PODCAST · education
Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials
by Earth Force
In Field Chats, the Earth Force team breaks down Environmental Applied Civics - the research-based approach to build youth-adult partnerships, help young people be environmental decision-makers, and improve your enjoyment of teaching! Whether you’re just getting started or deep in implementation, Field Chats serves as a living library of best practices, insights, and stories shaping the future of how young people learn best. Episodes are under 20 minutes and full of actionable tips!
Episodes
-
Episode 66: Mapping the Ripple Effects of Community Change in Fairfax, VA
How can a local environmental project create lasting, systemic change? SJ, Earth Force’s District Strategy Lead, brings together Yannos Misitzis, a Special Education educator at Longfellow Middle School; Kate Carey, a parent and naturalist club leader; Wendy Cohen, a community environmental...
-
Episode 65: What is Environmental Applied Civics? (and what it’s not!)
What is Environmental Applied Civics—and what isn’t it? In this episode, members of Earth Force's Program Team SJ, Taylor, and Alyssa explain what EAC is, how it works, and what sets it apart. Listeners will learn how young people investigate local environmental issues, work with community…
more -
Episode 64: All About Youth Climate Summits with Cedar Barg at The Wild Center
Krysten Dorfman and Taylor Ruffin welcome back Cedar Barg of The Wild Center to talk about the evolution of Climate Action Planning (CAP) resources and their collaboration with Earth Force. They explore how Earth Force tools—including community inventories, root cause analysis, and power...
-
Episode 63: What 20 years of Environmental Applied Civics evaluation tells us
In this episode of Field Chats, Alyssa McConkey and Vince Meldrum dig into what the data reveals about changes in educators, student confidence and skills, and young people’s ability to participate in local environmental decision-making. They also share a powerful story about fourth graders who...
-
Episode 62: Community Inventories: A Practical Guide to Environmental Applied Civics
How can educators use community inventories to help students investigate local environmental issues? In this episode of Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials, the Earth Force Program Team explores practical ways to use inventories as part of Environmental Applied Civics (EAC) and...
-
Episode 61: New Environmental Applied Civics Educator Guide: A Walkthrough!
Explore Earth Force’s new Environmental Applied Civics (EAC) Educator Guide in this visual walkthrough. The guide is a comprehensive resource for educators who want to engage young people in authentic, community-based learning through youth-adult partnerships and environmental civic action. In…
more -
Episode 60: One Year Later: Chickens & Civic Change at Katherine Johnson Middle School
We're in the field for an update on a crowd favorite Environmental Applied Civics legacy project at Katherine Johnson Middle School! Young people set up a closed-loop food system - reducing landfill trash from school lunches by 75% thanks to chickens. Tune in to hear directly from young people…
more -
Episode 59: Building Resilient Communities with Leia Lowery
In this episode, Earth Force CEO Vince Meldrum talks with Leia Lowery, Founder and CEO of The Climate Initiative (TCI). Leia shares how TCI grounds massive global climate issues at the local level to give students direct access to community action. They discuss the power of place-based education,...
-
Episode 58: Empowering the Next Generation of Water Leaders
This episode explores the Water Education Exemplars Project, a Colorado initiative bridging the gap between state water policy and youth engagement. Earth Force's Alyssa McConkey speaks with veteran environmental educator Donny Roush and CSU student Maya about the urgent need to meet the 2050...
