The kids
at Cedar Park Elementary School in Apple Valley are teaching
each other, school administrators and their families how to save
resources and money through a new school program that uses Math,
English, Science and Art to improve the environment. This program
is the brainchild of an enthusiastic teacher, Monica Foss and
school principle, Marge Grueness. Tips
Reduce
resource use - The kids came
up with a paper towel audit for the bathrooms and created
posters to encourage the use of no more than 1-2 paper towels.
They also sent a letter around to all of the classes encouraging
lights to be turned out in classrooms when not in use and
only turning half the lights on during sunny days.
Make things from previously used items - One
student designed and made a mascot from recycled boxes, tubes and
wire. Other students made a brightly colored mural from free recycled
paint found at the county. Another art project was making toys
from recycled phone wire to demonstrate that homemade toys made
from unusual things can be just as fun to play with as store purchased
plastic toys.
Know how to sort garbage - The
students started a lunch garbage separating project where they
sort compostables, recylables and garbage headed for the landfill.
Worm bins will be used in each classroom for snack time left-overs
encouraging kids to bring healthy snacks that the worms will
eat!
Recycle cell phones - Fifth
grader, Dante was so amazed by how many cell phones end up in
the landfill that he came up with a campaign to raise awareness
about cell phone recycling.
Buy bulk foods - Another
fifth grader, Jesse started counting ketchup and mustard individual
packets and completed a math project that proves the school would
save money if they went to bulk condiments.
Links
and Other Resources
www.reduce.org
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