GLOBE News
Read New DEI Blog “Bringing Relevant and Meaningful Learning for Youth in Rural Villages in Alaska”
Have you had a chance to read the most recent “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) blog, written by Rosalba Giarratano, NASA Pathways Intern, and member of the GLOBE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group?
“Today I had the privilege to talk to Dr. Elena Sparrow, a valued member of the GLOBE community since 1996! Dr. Sparrow lives in Alaska and is committed to working on bringing relevant and meaningful learning for youth in rural villages,” Rosalba said in the blog. “She introduces the scientific method without ever disregarding the knowledge the youth have acquired from their parents, their elders, and their community. As Dr. Sparrow pointed out during our conversation: “Accessing multiple knowledge systems allows for a richer experience”. She constantly tries to bring GLOBE and NASA assets like satellite data and experts in topics that are relevant to the people living in rural villages in Alaska. Teachers do not tend to stay long in these very isolated places where long winters can be very harsh; therefore, Dr. Sparrow invites community members to have an ongoing connection to provide a more consistent learning experience for the youth.”
“Dr. Sparrow shared a memorable experience about four Alaska Native students she brought to the GLOBE Learning Expedition that took place in Ireland a few years ago. They asked her if they could share who they were when told they were chosen to present their GLOBE Study. Of course, she assured them they could share who they were! Storytelling is very much a part of their lives. They decided to share a song and a dance they had created about their GLOBE project, which resulted in a beautiful, cultural experience that everyone enjoyed. Dr. Sparrow works tirelessly hoping someday soon there will be no students questioning whether it is OK to share about who they are, but instead they are all proud to let everyone else learn about their identities, talents and cultures.”
“Thank you, Dr. Sparrow, for 25 years of working to make GLOBE a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community!”
To read the complete blog, click here.
News origin: GLOBE Implementation Office