Looking back over the past two weeks and all of our intense debates and conversations one main idea has often struck me, what can we do? As educators I believe it is our task to inform students how they can make a difference. Students enjoy having control and being able to witness their “positive” effect on their environment. So for my blog I have devised a lesson to introduce students to the concept of Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce!
Essential Question: How can I make my classroom/school/home a better, cleaner, safer environment?
Procedure: First let me say that is unit of study could be a constant on-going process throughout the school year. I know in class there has been concerns of how to incorporate such learning into the school curriculum. I believe this can be accomplished during the first weeks of class as part of your classroom procedures. By focusing on the three terms (recycle, reuse, reduce) it is possible to incorporate “global” curriculum. For example, if you wanted to teach students about some of the cultures we have studied (Mayan, Native American, Easter Island) the lesson could be based in why we need to reduce the amount of resources we use. Discussing and explaining how these societies failed to survive would have a direct impact on student learning.
There are so many ways to incorporate all areas of curriculum in this unit, the possibilities are endless. In science students can learn about how plants work (actual unit in Jeffco second grade) in order to understand human impacts on the earth. I strongly advocate for school community gardens which as we have seen expand student learning. Composting is another way to explore the different aspects of science (Co2, the water cycle, Scientific method). Having students discover and explore ways to improve energy conservation in their school and communities is a way to incorporate the social studies component. I think we might be amazed at the brainstorming even young students can do to find news ways of informing the community about the environment.
One other thing I would like to talk about was our trip to the museum. I was fortunate enough to see the Expedition Health exhibit. What an amazing opportunity for students! The exhibit was very hands-on and interactive. The main focus was on how the body works as well as the importance of taking care of it. Talk about integrating science and social studies! For example, one area displayed the different amounts of water the bodies needs during different tasks, sleeping, running, eating. Another part took a record of your stride as you walk across a platform, then calculates the energy you use when walking. It goes on to explain how increasing your stride pace can improve your over all health. The exhibit allows students (and adults) a deeper understand of the science behind health and what steps they can take to improve it. I think this ties into the concept behind community gardens and providing students knowledge of their health. The overall idea behind teaching, in my opinion, is to improve the future by educating students. I think this class has given us many beginning ideas of how to educate and inform students as a step in the direction to a better world.
I found this funny little video which appeals to students and care of the environment.
I agree with everything you said about making reduce, reuse, recycle a whole year long unit and incorporating aspects into each lesson! I too hope to do those things with my students. I didn’t get the chance to visit the expedition health at the museum, but it sounds great for children and adults alike. I like the clip, although I couldn’t hear it. It’s probably my lack of technical skills though.