This post was contributed by Andrea Kopp, NCEA Resource Manager.
Monarch Butterflies are both beautiful and delicate creatures. The declining population of these pollinators has been a passion project of several NCEA grant recipients through the Monarch Rescue Project. Teachers are framing the scientific study of Monarch Butterflies through the lens of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si. Using Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics; Monarch Rescue schools are using the STREAM curriculum model to influence the well-being of the planet.
Our Monarch Teachers are creating lesson plans, videos, art and projects all centered on the saving the Monarchs. Check out the great work our Monarch Rescue Schools have been doing at http://www.ncea.org/our-services/ncea-monarch-rescue-schools-program-grant.
The Monarch Rescue Project Grant Program is in its second year. Through the generosity of donor Dr. Judith Wagner, schools were selected to receive funding to create and maintain Monarch waystations, planting milkweed along the migratory path of the butterfly. Among the criteria for gaining this grant was the development of STREAM lessons and units on the Monarch Butterfly and incorporating principles from Laudato Si. One of our Monarch Rescue Grant Teachers will be selected to present at the STREAM 2.0 Symposium this summer. The STREAM 2.0 Symposium will be held in Aston, PA on June 27-29, 2016. You can find information and registration here: https://www.ncea.org/events/stream-20-symposium
Share your ideas for saving the Monarch and Follow the Monarch butterfly conversation on social media by using #NCEAMonarch. Don’t forget to search NCEA Talk using keyword Monarch Butterfly Rescue and view the Monarch Inspiration Gallery on Pinterest.
