Ithaca College

Cyndy Scheibe and Chris Sperry presented at the 45th Annual Conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) in Madison, Wisconsin. The conference was held to discuss how K-12 teachers could engage students in critical thinking about the environment and sustainability.

NAAEE is an organization that promotes environmental education primarily throughout North America but also extends borders to the rest of the world. Their mission is to accelerate environmental literacy and civic engagement through the power of environmental education.

The theme of the conference was: “From Inspiration to Impact: Inspiring stories. Compelling Evidence. Meaningful Impact.” It focused on powerful stories of innovation and success in environmental education from all over the world. The theme celebrated ways in which the NAAEE has inspired individuals to connect with nature and shape a sustainable future.

Project Look Sharp has showcased their nine environmental curriculum kits for the past three years at the NAAEE annual conference, and had an exhibitor booth again this year. The booth showcased Project Look Sharp’s “Process of Media Literacy” banner, curriculum kits, website and other resources to connect educators with PLS.  

Chris and Cyndy’s presentation: Greening the Curriculum through Media Literacy Approaches to Sustainability Education, was held from 2:15-3:45 p.m Thursday afternoon. They gave an interactive 90-minute hands-on workshop on how to integrate media literacy and environmental education in K-12 classrooms.

This lively session posed the question of: “How can today’s K-12 teachers engage all students in critical thinking about environmental and sustainability issues while still meeting standards-based curriculum requirements?”

The session showcased media literacy approaches to Environmental Education and E-STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The workshop related media decodings to sustainability and environmental issues. It also evaluated internet searches and media literacy pedagogies, allowing the audience to explore PLS curriculum materials.

Project Look Sharp also showcased a documentary created by second graders at Caroline Elementary School in Tompkins County, New York last year as a part of the lesson plans created for lower elementary grades.

For more information about the event or curriculum, email

looksharp@ithaca.edu or call 607-274-3471.

Project Look Sharp is Ithaca College’s Media Literacy Initiative. Project Look Sharp supports the integration of critical thinking through media literacy in school curriculum and teaching. They do this through developing and providing lesson plans, media materials, training, and support for educators at all education levels. The purpose of media literacy education is to help individuals of all ages develop the habits of inquiry and skills of expression they need to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and active citizens in today’s world.