-
Episode 57: 250 Years In: The Future of Civic Education
What happens when students stop just memorizing the three branches of government and start actually influencing them? In this episode of Field Chats, the Earth Force team discusses why "content knowledge" isn't enough to solve the climate crisis or rebuild civic trust. From stories of…
more -
Episode 56: Levers of Civic Change: A Conversation with Ace Parsi
How do we move education beyond the four walls of the classroom? Vince Meldrum discusses this with Ace Parsi, formerly with iCivics, now a candidate for the U.S. House to represent West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. They talk about public education as a public benefit and the necessity…
more -
Episode 55: EAC in the Social Studies Classroom
We see you, social studies educators! Earth Force program staff Krysten, SJ, and Taylor discuss how Environmental Action Civics (EAC) bridges science and social studies. They highlight how science and social studies come with different lenses, both offering an ideal learning space for young…
more -
Episode 54: Place and Community: Authentic Youth Learning in New Mexico
In this episode of Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics Essentials, Alyssa McConkey talks with Dr. Antonio Gonzales of Albuquerque Public Schools and Erin Blaz and Theresa Aragon from the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District about what authentic student learning looks like in New…
more -
Episode 53: Climate Literacy + Civic Action: How Colorado Made It Official
What does it take to move from youth interest in climate to state-level policy change? In this episode of Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics Essentials, we sit down with Mary Seawell, CEO of Lyra Colorado, to unpack the story behind Colorado’s Seal of Climate Literacy — a high school…
more -
Episode 52: Learning Democracy by Doing It (A Conversation with NYLC and Earth Force!)
Earth Force CEO Vince Meldrum talks with NYLC CEO Amy Meuers about reimagining service learning as a pathway to democracy. They unpack NYLC’s new Ignite framework, explore the deep connections between service learning and Environmental Action Civics, and share how youth-led, community-centered...
-
Episode 51: Designing Climate Solutions With (Not For) Students
Hosted by Vince Meldrum, President/CEO of Earth Force, this episode is a replay of a 2025 EAC Week event. It features Cory Manning, previously at the City of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency and Kelly Moses from Denver Public Schools’ Sustainability Office....
-
Episode 50: From Assumptions to Evidence in Youth Engagement
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Earl of the University of Delaware shares research that reframes how we understand youth participation in civic life. Drawing her research and others, she highlights the many ways young people are already engaging—through advocacy, community action, and...
-
Episode 49: Reflecting on the People & Ideas That Shape Environmental Action Civics
In this end-of-year roundtable episode, the Earth Force team reflects on the people, books, and ideas that continue to shape Environmental Action Civics. Program staff and special guest CEO Vince Meldrum share influential people and ideas—from youth–adult partnerships and problem-posing education...
-
Episode 48: Making Space for Fun in Civic Action
Earth Force Program Manager Taylor Ruffin and Chief Program Officer Alyssa McConkey dig into how Environmental Action Civics creates joyful, inquiry-driven learning experiences that strengthen youth–adult partnerships and deepen student agency. They highlight the often-unseen moments that make…
more -
Episode 47: A Convo with Rachel Arbor: Bringing Environmental Literacy Into Every Classroom
This episode features Rachel Arbor, founder of Gaia Scholastic and a recent Presidential Innovation Award winner. Krysten, SJ, and Rachel dig into what interdisciplinary learning really looks like, why it matters for environmental literacy, and how Rachel’s journey—from informal ed to…
more -
Episode 46: All About Community Inventories
Today, we’re dropping into a recent Community of Practice gathering all about getting started — Step 1 of the Earth Force Process: inventories. You’ll hear how educators guide students to look closer at their communities and uncover the stories behind local environmental issues. To learn more and...
-
Episode 45: Youth Voice at the Table
Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing look at how early civic experiences can spark lifelong leadership. Alyssa McConkey talks with Amelia and Bridget—college students who first experienced the EAC education method as seventh graders and now serve on the Earth Force Board of Directors. They…
more -
Episode 44: Using EAC in your Programs: Interview with EEAI’s Brekke Bounds
In this episode, we talk with Brekke Bounds, Executive Director of the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI), about how environmental action civics sparks change that extends beyond the classroom. Brekke shares the story of a water monitoring project at Libertyville High School,...
-
Episode 43: We Did It Series: Featuring Red Lion School District ELP Part Two
Tune in to our interview with 7th grade science teacher Carrie Lankford at Red Lion Area Junior High School in Red Lion, PA. She's entering her second year of teaching with Environmental Action Civics and shares her insights along the way! Part 2/2
-
Episode 42: We Did It Series! Featuring Red Lion School District ELP Part 1
Tune in to our interview with 7th grade science teacher Carrie Lankford at Red Lion Area Junior High School in Red Lion, PA. She's entering her second year of teaching with Environmental Action Civics and shares her insights along the way! Part 1 of 2.
