LA PLATA, Md. — A presentation during Social Justice Week at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) led to an unexpected educational collaboration with high school students in Granada Hills, California. Titled The Lorax: Transcending the Call from Environmentalism to Activism, the talk by Associate Professor Rachael Bateman explored environmental themes in Dr. Seuss’s classic story and inspired a group of 11th-grade students to connect with her for further discussion.
In May, more than a dozen students from a Granada Hills high school participated in a virtual Q&A session with Bateman via Zoom. The students, who discovered the presentation while researching deforestation for a signature project, engaged with Bateman on topics including deforestation, reforestation efforts, and sustainable practices. The session marked the beginning of a cross-country partnership rooted in shared environmental interests.
“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, brings extensive experience to her role at CSM. She teaches most of the college’s ENV-1300 and ENV-1300L courses and serves as the Program Coordinator for the Associate of Science in Environmental Studies degree. Her work includes expanding opportunities for students through environmental internships, volunteer events, and competitions, fostering hands-on engagement with sustainability issues.
The collaboration highlights the reach of CSM’s academic programs and faculty expertise. “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.”
The presentation was part of CSM’s Social Justice Week, an annual event designed to address pressing societal issues through education and dialogue. Bateman’s talk used The Lorax as a lens to examine environmental activism, drawing parallels between the story’s themes and real-world challenges like deforestation. The Granada Hills students found the presentation on CSM’s website csmd.edu, which led to their outreach and the subsequent Zoom session.
CSM’s Environmental Studies program, overseen by Bateman, equips students with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges. The program includes coursework in environmental science, policy, and sustainability, preparing students for careers in conservation, research, and advocacy. For more details, visit csmd.edu/programs-courses/program-finder/environmental.html.
Bateman hopes the virtual Q&A will lead to further collaborations with students nationwide. She emphasized the importance of inspiring young people to take action on environmental issues, noting that partnerships like this one demonstrate the potential for education to transcend geographic boundaries. She can be contacted at rebateman@csmd.edu for inquiries about the program or future collaborations.
The partnership underscores the role of digital platforms in connecting educators and students. By leveraging tools like Zoom, CSM faculty can extend their impact beyond the classroom, fostering discussions that resonate with students across the country. The college continues to prioritize innovative teaching methods and community engagement, ensuring its programs remain relevant in addressing global challenges.
CSM, founded in 1958, serves as a hub for higher education in Southern Maryland, offering a range of associate degrees and workforce training programs. Its commitment to sustainability is reflected in initiatives like the Environmental Studies program, which aligns with broader efforts to promote environmental awareness and stewardship in the region.
