Summarized Biography and Program Chronology
The Society, Environment and Energy Development Studies
(SEEDS) Foundation
In 1976, the SEEDS Foundation was established in Edmonton, Alberta by members of the oil andgas industry who recognized a need for curriculum materials for students on “energy” issues discussed within the context of societal, economic and environmental concerns. The unique design of the SEEDS Board of Directors allows it to offer truly bias-balanced energy and environmental education programming. It is made up of representatives from the energy industry, academics and environmentalists.
In 1980, the original goal of the SEEDS Foundation was met, when the hard work of 12 teacher-writing teams produced the Energy Literacy Series. The goal of the SEEDS Foundation was to develop an energy literacy program for use in schools across Canada. At this time, Shell Canada sponsored a summer institute for teachers across Canada to meet in Calgary to learn about energy literacy. These institutes were held for the next 9 years. The Energy Literacy Series was printed until 1994.
In 1986, SEEDS won the Western Association of Summer Sessions Administrators Exemplary Program Award.
In 1987, SEEDS receives the first ever Alberta Environment Award for its Energy Literacy Series program.
In 1989, the SEEDS Foundation established a new mandate. “SEEDS will work towards the development of a society that understands and is committed to actions leading to the wise stewardship of resources, resource utilization and the environment.”
In 1991, the Learners in Action (Green School) Program was established to help meet the needs expressed in the SEEDS mandate. This program awards recognition to students and schools that have completed environmental and related conservation and other projects. In 1993 this program was expanded to include higher levels of accomplishment beyond Green Status (100 projects). Supplementary material is created up to Earth Status (1000 projects level).
In 1991, SEEDS initiates its first Challenge Program as a support focus for the Green School Program. It was called the Bird Identification and Tally and was implemented in the month of May. This Challenge was very well received and is still ongoing.
In 1992, SEEDS received the first-ever Alberta Emerald Award from the Alberta Foundation for Environmental Excellence for its Learners in Action (Green School) Program.
In1994, two new Challenge Programs were developed to support schools enrolled in the ‘Green School program. These programs were the HEAT Challenge(Home Energy Action Tally) and the 4R’s Challenge (Reducing, Reusing, Rethinking and Recycling).
In 1998, a new head office was opened in Calgary and the Challenge Programs are expanded to incorporate a second method of involvement with monetary rewards for participating schools.
In 2002, SEEDS completes the development (started in 1998) of a climate change multimedia program ‘Creating a Climate of Change’ and distributes this program to over 2000 schools across Canada. Also, the Green School and Challenge Programs continued to grow. These programs are redesigned and given a ‘new’ look.
In 2002, SEEDS received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Education from the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 as a part of the Spirit of the Land - Salt Lake 2002 Environmental Program.
In 2003, after several teacher focus group meetings, SEEDS decided to update and reintroduce the Energy Literacy Series. This program will use leading edge technology teaching aids. Targeted at secondary school students this web-based educational program includes interactive virtual tours and animations that demonstrate important scientific concepts.
Click to go back to About SEEDS
The Society, Environment and Energy Development Studies
(SEEDS) Foundation
In 1976, the SEEDS Foundation was established in Edmonton, Alberta by members of the oil andgas industry who recognized a need for curriculum materials for students on “energy” issues discussed within the context of societal, economic and environmental concerns. The unique design of the SEEDS Board of Directors allows it to offer truly bias-balanced energy and environmental education programming. It is made up of representatives from the energy industry, academics and environmentalists.
In 1980, the original goal of the SEEDS Foundation was met, when the hard work of 12 teacher-writing teams produced the Energy Literacy Series. The goal of the SEEDS Foundation was to develop an energy literacy program for use in schools across Canada. At this time, Shell Canada sponsored a summer institute for teachers across Canada to meet in Calgary to learn about energy literacy. These institutes were held for the next 9 years. The Energy Literacy Series was printed until 1994.
In 1986, SEEDS won the Western Association of Summer Sessions Administrators Exemplary Program Award.
In 1987, SEEDS receives the first ever Alberta Environment Award for its Energy Literacy Series program.
In 1989, the SEEDS Foundation established a new mandate. “SEEDS will work towards the development of a society that understands and is committed to actions leading to the wise stewardship of resources, resource utilization and the environment.”
In 1991, the Learners in Action (Green School) Program was established to help meet the needs expressed in the SEEDS mandate. This program awards recognition to students and schools that have completed environmental and related conservation and other projects. In 1993 this program was expanded to include higher levels of accomplishment beyond Green Status (100 projects). Supplementary material is created up to Earth Status (1000 projects level).
In 1991, SEEDS initiates its first Challenge Program as a support focus for the Green School Program. It was called the Bird Identification and Tally and was implemented in the month of May. This Challenge was very well received and is still ongoing.
In 1992, SEEDS received the first-ever Alberta Emerald Award from the Alberta Foundation for Environmental Excellence for its Learners in Action (Green School) Program.
In1994, two new Challenge Programs were developed to support schools enrolled in the ‘Green School program. These programs were the HEAT Challenge(Home Energy Action Tally) and the 4R’s Challenge (Reducing, Reusing, Rethinking and Recycling).
In 1998, a new head office was opened in Calgary and the Challenge Programs are expanded to incorporate a second method of involvement with monetary rewards for participating schools.
In 2002, SEEDS completes the development (started in 1998) of a climate change multimedia program ‘Creating a Climate of Change’ and distributes this program to over 2000 schools across Canada. Also, the Green School and Challenge Programs continued to grow. These programs are redesigned and given a ‘new’ look.
In 2002, SEEDS received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Education from the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 as a part of the Spirit of the Land - Salt Lake 2002 Environmental Program.
In 2003, after several teacher focus group meetings, SEEDS decided to update and reintroduce the Energy Literacy Series. This program will use leading edge technology teaching aids. Targeted at secondary school students this web-based educational program includes interactive virtual tours and animations that demonstrate important scientific concepts.
Click to go back to About SEEDS
