“The Lorax” Inspires Coast-to-Coast Environmental Collaboration

 
A presentation held during Social Justice Week at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), titled The Lorax: Transcending the Call from Environmentalism to Activism, sparked an unexpected cross-country educational partnership. The talk, presented by CSM Associate Professor Rachael Bateman, explored environmental themes in Dr. Seuss’s classic story and caught the attention of a group of high school students in Granada Hills, California.

While researching a signature project on deforestation, a group of 11th-grade students at a school in Granada Hills discovered Bateman’s presentation on CSM’s website. Intrigued by her insights, one of the students reached out to request a virtual Q&A session. The result was a Zoom meeting in May where Bateman connected with more than a dozen students to discuss deforestation, reforestation efforts, and sustainable practices.

“Though The Lorax may be a children’s book and movie, its message is powerful and relevant for all ages,” said Bateman. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my expertise with students who are passionate about environmental stewardship.”

Bateman, who holds a master’s degree in Chemical and Biological Sciences and has extensive experience teaching AP Environmental Science, currently teaches the majority of CSM’s ENV-1300 and ENV-1300L courses. She also serves as the Program Coordinator for the Associate of Science in Environmental Studies degree, working to increase student participation in environmental internships, volunteer events, and competitions.

“CSM news is getting out there, and people across the country are reading about it! And our amazing professors are getting opportunities to share their wealth of knowledge with students on the West Coast,” said Denise Gilmer-Knudson, Professor of Communication and Chair of both the English, Communication, and Languages Division and the Thomas V. Mike Miller Center for Leadership. “That kind of reach says something. Our professors aren’t just teaching; they’re inspiring action.”

Bateman hopes this collaboration will be the first of many opportunities to share her passion for the environment with students across the country. She can be reached at rebateman@csmd.edu. 

For more information about CSM’s Environmental Studies program, visit csmd.edu/programs-courses/program-finder/environmental.html.