Spain. Needless to say we had an amazing time, and I keep rolling the experiences over my mind. It was both our first time to Spain & to Europe together. 

It got me thinking that travel is the ultimate learning experience -- outdoor education as we walked miles through the cities we visited, conversations with locals and with travelers learning from each other, awareness of how other countries do things that we take for granted, comparing 'us versus them' and 'new versus old' and noticing that both can be exceptional...and that we are richer for the experience.

All of this during my trip reflection led to these ABC benefits of travel and all of the things I loved about our trip--big, small, important, powerful, significant, and meaningful.

Architecture & art and an astonishment of "how did they do that, so long ago, with less tools and technology to build these amazing structures?"

Bevy of beverages...not to mention bon voyages, backpacks, boarding passes, and bounding into new experiences.

Churches & cathedrals & capturing the visual sensation of old worlds and modern times coming together.

Deepen understanding of others and their diversity.

Exposure to exotic &/or extraordinary experiences, exploring different cultures, and exercising through miles of exploration. 

Food, flavor, fun, flexibility (as things don't always go the way you expect), ....and for us: flamenco!

Gives you a chance to become a global citizen, seeing how interconnected & similar we are despite our differences. 

Hands-on history lessons where you get to be at the heart of where so much has happened and see the impact humans have had on a place over time.

Increases empathy & exposes you to brand new horizons & it impacts your way of thinking and it illuminates new ideas.

Journeys have a way of jump-starting your creative juices as you see things through a different lens.

Keeps you on your toes as you navigate new territory, keenly aware on the kaleidoscope of new sights in front of you.

Learning thru immersion and sometimes even the uncertainty of local languages and getting lost.

Make meaningful memories while meandering, and meeting others along the way.

Novelty, newness, and nature nourish our soul and keeps us energized.

Overcoming small hurdles like getting around and trying to communicate in other languages gives a great opportunity for growth.

Perspectives, people-watching, & opportunities to practice patience.

Quaint little shops & quiet corners are what make new places quintessential gifts along your quest.

Real opportunity to build rapport and relationships with your fellow ramblers, while also reaffirming that rest, relaxation, and reflection are so important in order to emotionally, spiritually, and mentally readjust from the rigors of every day life. 

Stepping out of your own comfort zone and savoring the sights, sounds, sensations, & situations of somewhere brand new to you.

Time takes on new meaning, you are totally “in the moment” when traveling.

Unexpected and unique ways to unplug and step away from the urge to gravitate toward your technology.

Value and validation comes in the voyage, vision, and new-to-you view and vantage point of vacations.

Wanderlust gives you the chance to coddiwample: wander forth freely without a destination.

‘Xcursions can give you ‘xactly what you need if you approach travel with an open mind.

You can feel young at heart as you travel, since you are never to old to learn and experience something new. 

Zeal for life and zen moments abound as travel reignites passion, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the world around you.

From our virtual travel companion, Rick Steves (who was only a Kindle book away): 

“Travel is rich with learning opportunities, and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.” 

We came home with all of that -- and all of the above -- for sure!

Earth Hour 2025 Is Here... And So Is World Water Day

If you saw my last post, you saw the "Save the Date" for tonight's Earth Hour. (If you didn't, go back and do so to up your learning potential!)

Your mission: Turn off your lights from 8:30-9:30 pm in your time zone. In doing so you take a stand with the environment by being a part of a global event, raising awareness for environmental sustainability, and promoting the importance of conserving energy.

As it happens, March 22nd is also World Water Day, as it is annually. (Earth Hour is usually the 4th Saturday of the March.) This United Nations Environmental Day was created to emphasize the global importance of clean water access to everyone.

This year's theme is "Glacier Preservation.

So perhaps while you are flipping the switch to turn out your lights this year for Earth Hour, you'll stop and think a bit about what a precious resource water is... and of ways to conserve water too!

To learn more, go to the UN World Water Day site and check out their many resources.  You can also check out WWF's list of 8 Water Scarcity Facts.

