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 biking or public transportation
- Growing an edible food garden
- Eating seasonal foods
- Bringing a reusable water bottle
Kate and Audrey shared with the group their "environmental goals" and then encouraged all of our students to come up with their own. If you see one of the Green Team Kids, ask them about their goals!
Some ideas the kids came up with by themselves include: "walk as much as possible"; "walk to school"; "only turn on lights if I really can't see"; "turn off lights after use"; "pick up trash".
Each of the kids also went home with a "Climate Change Scorecard" (from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection), which provides a broader list of ideas for how to help slow climate change. We are all excited to help provide kids at this young age with the tools to develop greener, sustainable lifestyles.
During the last portion of our session, Barb (Celina's mom) kindly joined us to tell us about an exciting state-level yard sign contest that our Green Team Kids can participate in (individually or as a group). The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School's Yard Sign Design Contest is a way for students to use their creativity to help promote safe roads for cyclists and pedestrians in their communities, with a focus on reducing pollution/idling around schools. Additional information can be found here. Entries are due March 16, 2019.
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 biking or public transportation
- Growing an edible food garden
- Eating seasonal foods
- Bringing a reusable water bottle
Kate and Audrey shared with the group their "environmental goals" and then encouraged all of our students to come up with their own. If you see one of the Green Team Kids, ask them about their goals!
Some ideas the kids came up with by themselves include: "walk as much as possible"; "walk to school"; "only turn on lights if I really can't see"; "turn off lights after use"; "pick up trash".
Each of the kids also went home with a "Climate Change Scorecard" (from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection), which provides a broader list of ideas for how to help slow climate change. We are all excited to help provide kids at this young age with the tools to develop greener, sustainable lifestyles.
During the last portion of our session, Barb (Celina's mom) kindly joined us to tell us about an exciting state-level yard sign contest that our Green Team Kids can participate in (individually or as a group). The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School's Yard Sign Design Contest is a way for students to use their creativity to help promote safe roads for cyclists and pedestrians in their communities, with a focus on reducing pollution/idling around schools. Additional information can be found here. Entries are due March 16, 2019.
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