Community Resources
Below is a list of links to local, environmentally-minded organizations. Check out their websites for help in acting locally to make a global difference.
The Arboretum offers seasonal school programs for students in grades 3 to 6. These two-hour programs are designed to encourage the investigation of plant science in the meadows and woodlands of the Arnold Arboretum. Lessons that begin in the classroom can be explored and enlarged through these outdoor learning adventures.
Massachusetts Audubon provides environmental education opportunities for adults and children and preserves open space. We offer a wide range of recreational opportunities and perform ecological research. Programs include: Beyond the Classroom: Science activities using the schoolyard; On the Brink: Teaching about Massachusetts endangered species; and Vernal Pool Lessons and Activities (companion to manual on certification of vernal pools).
The City is sponsoring a pilot project in which Ecoteams, small groups of people, get together seven times over a period of several months to discover and carry out actions to reduce their environmental impact. Team members use a workbook to determine their household’s environmental impact, pick steps they can take to reduce it, and track the results. Each team has about five to eight members and a coach, a volunteer who has gone through the process and is enthusiastic about spreading it to others. Team members take turns facilitating the meetings. For more information about the Ecoteam pilot project, call 617 349-4604, or email Rosalie Anders at randers@cambridgema.gov.
The 72-acre site, founded in 1911, is home to over 210 species of animals, as well as the Tropical Forest; one of the world's largest indoor exhibits of western African lowland gorillas. Massachusetts school groups are admitted free of charge. Classroom programs and tours are offered for an additional fee.
We are a group of Cambridge residents concerned about climate change who are taking action locally to reduce our contributions to this global problem. Our aims are to 1) Provide information to fellow residents and people who work or own businesses in Cambridge, and 2) Engage people in effective ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions while saving money, improving air quality and health, and enhancing the Cambridge environment.
This non-profit educational organization offers a variety of programs to foster a greater awareness and understanding of our environment and to develop environmentally literate citizens. The Center resources include: professional development for elementary science teachers; consultation on district-wide curriculum alignment with the Frameworks, public programs on natural history and environmental education for children and adults year-round; science enrichment activities as in school visits; family science nights; and a comprehensive curriculum resource center focused on natural science and environmental issues. The Hitchcock Center has 27 acres of woodland, fields, and ponds with accessible walking trails.
Massachusetts Marine Educators (MME) is a dynamic, grass roots organization of teachers, informal educators, students, educational institutions, and others. Our goal is to develop a marine literate society and promote awareness of the ocean world by integrating marine studies into existing curricula. Massachusetts Marine Educators helps to develop and share curriculum materials, holds frequent workshops and conferences, provides in-service teacher training, and facilitates networking among teachers and other educators. MME cooperates with other educational organizations to advance the cause of marine education on the local, state, and national levels. MME is a regional chapter of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA).
The mission of the Museum of Science, Boston is to stimulate interest in and further understanding of science and technology and their importance for individuals and for society. To accomplish this educational mission, the staff, volunteers, overseers, and trustees of the Museum are dedicated to attracting the broadest possible spectrum of participants and involving them in activities, exhibits, and programs which will: encourage curiosity, questioning and exploration; inform and educate; enhance a sense of personal achievement in learning; respect individual interests, backgrounds and abilities; and promote life-long learning and informed and active citizenship. All this is offered in the spirit that learning is exciting and fun at the Museum of Science.
The New England Aquarium offers live aquatic displays, organized education programs for children and adults, traveling programs and a library (open by appointment). The Aquarium has materials and kits available for teachers to borrow, and a Boston Harbor Seaside Educator’s Guide” and “A Guide to Aquatic Plants in Massachusetts" available for purchase.
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