And, before you leave to go ready yourself for Earth Hour, check out this infographic:

Images from https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day, https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day/resources and https://airtable.com/app94t8jNhtOlADJB/shrcI29B30yOtAbo0/tblHs7wUvNUu12Ex9

Save the Date: Earth Hour 2025: March 22, 2025, 8:30--9:30 pm In Your Time Zone

2025 makes the 19th year of the global event Earth Hour. This annual, global event is organized by World Wildlife Fun, after starting in 2007 as a grassroots effort in Sydney, Australia. Last year marked the biggest one yet, with over 1.4 million supporters in over 80 countries and territories "banking" how they dedicated their hour spent. 

What to do:

Turn off all non-essential lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm in your local time. This is for everyone--individuals and businesses. Landmarks worldwide have even taken part in this light's out effort. See this video to see what landmark locations turned off during Earth Hour 2024. What are you going to do: play games by candlelight, go on night hikes, or sit with friends by a bonfire? These are all great ways to celebrate. Need more ideas? Check out the GTG archives!

Why it matters: 

Does one hour of lights out across the globe during one day make a substantial difference? No. However, it is a symbolic commitment to the planet. It is a global moment of unity. It sparks conversation. It raises awareness of energy consumption, promotes environmental sustainability (beyond just Earth Hour), and it serves as a way to advocate on behalf of nature.

 Earth Hour Resources:

• The About Page on the Earth Hour website leads you to lots of information about their history and why this hour matters.
• A History of Earth Hour Milestones Timeline
• Their Give an Hour for Earth inspiration page of ideas about what you can do to spend your time in a meaningful way.
• Earth Hour for Youth--including Education packs and other resources for families and teachers.
• "Up Your Knowledge" with learning links to find out more about environmental issues.
• WWF's Earth Hour website and resources
• Take part in Challenge 60--where you give multiple hours to move us forward!

Video from https://youtu.be/kov2a3XRLyE?si=bhVFcPwQJ8ZA03eT, Image from https://www.earthhour.org.au/event/switch-off-2025/supporter-tools

Lunar Eclipse Ahead: March 13--14, 2025

Mark your calendar, there's a "Blood Moon" ahead. Named due to the red coloring a lunar eclipse offers, it's not as scary as it sounds, however it does come with its own folklore due to the life and times before science figured out what a lunar eclipse is:

• The ancient Incas believed it was a sign of their moon goddess Mama Quilla's being attacked by a jaguar. The noise of howling dogs would help scare the jaguar away and bring back the bright full moon.
• The ancient Mesopotamians hid their king during a lunar eclipse to protect him from danger of attack, parading out a faux king instead.
• In India, it was seen as a bad omen. People covered their food and performed cleaning rituals as a form of protection.
• Native American tribes of Hupa & Luiseno saw the moon as injured or ill, so tribal members would sing songs of healing.
• The people of Togo and Benin in Africa saw it as an argument between Sun and Moon, which helped them put aside old feuds as a sign of reverence.
• Old Testament Christian beliefs tie it to the wrath of God and the beginning of the end.

However, science negates it all. A lunar eclipse is when the sun, Earth, and a full moon all line up, and the moon travels in the Earth's shadow.

We have one ahead here this week during the late night of March 13th and the morning of March 14th. It will be visible in parts of every continent except Antarctica. You can check out a video visualization of the photo below at the NASA Scientific Visualization Studio.

To learn even more about what a lunar eclipse here with SciShow Kids. (Notice, this video is older and details an upcoming 2015 lunar eclipse).

You can also check out these resources to learn more... before going outside and checking it out yourself!

• Space.com: "What is a Blood Moon?"
• NASA.com:  "What You Need To Know About the March 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse"
• Kiddle.co: "Lunar Eclipse Facts for Kids"
• Forbes: ""

This is a screenshot from the Forbes' article on the timing when you might be able to see it in your area of the United States.

Image from https://www.accuweather.com/en/space-news/moon-to-turn-red-wednesday-total-lunar-eclipse/950118 and https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moon/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-march-2025-total-lunar-eclipse/, and https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/03/06/blood-moon-2025-ultimate-viewing-guide-to-north-americas-total-lunar-eclipse/; video from https://youtu.be/_UH_h99CI1Q?si=1oSX06WRrwnvA3Sk

Grist's Interactive Tool on Climate & Inrfastructure Funding

As a person who has been writing an environmental, edtech, and innovation blog for 15 years, it has surprised me from time to time when something that should be very non-partisan becomes very partisan indeed. No truer is that than now with the current U.S. administration and the whirlwind of major changes nationally this last 6-7 weeks following the Inauguration in January.

