Climate Science Alliance and the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians successfully co-hosted the first Climate Kids Traveling Trunk training at Temalpakh Farm! Educators recently gathered at the Temalpakh Farm Educational Center for a hands-on demonstration of the Traveling Trunks.
On February 22, 2024, educators from San Diego and Riverside county gathered at the beautiful Temalpakh Farm Education Center, located on the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation, to learn about the Climate Kids resources available for check out at the new Climate Kids Hub at Temalpakh Farm.
To start the training, Adrienne Edmondson, Tribal Educator for Temalpakh Farm, introduced the farm and gave a short history of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. Jeanette Starpine, Director of Education and Engagement for Climate Science Alliance, introduced the Climate Science Alliance and described the Climate Kids program.
Then, the educators in attendance participated in a hands-on demonstration of the Climate Science & Food Systems Trunk, led by Jeanette. This got everyone out of their seats, playing climate games, having group discussions and doing hands-on science as a way to enhance learning. The interactive nature of the trunk and the training was a highlight for attendees.
After the demonstration of the Climate Science & Food Systems Trunk the educators had some time to explore the other Climate Kids Trunks: Climate Science & Pollinators, Climate Science & Carnivores, Climate Science and Oceans, Climate Science & Atmospheric Chemistry and the newest addition to the trunk series Climate Science & Fire.
This is the first time that the Climate Science & Fire Trunk was included in an educator training and it was a big hit! Educators were impressed by the beautiful artwork, interactive activities and focus on good fire as a necessary part of the Southern California ecosystem.
Another resource that made its debut at this educator training workshop is the Plant Relatives of the Southern California Desert coloring book. This coloring book was co-created by the Climate Science Alliance and the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. It teaches the reader about 10 desert plants. Each entry includes the Cahuilla name for the plant and a Cahuilla perspective on the uses of the plant, in addition to gorgeous artwork by Audrey Carver. Each educator who attended left the training with a copy of the new coloring book.
The event was co-hosted by the Climate Science Alliance and the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians and we are so thankful for this collaboration and all that we have been able to create together! We look forward to seeing this new Climate Kids Hub grow and serve educators in the region.