-
Episode 41: What Sets EAC Apart: Why Problem-Finding Comes First
Today we’re talking about why problem-finding should be the first step in project-based learning like environmental action civics (EAC). We’ll cover the research, how it is critical to project-based learning, how to do it, and why you should! 1:30 - WHY Problem-Finding Comes First 2:35 -...
-
Episode 40: Help Young People Develop a Course for Action
We're closing out Season 2 with a deep dive into one of our most popular resources for educators: "Defining a Course of Action" This resource helps young people to understand the connection between their issue and the strategies, developing a course for action. Enjoy!
-
Episode 39: EAC with Inside Education!
This episode features Kathryn Wagner of Inside Education talking about how they have incorporated EAC into their programming, specifically their youth summit! Recorded as part of the EAC Lightning Talks during the 2025 EAC Week.
-
Episode 38: We did it! Live with Katherine Johnson Middle School!
This week on Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics, we're celebrating student innovation with the 2024–2025 winners of the Caring for Our Watersheds Chesapeake Bay Challenge! Join us as we head to Katherine Johnson Middle School in Fairfax, Virginia, where students took action with their…
more -
Episode 37: Recapping EAC Week 2025!
Whew, EAC Week 2025 is officially over! Listen to this chat with our Program Team to recap all the amazing events and celebrations! Watch replays at earthforce.org/eacweek!
-
Episode 36: Ways to Celebrate Youth Action
Young people doing Environmental Action Civics work really hard - talking to adults in new ways, asking for change, and more! Today we’re talking about how to help young people celebrate their work and creative ways to share it with their peers and community. 00:51 Ask youth how they would...
-
Episode 35: Elevating Civics in Action Projects
Today we’re talking about how to bring EAC projects to the next level and incorporate larger civic change. If you’d like to help your students become more comfortable with asking for systemic change, this is the episode for you! 3:20 - Engage with partners to make a project more focused on…
more -
Episode 34: What Justice Means in Environmental Action Civics
We’re talking about how environmental justice is one of the roots of Environmental Action Civics! We believe that everyone has the right to live in a safe environment and deserves to be included in the decision making that affects their community. In this episode, we talk through the ways justice...
-
Episode 33: Listen to this when EAC feels hard
Today we’re giving you a pep talk with practical tips for when implementing Environmental Action Civics feels hard! Remember, you are doing important work. Even when it’s hard, even when it feels invisible—your efforts are planting seeds that will grow. What’s one thing you can do today to move...
-
Episode 32: We did it Series: EAC and the Power of Authenticity in Scientific Observation
"Let’s make it authentic then students will care". - Join in this conversation with veteran environmental educator Trisha Smrecak! We talk about authenticity in learning and helping young people be present in their local environment.
-
Episode 31: How to Help Students Pick a Clear Issue
Today we’re talking about the importance of young people choosing a clear issue when they're using Environmental Action Civics and some practical tips to help them get there! 0:45 - 5:20 Opening/What gives you a sense of community? 5:49 -7:01 Start with a pre-determined phenomenon or topic or...
-
Episode 30: We Did It Series: EAC-inspired CAPE in Florida
This episode features Dr. Martha Monroe and Dr. Megan Ennes from the Community Action Projects for the Environment (CAPE). After collaborating with Earth Force, the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences adapted EAC for 4-H groups, and they're now implementing...
-
Episode 29: Office Hours
Hello and happy new year! Today we’re answering three of the most frequently asked questions about Environmental Action Civics. Leave us a comment or a voice message if you have a question you'd like us to answer next time! 3:24 - Can EAC projects help students meet academic standards or earn...
-
Episode 28: Behind the scenes of EAC: Conversation with Evan from Data+Soul
In this episode, you'll get a glimpse into a more equitable and human-focused way to conduct evaluations, featuring Evan Kuras from Data+Soul. Earth Force has partnered with Evan as we refine our evaluation and build an equitable community of practice. Enjoy! Mentioned in the show:...