Theoretically, we all should want a cleaner & healthier environment for ourselves and our children, a strong educational system that helps the youth of America rise to be the best and the brightest, willing to think outside the box to solve current problems to make for a strong and dynamic future. Politics & tech leaders during this administration (and numerous times over the last decade) have made this a harried and sometimes highly loaded conversation these days for sure, with people having strong opinions on both sides in this very partisan place we now all live in my country.

Given all of this, we need resources. We live in an age of data and doing our own research, so here's a resource.

Grist, an online publication dedicated to climate change solutions, has created this interactive tool. Entitled "Where Did Billions in Climate & Infrastructure Funding Go," this clickable map of the United States allows you to enter your zip code to see what projects are being funded--and what are currently being frozen--near you. You can investigate by governmental agency, category (ex: transportation, clean energy, broadband, clean water, etc.), or the act funding it. By funneling in on an area and a project near you, you can find out more details about it's funding, including in some places linked to federal databases which can reveal whether or not the funds have found their way to that project. 

It serves as a really good way to help determine how the federal government freezes can, will, or are affecting your local area. 

Image screenshot from https://grist.org/accountability/climate-infrastructure-ira-bil-map-tool/?utm_campaign=fy25-membership-special-email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=membership-email

Learning Through Laughter: Comedy & Climate Change

Grist is an online environmental publication which has been around since 1999--25 glorious Grist years. Focusing on the intersection of justice, equity, and the environment--particularly climate change. There is always a wealth of news stories on what is going on in the world.

I ran cross this article recently: Moving From Climate Doomerism to Optimism Through Humor (published 1-28-2025). For years there has been talk about how "doomerism" is NOT the way to inspire climate action. Instead it brings a fatalistic approach and heavy duty "doom & gloom" is only exhausting versus inspirational. Remove all hope and people wonder--why try, we're going to hell in a hand basket anyway. Hope is what is necessary, and I've written about that a time or two: here, here, and here.

The premise of this Grist article agrees: 

“Learning through comedy is like the old saying: take a spoonful of sugar, and it makes the medicine go down. I think that is true,” [director Morgan] Sackett said.

We can all take a lesson from content creators on social media: humor can definitely bring both the clicks and awareness to all sorts of issues: social justice, climate & other environmental action, politics, and more. In fact, if you are really creative and met the December 2024 deadline, the Natural Resources Defense Council ran a $20,000 Climate Storytelling Fellowship grant. For the 4th year in a row, 3 winners (either individual or writing teams) will receive the grant for a screenplay or pilot that creates a storyline with an impactful them addressing climate change. You can find an interesting take on comedy and climate change in the Sundance panel discussion "The Last Laugh: Comedy in the Age of Climate Change.”

To bring some levity and hope to climate change and knowing that laughter is indeed the best medicine, these PSAs (public service announcements) and/or commercials made me smile:

Videos from https://youtu.be/T5Us69fSM9M?si=MUnuYxcZZvVyvQe-, https://youtu.be/Y-CAMC8saDc?si=uMlLg3EC6mx1Ur6u, https://youtu.be/-DEc16dEMns?si=_WrILi-IJlfYiIxP; Image created at canva.com

Favorite Finds From FETC 2025

A few posts ago I wrote about my fabulous experience in January at FETC. 

I have been sorting through all of the amazing resources and wanted to share a list of the 25 new favorite websites and online resources--dialing in more than just my favorite sessions, but more into some of the websites I've been diving into since being at home. (I'm sure it won't surprise you the high number of AI-oriented websites. It's everywhere, including built into many teacher/school-oriented websites!)

Items with 🌟 are my personal favorites, and where I'd start if you are just toe-dipping in or looking for just a few tools to try! I most certainly haven't had the opportunity to play with them all, but am looking forward to giving them a go! (Might be a summer project!)

These are the tools I went in knowing about and have had some experience with, so they certainly get honorable mention! I get that they may not be known to everyone, hence why I included this list here!

• 🌟 Canva EDU & the Magic Media tools that are embedded in--I've written about this many times. Start here to learn more. Polls & Quizzes are new and there's an endless amount of cool tools here.

