Represent Your School and District
Inspire a new generation of environmentally-conscious students by creating dynamic, cross-disciplinary teacher teams to represent your district in the Through the Eyes of Butterflies experiential learning program. This innovative opportunity pairs science and social studies educators to explore vital environmental issues, with a focus on the Monarch butterfly—a symbol of the fragility of our natural world. Teachers will collaborate to bring the power of hands-on learning to life by growing their own Monarch butterfly way stations, connecting students to nature and community in ways that will resonate long beyond the classroom.
What is Through the Eyes of Butterflies?
Through this three-course program, educators from public, private, homeschool, or community settings will dive deep into the urgent issues of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the balance of life on Earth. Using the Monarch butterfly as a powerful symbol of both ecological fragility and resilience, Through the Eyes of Butterflies enables educators to explore:
The Biosphere: Understanding the interconnection between living organisms and their environment.
Environmental Stewardship: Teaching students about the responsibility we all share in protecting our planet’s future.
Informed Decision-Making: Guiding students to think critically about the environmental choices we make and their far-reaching consequences.
How Teacher Teams Will Impact Your District
The Through the Eyes of Butterflies program is designed to engage not just students, but entire school communities. By forming teacher teams made up of at least one social studies teacher and one science teacher, districts will ensure an interdisciplinary approach that enhances learning across multiple subjects. Teachers will collaborate to design lessons and activities that help students understand the Monarch butterfly’s life cycle, migration, and the environmental challenges it faces, all while exploring the broader social, political, and economic issues tied to conservation efforts.
What Will Teacher Teams Gain?
Collaboration Across Disciplines: Science and social studies teachers will work together to integrate lessons that connect ecology and cultural awareness, giving students a more comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.
Practical Experience: Teacher teams will gain the skills and knowledge to establish a Monarch butterfly way station at their school—turning their campus into a living, breathing classroom for environmental education.
Professional Development: Participants will receive in-depth training on the Monarch butterfly, environmental topics, and how to incorporate these concepts into Ohio’s Social Studies and Science Standards.
Sustainability Leadership: Teachers will lead the charge in environmental stewardship, fostering a culture of sustainability within the district and the community.
Why Participate?
Hands-on, Engaged Learning: Students will not only learn about the delicate balance of life on Earth but will also have the opportunity to participate in growing and maintaining a Monarch butterfly way station, giving them a real-world connection to the lessons they’re learning.
A Catalyst for Change: This program empowers both students and teachers to think critically about the environmental impact of human actions, and challenges them to become active participants in preserving the delicate ecosystems that sustain life.
Stronger Community Connections: By growing a Monarch butterfly way station, schools will connect with local environmental groups and organizations, fostering collaboration and awareness across the community.
Join Us in Making a Lasting Impact
By forming teacher teams and joining the Through the Eyes of Butterflies program, your district will help shape the next generation of environmental leaders. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and the importance of sustainability—skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Together, let’s create a future where informed decisions and environmental stewardship are at the forefront of our educational priorities. Become a part of a district-wide movement to save the Monarch butterfly, and in doing so, help protect the fragile ecosystems we all depend on.
Ready to get started? Form your teacher team today and embark on this life-changing journey with your students!