Ben Hom teaches science in the lower grades at PS 235 in Brooklyn where he has taught for over 20 years. In his quest to educate students about nature he created the school’s gardens which produce organic vegetables, herbs, and native perennials. He also developed programs teaching the symbiosis between butterflies and bee husbandry. He educates parents as well about nutrition and environmental impact through weekend programs.
Ben introduced PS 235 to Monarch Watch, an international butterfly conservation program whereby students catch, tag and raise butterflies indoors then release them in the fall. PS 235 is now an official Monarch Station.
Ben is admired for his passion to teach children about nature through direct experience, instilling in them a sense of responsibility to the environment as well as a genuine love of science.