• 🌟 Chat GPT--We've been hearing a lot about this one for the last 2 years. Here's my first post on that subject. 

• Microsoft CoPilot--Think ChatGPT but the Microsoft's version.

• Curipod--Generate lessons & presentations with this classroom tool for teachers

• Khanmigo--click here to read my whole blog post on that.

🌟 Google Notebook LM

• Upload your own documents (ex: standards, operating manuals, your own notes) or website addresses and then you can use it similar to ChatGPT to ask questions off this uploaded data set--your own self-created ChatGPT
• Creates organized note summaries and adds tags for referencing
• Can generate timelines of dates listed in
• The program creates a podcast of the research and questions to assist in your own learning, so your notes literally are talking to you.
• Integrates with Google Tools
• 18 and up in terms of service so this is more of a teacher tool, but one I'm clearly very excited about!

Google Learn About

• Still experimental through Google Labs
• Brings in sources from many and includes exploration links
• Great for ready to use supplemental teaching resources on different topics

Napkin.AI

• Helps you create simple images for presentations through a drag-and-drop interface
• Works as a visual thinking tool for connecting ideas and concepts.
• The beauty of this tool is its simplicity--both in use and the images it creates.

🌟 Quizzizz

• Similar to the gamification of Kahoot but with greater capability and instant feedback
• Make quiz on anything, including pictures or websites
• Integrates with Google Classroom and other learning management systems.
• Allows for teacher reports and analytics to track student performance.
• In the free version, you can create 20 games and then delete and create more--the paid version allows for the creation of more quizzes.

Brisk Teaching

• An AI-powered lesson planning tool that aligns to curricular standards.
• Built-in tools for assessment as well as strategies to differentiate lessons.
• Integrates with Google tools and YouTube.

Gamma AI

• AI presentation and storytelling tool where you can create slides/visuals based on your prompt.
• Includes interactive elements like polls and quizzes to add in.

Magic School AI

• Tools for creating classroom materials like lesson plans, worksheets, activities, and assessments.
• Allows for differentiation and has built in interventions for students who are struggling.
• Has an AI chat integrated to assist students and help answer their questions during assignments.

School AI

• Though the name is similar to the one above, this is more of an AI integration tool for the teachers, their administrative tasks, and tracking student performance. 
• Shows insights into learning gaps or trends from the collected data.
• Free for teachers, paid subscriptions for student use

Suno

• AI music creator tool for generating original songs, narrating lessons, creating voice overs, or adding audible content.
• Has a text-to-speech generator with customizable voice options, including adding in different languages 
• The audio files can be exported for use in lesson plans or presentations.

🌟 WeWillWrite.com

• This is a social & collaborative writing game/tool--kind of like Kahoot with its gamification, but it makes writing more social and engaging.
• Students login with class code that the teacher creates.
• Point out literary elements, grammar, style, and tone in student writing. 
• Energizes writing when you need a boost

Snorkl

• An AI tool for differentiation and intervention for struggling learners
• Teachers can customize learning paths for students by the questions they upload, then set the parameter as to what type of feedback students get. 
• Depending on settings teachers create, students can go back and correct their answers.

🌟 FigJam

• With Google Jamboard gone, this is the next iteration of endless real-time collaboration whiteboard canvas for classrooms.
• It has the online sticky notes that Jamboard had, but also diagrams, templates, and other brainstorming sketch tools.

🌟 Quick, Draw! With Google

• This is great for teaching "machine learning" (the basis of how AI data sets are created), so you could argue it could go in the AI section. However, it does kind of go deeper than that. 
• It's an AI-based doodling game, making it fun to see if Google can guess your drawing.
• Gives instant feedback on drawings 
• Great way to introduce AI concepts & encourage creativity.

Teachable Machine

• A good follow up to Quick, Draw! with Google for exploring machine learning.
• Shows users how to train machine learning models through a user-friendly interface without coding but through images, sounds, or personal poses.
• Allows for real-time training and testing of their models within the browser.
• For all you tech/engineering teachers out there--you can take it to the next tech level and add a computer science component by adding arduinos or Raspberry Pi controllers.

