Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Argentina: GLOBE Educator Writes Educational Resource for Children Inspired by Observations of Trees
GLOBE Argentina educator and trainer Emiliano Vinocur of
Acebal, Santa Fe, Argentina, has managed to create a unique exchange
of learning between students of different ages through the study of
trees. The "Be like the Jacaranda!" project innovatively
united 4- and 5-year-old students from Kindergarten N° 183 with
students ages 18 and 19 from Technical Professional Education School
N° 449 during the 2024 school year (March to December).
Through four meaningful encounters, participants not only studied local tree species but focused especially on the jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), an emblematic tree that became the symbol of the participants’ connection with nature. This experience culminated in the creation of El Jacarandá de la Abuela Aranda (Grandma Aranda’s Jacaranda), a book that goes beyond a simple educational resource: it's a tool that combines art, science, and emotion to connect with younger children. Available for free in digital format, the book represents an accessible educational resource that can be used by any educator or family interested in environmental education. In a few months, The Story of Grandma Aranda's Jacaranda will be published. This longer story introduces a different character in each of the 11 chapters from Grandma Aranda’s unique family. This work is a tribute to the stories that flourish in every corner of their land.
This project represents much more than a simple educational
initiative. It is the materialization of how environmental education
can transcend traditional generational and methodological barriers.
The inspiration that emerged from international exchanges,
specifically from conversations with GLOBE Peru educator and trainer
Claudia Caro Vera during the GLOBE Program Regional Meeting in Panama
(2023), demonstrates the power of international collaboration in
environmental education. The process of creating this book has shown
how practitioners can combine different educational
elements—scientific research, artistic expression, narrative, and
pedagogy—to connect students to their learning.
Learn more about GLOBE Argentina.
Special thanks to:
Mariana Savino (LAC Regional Office Coordinator), Josefina González (LAC Regional Office Communication Assistant), Claudia Caro Vera, Andrea Ventoso and Ana Prieto (GLOBE LAC Campaign Team Members), Marta Kingsland (Argentina Country Coordinator), Claudia Romagnoli (Mentor Trainer of Santa Fe Province, Argentina), Marcela Fernández (Principal of Kindergarten N° 183 and GLOBE Teacher), Teachers of Kindergarten N° 183, Administrators of Technical School N° 449, and especially to the students: Pilar, Ernesto, Ignacio, Tadeo, Juan Manuel, Malena, Alejo, Morena, Gian Marco, Tobías, Aixa, Clara, and Theo.
Story and photos courtesy of Emiliano Vinocur, GLOBE educator and trainer.