-
Episode 27: We Did It Series! Featuring Dr. Xavier Fazio and Rochelle Tkach
We're back with another example of Environmental Action Civics in the wild! This episode features Rochelle Tkach, a 7-8th grade educator in the District School Board of Niagara in Ontario and her experiences guiding young people through an incredible process. We also hear from her collaborator…
more -
Episode 26: 3 Ways to Build Youth-Adult Partnerships
Today we’re talking about ways to build youth-adult partnerships! Youth-adult partnerships are a huge component of Environmental Action Civics. In simple terms, it means youth and adults sharing power. This can take so many different forms but there are some optimal ways to start and we’ll share…
more -
Episode 25: How Environmental Action Civics Brings JOY to Teaching
Environmental Action Civics meets standards and increases civic efficacy and 21st century skills, but it's also...fun! Program Managers Taylor and SJ share stories from the field of joy among young people and educators as they go through this life-changing process.
-
Episode 24: We Did It Series!
Welcome! In this episode, we hear from two incredible Everglades Champions educators and Alicia Torres, K-12 Champion Schools Program Manager at the Everglades Foundation.
-
Episode 23: Office Hours!
Hello and welcome to Field Chats, Environmental Action Civics Essentials, brought to you by Earth Force. Today we’re hosting our quarterly Office Hours - answering the questions you’ve asked us! Can I do EAC with younger or older kids? (early elementary or high school + beyond?) How does it look...
-
Episode 22: Making Inquiry Come Alive with NCSS
Welcome to Field Chats, Environmental Action Civics Essentials, brought to you by Earth Force. Today, on Constitution Day in the US, we’re replaying a conversation our CEO Vince Meldrum hosted during Environmental Action Civics Week with Larry Paska, Executive Director of the National Council for...
-
Episode 21: [HOT TAKE] Why we believe in process AND product
Today we’re giving our hot take about process AND product. Often we focus on the outcome of youth environmental civic action projects - the numbers of people impacted, knowledge the students gained, etc. But also focusing on the process nurtures a long-term commitment to civic participation, as...
-
Episode 20: How to start EAC when it’s just you!
Welcome to Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics Essentials, brought to you by Earth Force! Today we’re talking about how to get started with Environmental Action Civics when it might just be you. We’ll cover four of our most common tips!
-
Episode 19: Live with Sarah Redden, Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake!
Today we’re excited to talk with one of Earth Force’s newest collaborators - Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake. Our Chief Program Officer Alyssa McConkey chats with Sarah Redden, their Program & Outreach Coordinator. Sarah shares about the intergenerational value of Environmental Action…
more -
Episode 18: All About Environmental Action Civics Week!
Join Alyssa and Krysten as they dive into all you can expect during Environmental Action Civics Week - April 29- May 3, 2024! This quick overview shares all you need to know and how to get tickets. See you there! Learn More: earthforce.org/eacweek
-
Episode 17: Live with Darren Bagley
On today's episode, we're talking with Darren Bagley! Darren is a youth leadership, civic engagement and science educator serving Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw and Tuscola counties. Darren is experienced in youth civic engagement and how adults can share power with youth. Enjoy!...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
In Field Chats, the Earth Force team breaks down Environmental Applied Civics - the research-based approach to build youth-adult partnerships, help young people be environmental decision-makers, and improve your enjoyment of teaching! Whether you’re just getting started or deep in implementation, Field Chats serves as a living library of best practices, insights, and stories shaping the future of how young people learn best. Episodes are under 20 minutes and full of actionable tips!
HOSTED BY
Earth Force
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials have?
Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials currently has 65 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials about?
In Field Chats, the Earth Force team breaks down Environmental Applied Civics - the research-based approach to build youth-adult partnerships, help young people be environmental decision-makers, and improve your enjoyment of teaching! Whether you’re just getting started or deep in implementation,...
How often does Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials release new episodes?
Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials has 65 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials?
You can listen to Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials?
Field Chats: Environmental Applied Civics Essentials is created and hosted by Earth Force.
URL copied to clipboard!