🌟 Code.org's Ocean AI

• Coding lessons combining AI, STEM, ocean preservation, and environmental education! Go green!
• Tutorials using drag-and-drop coding make it great for beginners to see real world problem solving.

🌟 Padlet 

• Padlet has been around for awhile as a way to create collaborative visual boards as a way to share ideas, videos, and links in real time.
• Variety of board formats to choose from: grid, timeline, map.
• It now has AI components built in that include building Padlets by prompt, "I Can't Draw" AI image generators, and multimedia generators based on text prompts to help build out what you want to create.
• The paid version gets you more features and the ability to create more boards.

🌟 Helperbird Google Chrome Extension

• Use this chrome extension accessibility tool to help support anyone with dyslexia, trouble focusing, or other learning challenges. 
• Adapt fonts for readability on websites. 
• Has text-to-speech tools, tools for summarizing text, and immersive reading mode
• There is a paid version, but the free version is incredibly robust for reading and writing support.

🌟 The Achievery

• Free digital learning platform created by AT&T for K-12 covering these subjects: math, digital literacy, English language arts, social emotional learning, technology and engineering, digital arts, and science.
• Features clips from popular WarnerMedia films and TV shows, pairing lessons with standard-aligned activities.
• There are some really great lessons tied to digital literacy, AI ethics, and more.

Elementari

• Like a "chose your own adventure" for coding with kids to connect creativity with digital storytelling.
• Templates for creating interactive digital stories along with student-friendly tools for adding illustrations, animations, and narration
• Library of pre-made stories for inspiration or direct use.
• Free and paid levels are both available.

Header images from my computer! Logos from each website.

Two Species to Love for Valentine's Weekend Ahead

Yes, Valentine's Day is around the corner... and there is certainly a lot to love about that! Hope you celebrate all weekend long!

But also this week ahead--both on February15th this year--we have two eco holidays celebrating some sizable species that need our love too. Celebrate these conservation commemoration days.

World Hippo Day is annually February 15th. Hippos are at a high level of vulnerability on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of endangered species. As the 3rd largest land animal (after elephants and rhinos), they weigh in at over 7,000 pounds. Found mainly in Africa, these huge land mammals have had dwindling numbers because of habitat loss to urbanization and farming (as well as loss of access to the fresh water they need). Likewise, poaching puts hippos at great danger.

World Whale Day, held the 3rd Saturday of February (which this year is February 15th). Since 1980, the Pacific Wildlife Foundation & Greg Kauffman have led the way in honoring and protecting these marine giants. Not only important to ocean ecosystems, whales hold an important place in many cultures as revered creatures and symbols. Their threats come from getting trapped in fishing gear, being illegally hunted, and warming ocean waters from climate change. 

To honor both of these animals and share love with them along with your loved ones this weekend, you can ...

• Learn more about both of these creatures.
• Take time to find a documentary.
• Make a donation to World Wildlife Foundation.
• Raise awareness on your social media about these two creatures.
• Find a way to see them in their natural habitat.
• Support policies that promote their protection and biodiversity.

Images created using Canva.com's Magic tools.

I ❤️ FETC 2025

January 14th--17th I attended FETC 2025 in Orlando--the Future of Education Technology Conference.

FETC could really stand for "Freaking Excellent Tech Conference!" I'm still swirling about all I learned in those 4 days in my mind. It took the traditionally "feels-twice-as-long month" of January and made it magical for me this year.       (It didn't hurt that we went to Universal and Hogwarts afterwards either. 😊)

Even though it was over 2 weeks ago, I'm still mentally there every day. 

My Biggest Takeaway:

This 4 day conference and the immersion with like-minded people completely renewed my energy for teaching in a way I haven't had since before Covid and the perils of pandemic teaching. (Interestingly enough, I attended FETC in 2017 & 2018, also pre-Covid!) 

So many fresh, new, inspirational, innovative ideas in education. No surprise: half the offerings were on some version of AI. I learned SO much, and it is the gift that keeps giving as I am still learning from that experience. I am loving this energetic spark!  I have so many new websites and tools I want to check out. I've been compiling the wealth of session notes from the ones I attended (and finding slide decks on the digital FETC program of amazing ones that were held when I couldn't attend because I haven't yet figured out how to clone myself). I have a growing master document that I know is going to become like my own personal edtech handbook.

