What better way to celebrate Earth Day 2016 than to participate in hands-on activities that will teach students how to become environmentally conscious? Teaching students a sense of connectedness to nature and the environment is essential to helping them to care about the world around them. To teach your students about global issues such as climate change and endangered species, look to local issues such as recycling, storm-water runoff, or air pollution.The skills students learn today will be the planet-saving skills they use tomorrow. Here are some entrepreneurial ways to get started talking about the environment in the classroom!
1. Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service. Carbon and environmental footprint calculators help us see how much impact we have on the world around us. Using these online tools as fun games can really drive home the point of what kind of impact each of us has. Learn about your environmental footprint and check out some of our favorite carbon footprint calculators.
2. How Much Energy Are You Consuming in the Classroom?
You can take into account of where and how you're using energy, by assessing where in the classroom energy is going. Have students keep track: how many lights are on? Is there heat or A/C? Do the computers get left on at night? Determine where you can cut back, then create a checklist kids can follow every day. Adjusting the amount of energy that gets consumed during the day can help students be aware and conscientious of wasting energy.
3. Walk to School
Biking, walking, using public transportation or taking the bus to school can all helpreduce carbon emissions. Biking to school has even has health benefits! Lead by example and try green transport options for yourself. Discuss with students their experiences in getting to school more greenly. What was better? What was annoying? Websites that can help include:
4. Grow a Garden
Creating a garden on school grounds is great for experiential learning. Growing food and native plants can really help kids connect with the world just outside their door, as well as sustainable agriculture. Get students to pay attention the environment that is all around them.
5. Compost--Outdoors or In!
Starting a compost pile is a great way to make the connection between food, waste, and the nature at work! If an outdoor composter is out of the question, consider getting a indoor compost bin for the classroom.
