Mason-Rice Green Team Kids!

On February 8, we continued the complex topic of Climate Change by exploring particular terms and concepts in more detail with the students, for example: What is carbon dioxide?  What are greenhouse gases? What kinds of human activities release greenhouse gases? What are fossil fuels? How does a warmer climate affect polar ice caps, sea levels, marine life and coastal communities?  Our superstar Newton South members, Kate and Audrey, did a phenomenal job facilitating discussion of these topics to ensure that each of the students were following the discussion and had the opportunity to ask questions to help solidify their understanding. Following the discussion, we brainstormed as a group on things we can all do -- at home and at school - to help reduce our own carbon footprint.  Here is an excerpt of our list: - Eliminate waste (less plastic) - Opening the curtains and using natural light - Cleaning up trash in parks - Going vegan...(a day, a week, forever?) - Walking or b

On January 25, we introduced the big topic of Climate Change with the incredible help and leadership of our Newton South high school members Audrey and Kate.  To help the Green Team Kids grasp the concepts behind climate change, Audrey and Kate helped lead us through a wonderful presentation (which you may also view here ) and facilitated a brainstorming session on actions we can take to help this problem.  Our Green Team Kids enthusiastically contributed to the discussion and brainstorming. Frequently, kids can be so much more effective at explaining complicated issues to other kids and at inspiring action.  There are not many who can do it better than Greta Thunberg, the 16-year old climate activist from Sweden.  Audrey and Kate shared what they knew about Greta Thunberg and we listened to excerpts from her speech at the COP24-Katowice last October. We talked about other ways in which kids have taken action on climate issues - including participation in cli