My Favs:

1. Anything with Eric Curts, creator of Ctrl-Alt-Achieve. On his website he includes links to all that he shared at FETC. So. Much. Good. Learning!!!!

2. Christie Thompson-Cloud & Heather Brown's presentation "A Ravenclaw's Guide to the Latest & Greatest in EdTech" was completely engaging. Harry Potter's Ravenclaws love to learn, so what could be more perfect than a Ravenclaw-centric session in Orlando?! They followed thru the theme beautifully and I really need to go back and spend some time with all I learned from them.

3. Themes played out in other ways. 

• I attended a great Ted Lasso session called "Don't Stop Believing: Teaching Like Ted Lasso" by Janice Wintermyer, and it was by far not the only appearance in the session list by Ted Lasso.
• Another favorite thematic one was a take on the 1980s & John Hughes' films & the Brat Pack. So much in that alone to love! Ainsley Hill did a great job of blending the Brat Pack & PD in such an imaginative way with her "The T.E.C.H. Pack: Powering Up Professional Development". 
• Taylor Swift themes abounded too, like Dr. Rayna Friedman's "Be Fearless: Using AI in the Elementary Classroom." Though I'm not a total Swiftie (but I do like her music), it was a creative way to present her many, many good ideas.

4. Keynote speaker Guy Kawasaki was a true inspiration. I came home with his book Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life & Make A Difference. I haven't gotten a chance to read it yet, but it is at the top of my stack. He had 12 tips on "How to Help People Be Remarkable," starting with fostering a growth mindset and providing a growth environment. It truly was a "remarkable" talk and I adored his humor, expertise, and optimism! He has a podcast called "Remarkable People" that I also want to check out now too.

5. Another great keynote speaker was Dr. Sabba Quidwai, who talk was titled "From Classroom to Creator: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow." Speaking on ways to thinks smarter, not harder, her talk centered on innovation, empathy, and the culture of your organization. It was phenomenal seeing a young female leader showing how innovate as an educator and tech dynamo.

6. Several sessions had tie-ins to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I still firmly believe that innovation and technology are what we need to solve our environmental issues. I love that this was part of an edtech conference--and wish this was a larger conversation in the world. I imagine this is still something about which not near enough people know.

7. The annual ending is always a session called TECHShare Live with Leslie Fisher, Adam Bellows, and Dr. Adam Phyall III. They are hilarious and have great chemistry with each other. It was a fast action shout out on all sorts of amazing things tech out there. That right there could have been well worth the price of admission!!!

8. I was able to soak up ideas for STEAM, coding, robotics 3D printing, circuits, design thinking, maker ideas, and more to add to my K-5 Tech classes in the variety of sessions I attended. But my favorite part is that even though it's a tech conference, it's an education conference first. I think many people would be apt to think FETC wasn't for them because they as teachers, administrators, PD developers, educational leaders, or more don't "do" edtech. But WE ALL do edtech any more. In today's day and age--in 2025--we all use technology, therefore this conference would be engaging for everyone. 

As for my favorite new edtech tools.... More on that in a later post!!

UN Sustainable Goals image from https://sdgs.un.org/goals, Control-Alt-Achieve logo from https://www.controlaltachieve.com/p/edtech-links-of-week.html, and all other images from my camera from FETC, Jan 14-17, 2025

One Week In: Resources for Dealing With the Rollercoaster of Change

In the United States of America, we are approaching one week under the new regime since Inauguration Day 2025. I'm actually not going to go all political---this is an education, technology, innovation, and environmental education blog. But, it's been a lot. Rapid fire, whiplash-level, deep impact change has come from our new president and his executive orders, sweeping pardons, walking-back previous policies, and more. 

It's. Been. A. Lot! 

I'm not going to go into detail on them all, but here's a substantial list from Axios if you'd like to check out the list yourself. Many of these have been a significant step away from US climate leadership.

With change, no matter if it's good or bad, positive or negative, or whichever side you are on, change comes with a lot of emotions.

Given that, I felt these resources might be of assistance for anyone on the rollercoaster of change.

