Second Biodiversity Day Hosts Inaugural TEDxYouth Conference

The School’s Green Team sustainability club invited the Browning community to participate in its second Biodiversity Day on May 13. As was the case last year, groups of guest scientists, faculty, students and Green Team members used the citizen science app iNaturalist to complete a biodiversity survey in Central Park.

Science teacher Dr. Betty Noel, who coordinated the day along with fellow science teacher Emilie Wolf and technology integrator Anderson Harp, said, “Our second Biodiversity Day was quite a success! The best part to me was the student-teacher collaboration that occurred to prepare and execute the day. The boys coordinated various groups and “Livestreamed” the event. Another highlight was welcoming the 18 guest naturalists who took time out of their busy days (some for the second year in a row) to work with our students. Once the Bioblitz ended, we started our second and newest event TEDxYouth@BrowningSchool; the idea materialized after an activity during Browning’s Blended Learning Workshop last summer. One of the guests, Karen Blumberg from The School at Columbia, was a presenter during the workshop and has run several TEDxYouth events. She was instrumental in our TED licensing. The number of guest and student led talks and workshops was amazing, especially for an inaugural event. Science and technology are truly strong at Browning!”

Ms. Wolf added, “The event was epic! We are adding a legacy of environmental stewardship and global involvement through the TEDxYouth platform to Browning’s portfolio. The school community really stepped up to the plate. I was thrilled to see the Upper School boys showcase their leadership in their groups. As we saw during Community Day, when the older boys get involved, the community buy-in and enjoyment are enhanced. Our student speakers were polished, displaying hard work and the results of our excellent public speaking program. I am proud of what we accomplished as a community and truly believe in the power of involvement in making our world a better place.” A community-wide "dress down" benefited the Wild Bird Fund as well.

Headmaster Clement addressed the school community in the afternoon, commending the Green Team, teachers and boys in working together toward another outstanding Biodiversity Day. He quoted President John F. Kennedy in his remarks, as follows: “In the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all in habit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.”