Zavit in Education – Environmental Literacy for the Next Generation

Vision

The project promotes environmental literacy in Israel’s education system to cultivate responsible, engaged citizens. It equips teachers with updated resources, empowers students through relevant, age-appropriate learning, and integrates sustainability into national discourse. Recognizing education’s role in addressing ecological challenges, the project encourages critical thinking, personal and social

responsibility, and nurtures a generation capable of leading sustainable change through systemic, values-based environmental education.

Activity

The Israel Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences (ISEES) is one of Israel’s largest and oldest environmental organizations, active since 1970. The Society brings together researchers, students, and academic staff with professionals from the public, business, and civil sectors, with the goal of promoting science-based environmental understanding and evidence-based decision-making. Its initiatives include the Interface Program (applying science in government), the

Ecology and Environment journal, the Annual Science and Environment Conference, expert committees, and the environmental news agency “Zavit.”

“Zavit in Education”, the educational arm of the Society, operates an online platform offering up-to-date, sciencebased environmental content aligned with the national curriculum for teachers and students. The project includes interactive lesson plans, professional development courses that offer teacher training credits, and the cultivation of an active teacher community through social media, conferences, and additional activities. Each year, hundreds of teachers participate in these trainings, which focus on current environmental issues. In addition, the program has previously led student initiatives such as a young environmental journalism program, citizen science projects, and activities related to the sea and desert. Today, the program supports approximately 2,250 science teachers and reaches about

100,000 students annually. It is officially recognized by Israel’s Ministry of Education.

education.zavit.org.il

We won’t protect what we don’t care about, and we can’t care about what we don’t know

- Sir David Attenborough

Dikla Gish

An educational entrepreneur, program director, and biology teacher with over 20 years of experience in science education in both formal and informal settings. She has proven expertise in curriculum development, interdisciplinary teaching, and leading teacher training programs with a focus on sustainability, ecology, and climate change. She co-authored Israel’s new national climate change curriculum and led its integration into schools. Since 2017, she has served as the Educational Director of the Israel Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences (ISEES), where she founded and leads Zavit in Education—the organization’s educational platform, reaching over half of Israel’s science teachers. In her role, she develops innovative curricula, leads teacher training programs, and manages educational projects across the country. She collaborates with institutions such as the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Technion to mentor early-career teachers. Her work bridges education systems, NGOs, and academia, shaping the next generation of environmental education in Israel.