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Excerpt from my praxis about curiosity
Excerpt from my praxis about curiosity
Curiosity and innovation are necessary principles for propelling environmental justice solutions forward. To imagine a better world in the contexts of both climate change and social equality, one must have the curiosity and imagination to dream of something outside the constraints of what already exists. Mitigating the effects of climate change and fighting environmental injustice will be the most pressing pursuit of the coming generations. If we are to save our planet and ensure rights to a healthy and clean environment for all, curious minds and spirits will take the lead in our society to drastically and equitably reimagine our transportation, economy, agriculture, and energy systems. The first step in making change is personal education and true observation, which entails a dedication to knowledge and a curiosity for the world that extends beyond just what we've been told. Curiosity, before it guides advocacy, guides exploration, reverence, and the personal expansion of one's critical consciousness.
My practice of curiosity has grown this semester through my renewed interest in the fields of STEM. When I was in middle school, I had loved biology, but my involvement in sciences faded as I got to high school. I decided I was not a "STEM person." However, since partnering with the community organization Redhouse and learning about the fascinating science of mycelium, I have regained passion for STEM related pursuits by letting my curiosity guide the way. By following what surprised me, made me wonder, and ask questions, I began an experiment relating to mushroom spores and biodiversity that may be able to aid arguments for increased biodiversity and natural fertilizers within agriculture.
Evidence of Learning
Evidence of Learning
3A: Wonder
3A: Wonder
EJ Changemakers are driven to know more about the world and make a habit of observing, pondering, and questioning their environment.
3B: Data-driven Analysis
3B: Data-driven Analysis
EJ Changemakers strategically seek out reliable sources of data, on both the past and the present, and use that data to inform their understanding of the climate crisis and their decisions on how to restore environmental justice.
3C: Idealism
3C: Idealism
EJ Changemakers maintain optimism by being well-informed on liberatory solutions to environmental crises, and draw on these solutions while advocating for change to encourage enthusiasm.
The NASA Biocene conference introduced our cohort to a host of new solutions and innovation surrounding biomanufacturing and climate related engineering solutions. We were able to listen to companies introduce their design processes for using nature as inspiration and come in contact with careers that could help us impart more change in the world through observation and wonder.
Established an Air Quality Monitor at the Lyman Campus
Through the semester's partnership with the Cleveland Division of Air Quality, we secured an air quality monitor at Laurel's Lyman Circle campus. This will allow Laurel and future students of environmental justice to collect their own data monitoring the air quality of our community and use this to inform advocacy decisions in the future.
Forest Restoration Study
An ongoing project of the year has been our forest restoration study of the Butler campus. We've identified invasive species and worked diligently to remove them by hand as a cohort. In addition to this work, I have researched Native species that could be replanted in these areas to cultivate a more diverse and balanced forest ecosystem. Our work will be continued by the next semesters of changemakers for years to come.
To prepare to aid my partner organization Redhouse, I conducted research surrounding mycelium, sustainable architecture, lead poisoning, and biomaterials. This research allowed me to gain a greater unerstanding of my environment and the pertinent issues being tackled by my partner.
Many of my studies this semester have related to principles of regenerative agriculture and the benefits of biodiversity. To discover what some of these practices may yield, I planted 24 radish seeds and planted 12 of these seeds in soil inoculated by reishi mushroom spores to represent a more biologically diverse environment. Shown on the right side of the tray, the plants in the spore soil grew at a faster and more plentiful rate immediately. This was a data driven experiment that illuminated a potential alternative to engineering herbicides or damaging fertilizers.
Video Essay: "The Political Weaponization of Morality" (As it Pertains to Feminist Movements)
I created a video essay on a topic that I believed intersected with feminist ideology. My video essay describes instances in which political motives have been disguised in traditional family rhetoric which relies on the principles of "morality" to strengthen its case.
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