🌐 Greater Good Magazine: Where Do We Go From Here? In the wake of the 2024 election, our contributors weigh in on what we can do now to preserve our well-being and our democracy. (Article by multiple authors, Nov. 6, 2024)

🌐 Greater Good Magazine: Seven Skills to Foster Connection in Divided Times (Article by Juliana Tafur and Chriss Cuervo, Oct. 28, 2024)

🌐 Greater Good Magazine article: "Can We Build a World Where We All Belong?" (Article by Sahar Habib Ghazi, Jan. 20, 2025)

🌐 Upcoming free webinar from Greater Good in Education: "Teaching in Troubling Times: A Conversation with Parker J. Palmer" on February 24, 2025, 3:30 pm PST (Register here.)

🌐 Earthjustice's webpage: "Action Tip Guide: Find your way to speak out for change"

Image created at Canva.com

California Wildfires, Climate Anxiety, & What You Can Do to Help

We all have been devastated by the ongoing destruction of the California wildfires. Our hearts go out to our California friends (those we know and those we don't but know because we are fellow humans) as they continue to deal with the enormous power of nature. The photos coming through media sources of all kinds are heartbreaking.

I think too, the question of climate events being made more and more extreme and exacerbated by human activity is only becoming more and more obviously clear.

I ran across this from Heather White's Facebook page. Heather is an environmental policy expert and author of  60 Days to a Greener Life: Ease Eco-anxiety Through Joyful Daily Action 60 Days to a Greener Life: Ease Eco-anxiety Through Joyful Daily Action,  Eco-Anxiety: Saving Our Sanity, Our Kids, and Our Future and  Eco-Anxiety: Discover Your Hidden Power to Help Save the Planet. Her commentary on her post I think helps guide how you can help through donations and how to help yours and other's climate anxiety.

Images from https://www.facebook.com/myonegreenthing/posts/pfbid0DdRRqZh8eKmjrEbvB4icEhfzCyuhwnPF8iFc8joiHv823G56tTPRzbWHWRD1VxWgl

Presidential Medals of Freedom

On January 4th, 2025, President Biden presented the Presidential Medals of Freedom to 19 individuals in a public ceremony. This honor is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed to people. In his stated remarks, he gave them out to individuals who are "great leaders [who] keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."

Biden's recipients included scientists, environmentalists, entertainers, political leaders, philanthropic leaders, and humanitarians: 

Denzel Washington, known for his work in entertainment as an actor, director, and producer, for his 25+ year work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Dr. Jane Goodall for her work in conservation and environmental stewardship for over 60 years.

Hillary Clinton, former First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State, and first woman backed by a major political party to run for president for her many years of work in public service.

Bill Nye, known as "The Science Guy," for his work advocating science education, space exploration, and environmental activism.

Fashion designer Ralph Lauren for his philanthropic work including fighting cancer, environmentalism, and strengthening community through advocacy and access to resources.  

Bono, known for his musical career with the band U2, for his activism against AIDS and poverty.

Actor Michael J. Fox for his advocacy for Parkinson's disease research.

José Andrés for his work with Central Kitchen & humanitarian efforts to feed people during natural disasters and global conflicts such as the Ukraine War.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, known for his basketball talent with the LA Lakers, for his philanthropy for underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.

George Stevens Jr., known for his work writing and directing and for being the founder of American Film Institute and the Kennedy Center Honors. for his work preserving American cinema. 

Vogue's editor in chief for 3+ decades and co-chair of the Met Gala, Anna Wintour for her work in fundraising for AIDS & the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Global investment leader David Rubenstein for his philanthropic gifts toward  historic landmark restoration and many other institutions.

Holocaust-survivor, investor, and philanthropic leader George Soros for his human rights, education, and social justice projects which have impacted people in 120 countries. His award was accepted by his son Alex Soros.

Computer software programmer and entrepreneur Tim Gill for his LGBTQI activism and advocacy for equality. 

Senator Robert F. Kennedy (posthumously): Awarded for who work fighting racial segregation and poverty prior to his 1968 assassination. His award was accepted by daughter Kerry Kennedy.

George W. Romney (posthumously): Awarded for his work in public service as Governor of Michigan, Secretary of Housing & Urban Development and his work supporting civil rights. His award was accepted by his son Mitt Romney.

Professional soccer player Lionel Messi (who was absent due to scheduling conflicts) for his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and the Leo Messi Foundation, supporting children's healthcare and education programs.

Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumously): Founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, she was awarded for her work toward racial justice including her work with the 1964 Votings Right Act. Her award was accepted by her niece by marriage, Doris Hamer Richardson

Ashton B. Carter (posthumously): Awarded for national security and being the 25th Secretary of Defense, serving under 11 bipartisan Secretaries of Defense over his career and expanding the military rights for women and transgender service members. His award was accepted by his widow, Stephanie Carter.

The world needs changemakers who take the lead in service of others!

Images created in Canva.com using images from these websites: https://www.weforum.org/stories/authors/georgesoros/, https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/602689/ashton-b-carter/, https://mississippitoday.org/2025/01/04/fannie-lou-hamer-receives-presidential-medal-of-freedom/, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250104-messi-misses-presidential-medal-ceremony-with-biden, https://www.gmtoday.com/news/national/hillary-clinton-george-soros-and-denzel-washington-received-the-highest-us-civilian-honor/article_342a9720-cb64-11ef-a04d-dbb3e24c30be.html, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-presidential-medal-freedom-honorees-include-hillary-clinton/story?id=117325468, https://wwd.com/pop-culture/culture-news/gallery/presidential-medal-of-freedom-2025-photos-1236789059/us-politics-medal-biden/, https://people.com/2025-medal-of-freedom-honors-given-by-president-joe-biden-photos-8769298

President Jimmy Carter's Environmental Achievements

With his passing on December 29th at the age of 100, his funeral on January 9th, and his body being in the DC U.S. Capitol this week for people to pay their final respects, President Jimmy Carter and his legacy have been very much in the news. Rightfully so. 

In addition to being a man of high ethics, strong faith, and moral integrity, he was an avid environmentalist and conservationist. He was a state senator and governor of Georgia and later our 39th President. He was the first and only president to live to 100.  

At the time of his presidency from 1977-1981, he was faced with a lot of challenges with the economy, oil embargo, and the Iran Hostage situation. Ronald Reagan did a major sweep of the 1980 election due largely in part to those two pieces. Yet Carter's legacy lived on for 44 years past his presidency. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for "his decades of untiring efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” He was dedicated to Habitat for Humanity and in 2017 he used 10 acres of his land to supply solar panels which provide electricity for about half of Plains, Georgia.

Growing up on a family farm in rural Georgia, Carter had ties to both his community and the land. He was a charter member of the Georgia Conservancy in 1967.

Some of President Carter's achievements while he was in the White House include:

• Creating the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta in 1978.
• Installing solar panels on the White House in 1979 (which were later removed by President Reagan).
• Predicting the perils of use of fossil fuels and setting a goal of obtaining 20% of our energy from renewable resources by 2000. (Sadly, this did not come to pass.)
• Establishing The Alaska National Lands Conservation Act of 1980 federally expanded 157 million acres of protected lands which doubled the size of the National Park System. This stands as the largest act of expansion of its kind in history.
• Signing "15 major pieces of environmental legislation, including the first toxic waste cleanup and the first fuel-economy standards. His two major legislative accomplishments, the National Energy Act of 1978 and the Energy Security Act of 1980, transformed the energy landscape of America."
• Directing the National Academy of Sciences to analyze the greenhouse effects, becoming the first leader worldwide to view climate change seriously.

These are all the making of a great human being who has accomplished incredible things in his life time.

We thank you President Carter for your service. 

To read more, check out these articles, where I researched this post:

• NPR: Jimmy Carter's Environmental Legacy Set the Foundation for Today's Climate Action by Jeff Brady (12/29/24)
• Rolling Stone: Jimmy Carter: America's Greatest Environmental President by Jeff Goodell (12/29/24)
• CBS:  POLITICS For Jimmy Carter, protecting environment was an "exhilarating" challenge by Cara Korte (12/29/24)
• Yale Environment 360: Unheralded Environmentalist: Jimmy Carter’s Green Legacy by Kai Bird (3/29/23)
• Georgia Conservancy : Celebrating the Environmental Legacy of President Jimmy Carter

Quote image created canvas.com with quote from https://www.georgiaconservancy.org/president-carter-environmental-legacy, video from https://www.georgiaconservancy.org/president-carter-environmental-legacy