Great Southeast Pollinator Census Expands Across Five States

In Charleston, South Carolina, educators gathered to discuss integrating artificial intelligence in classrooms, demonstrating how AI can generate flawed maps and highlighting the need for strong policies and literacy that teach students to critically assess AI outputs. Experts emphasize that AI literacy goes beyond prompts, aiming to equip students with the skills to evaluate information, understand limitations, and use technology responsibly. Meanwhile, the Great Southeast Pollinator Census mobilizes citizen scientists across several Southern states to spend 15 minutes counting pollinators, linking hands-on fieldwork to broader STEM learning and environmental awareness. Last year’s effort drew thousands of participants and hundreds of thousands of insect counts, with involvement from schools and community groups. Educators like those in Georgia and South Carolina describe activities that engage students in outdoor learning, from building bee models to simulating pollination processes, reinforcing real-world science literacy. Taken together, the articles illustrate a broader push toward experiential, cross-disciplinary learning—leveraging AI awareness in the classroom on one hand and hands-on ecological education on the other to prepare students for an AI-driven and environmentally aware future.