This past year, Beyond Benign launched another great season of Observe Wonder Think, the monthly K-12 professional development series. As in previous years, the series focused in on resources, strategies, and practices for K-12 teachers who are hoping to inspire their students through green chemistry. As a framework, each webinar was organized around one or more of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.

The ongoing objective is to encourage and help educators create safer, more engaging learning environments by integrating green chemistry and sustainable science principles into their classrooms. Following NGSS best practice techniques, the webinar series supported K-12 educators in fostering the idea of “Observe, Wonder, Think!” with their students and demonstrated to educators the 12 Green Chemistry Principles as they are practiced in the classroom. Presenters shared hands-on labs and highlighted real-world green chemistry technologies. Beyond Benign hosted educational leaders who are actively practicing green chemistry in their classrooms as they walk through their favorite green chemistry labs and experiments. This interactive webinar series also allowed time for breakout sessions, Q&A and networking opportunities.

Here are some quick statistics on the 2023-2024 season of Observe, Wonder, Think:

• Approximately 21 participants attended each webinar, including members from the K-12 and higher education communities and their students, as well as industry professionals and environmental agencies. 
• Over the course of the year, a total of 65 people joined us during the webinar series with 28% attending more than one event.
• 18 guest presenters discussed no less than 12 topics, including curriculum support, lab safety, creating storied curriculum, cultural relevance, and student engagement and service. 
• We had representation from 15 US states and 6 countries, spanning 4 continents.

Beyond Benign would like to extend our gratitude to the following “Observe, Wonder, Think” presenters from the 2023-2024 season. Click the links to watch a recording of each session.

• Lab Safety and adopting a safety culture
  • William McMahon, Lab Technician, SUNY Jefferson Community College
• Introducing Green Chemistry and Sustainable Science: A Green Approach to Sustainable STEM (newly released lab book for K-12)
  • Erin Mayer, Certified Lead Teacher, Beyond Benign, Middle School Science Teacher, Boulder, CO
  • Annette Sebuyira, Certified Lead Teacher, Beyond Benign, Retired High School Chemistry Teacher, Albany, NY
• Flame Tests, Animal Adaptions and Engineering Design, and Biomimicry (more Intro to Green Chemistry and Sustainable Science book samples)
  • Stefanie Loomis, Lead Teacher, Beyond Benign, Catskill Sr. High School, NY
  • Veronica Morabito Weeks, Certified Lead Teacher, Beyond Benign, Breton Woods Elementary School, Long Island, NY
• Transitioning your school to a Green Chemistry Mindset
  • Jessica Lorenz, Chemistry and Environmental Science Teacher, Bellingham High School, MA
• High School Science Ambassadors as Emerging Scientists and Educators
  • Raksmey Derival, Certified Lead Teacher, Beyond Benign, High School Science Teacher, Innovation Academy Charter School, MA
• Using inquiry and student curiosity to create fun science
  • Matthew Miller, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University
• Industry sponsored Green Chemistry Education Programs
  • Areej Nitowski, MilleporeSigma Green Chemistry Education Manager, and former K-12 educator

Please plan to join us in the fall as we continue the “Observe, Wonder, Think” webinar series next school year. Sign up for emails to be the first to know when registration opens.

Watch all recorded sessions of “Observe, Wonder, Think” here.