Dawn Targets Science Students

Dawn and Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium launched a new national in-classroom and web accessible STEM curriculum called NextGen Animal Responders, which will allow teachers to offer fifth through eighth grade student’s five Next Generation Science Standards lesson plans. The lessons aim to increase students’ environmental and science literacy through Shedd animal rescue and rehabilitation stories and resources and provide a connection to nature and the environment that students living in an urban setting might not have the opportunity to experience.

In addition, Chicago Public Schools will be the first in the country to participate in an in-classroom roadshow and contest aimed to connect local teachers and students to the importance of animal care and conservation and show them how the next generation can take a hands-on approach to preserving and protecting animals and the environment. During the roadshow, twenty-five select Chicago-area schools will be visited by guest speakers and experts from Shedd, who will bring along engaging Dawn Wildlife activities, a contest call-to-action and materials for children to take home to their parents.

NextGen Animal Responders is part of the larger Dawn Helps Save Wildlife commitment with an aim to connect teachers and students with a singular goal, educating the next generation about the importance of wildlife conservation.

“Dawn is honored to partner with Shedd on this new, education-based offering for teachers and students,” said Mandy Ciccarella, Dawn Communications Manager. “Demonstrating how our next generation of animal stewards can take a hands-on approach to help preserve animals and the environment is vital and important to the Dawn brand.”

As part of the program, all Chicago-area schools are able to enter a contest that will run for 11 weeks, beginning Jan. 17 at www.sheddaquarium.org/NextGen.