| Presentations |
|
Monroe County Solid Waste Management District www.mcswmd.org
To schedule your sessions call our Environmental Educator, Elisa K. Pokral. Ph: 812 349-2866/2020 or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
"Caring for the environment. Caring for others." DISTRICT education curriculum forms the foundation of recycling, reuse, and source reduction programs teaching the science and art of becoming environmentally friendly. In understanding the importance of earth care, people are then inspired to teach others simple ways to take care of the earth every day, thereby making an impact in the Monroe County community and in the world.
GUIDELINES:
SCHEDULE YOUR PRESENTATIONS TODAY! SEE NEW TEEN TALK SESSION p. 3
The basics...
THE POWER OF ONE: REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE!
("The 3 R's") Are you "Earth-Friendly?" Participants discover their place in the 3R's cycle and learn how to make wiser decisions so that the "power of one" becomes "the power of many." Participants examine motivations for smart shopping and saving natural resources. Younger ones learn what natural resources are, and what they create while playing a Matching Resources game, and older participants play a Global Warming game. All ages play the S.M.A.R.T. Shopper game which helps them learn what materials are recycled in Monroe County, and they learn the option of changing their daily purchasing habits to create a sustainable world. Participants also learn, if you're not buying recycled items, you're really not recycling. If requested, older participants, including adults, may review what natural resources create or examine how advertising affects purchasing behavior.
NOTE: See Kg Show & Tell Power of One version for Kg and 1st grade. KINDERGARTEN SHOW AND TELL
Yes, there is treasure in our trash. Trash is made from Earth's resources, and those resources are Earth's treasures. Find out how materials change shape and where they go on their recycling journey. Learn the alphabet of recyclable items in Monroe County. Play a recycle glass game and/or discover the process of paper recycling. Both address the mystery and excitement of turning something old into something new and having the power to be part of the process. We are never too young to lead in creating a sustainable present.
NOTE: For Kg and 1st grade. EARTH'S COLORS
Life is made of the colors of the Earth, and even prehistoric man has attempted to record the colors. Examine the colors of the Earth, a color wheel, and prehistoric paintings, and find out how humans color the earth every day. Does pollution have a color? How can humans take better care of all of Earth's colors? Participants may create an Earth rainbow/collage/nature bracelet/branch weaving and/or go on a scavenger hunt if weather permits. Younger participants may do a "movement painting"! This presentation is a moving way to explore diversity and citizen rights and responsibility through subject, literature, music, movement, and craft.
ENVIROCIRCLES: ARE YOU PART OF WHAT YOU SEE?
Can we have freedom without a healthy environment? Life is a circle filled with envirocircles. Where do you see yourself in relation to those envirocircles and symbols of freedom and are you part of what you see? The power of the world works in circles. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is a circle as well. This session uses cross-cultural references and current habitat challenges. Older participants and adults address global warming and more on what health is. All experience a puzzling puzzle. Participants will learn how to get started being part of the envirocircles around us or, how to keep on keeping on. Where do you view yourself in the circle of life? Become a circle maker and begin saving the parts!
NOTE: This session was designed for art classes but works well in a variety of contexts with 3rd grade on up to adults. TALK FOR TEENS/ADULTS ON A HOPEFUL, HEALTHY, ECOLOGY New!
By the time youth reach high school, many have heard of the ills of the environment but perhaps not the solutions. Studies indicate that "nature deficit disorder," not an actual physical diagnosis but a term coined by internationally known author Richard Louv is a condition of many youth and adults today. This disconnection from nature when connection is most needed, has worldwide impacts and raises the question: Who will be future stewards of the earth? Louv's most recent book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder has stimulated an international conversation about the future relationship between healthy people and nature and has spawned a movement, in some states called "No Child Left Inside." This talk by the Media & Education Director/Environmental Educator Elisa Pokral inspires a hopeful, healthy ecology powered by the individual's skills, knowledge, attitude, and actions.
NOTE: This session was designed for High School and adults. Large groups work well. Air
AIR QUALITY: WHAT'S UP, DOWN, AND ALL AROUND? THE BIG PICTURE
Air quality affects all things including our health. Oxygen keeps humans and all living things alive. Participants examine the big picture of the Earth in the exercise "Air Charades" or "My Body Is The World." Participants recognize similarities and differences among living things, discover properties of air such as weight, space, particulate matter, and the hazards of air pollution. Activity options that can be chosen include either moving with gravity, a craft, writing an air story, or an outdoor air search. There's magic in the air when we learn the actions to keep it clean!
BIRDS AND THE AIR
Migrant birds herald the changing of the seasons. In recent years though, the skies are noticeably quieter. Find out where some birds have gone in this session that addresses the importance of birds, their habitat, and the importance of keeping our environment-- air, water, and soil, free of pollution. A migration game can be played with or without a reuse craft. The migration game can be condensed for younger participants. If a craft is requested, participants do a reuse craft that can help the birds. Participants may supply a milk/water jug/pine cones to create bird feeders, which is one way of taking care of birds and our environment.
ANIMAL OLYMPICS, HUMAN OLYMPICS Modern Olympics are an international athletic competition held in a selected city. However, the games go on every day in both the human and animal world. Both animals and humans use their intelligence to do many things. How do species communicate, care for themselves and their families? Take a look at the various ways species survive in the world and how humans can help all life forms. What are your paws and tails doing today? How are they affecting the earth and other creatures on it? This session introduces the concept of earth care stewardship. Earth Tag Olympics, an animal craft, or a game focusing on a particular animal can be included if requested.
NOTE: For 5th grade on up. BUTTERFLIES AND YOU
What touches the earth delicately, and leaves beautiful reminders of its presence around the world? Yes, insects called "butterflies." Insects are not often thought of as beautiful or helpful yet whether beautiful, ugly, or unusual looking, they are all part of the ecosystem and they help keep our world healthy. Younger participants explore the lifecycle of the butterfly and characteristics of insects. Older participants examine this indicator species, the concept of bioaccumulation, and the overall effect of insects on earth. Both examine how helping insects restores imperiled ecosystems and how pollution (human caused change in the environment that harms living and nonliving things) affects both. A reuse craft or movement game for younger participants or a movement game for older participants can be included if requested.
CITIZEN SCIENCE AND CIRCLES
The circle is an important concept in citizen science. Participants discover the importance of circles in various cultures and discover the circle in source reduction, reusing, and recycling in all cultures. Younger students celebrate Earth circles and learn how recycling works by performing a circle dance that relates to environmental conservation and community. Older participants watch a science experiment and learn what recycled objects can become, what cause and effect is, and what reuse and recycling saves. Fifth graders through adult participants learn the difference between potential and kinetic energy. All ages learn we are "holding the hoop" in our hands.
EARTH TALES: EARTH FRIENDLY MESSAGES IN STORIES, MUSIC, AND MOTION
Educate and entertain with active storytelling that teaches environmental responsibility. A variety of Earth tale programs are available. A literature based follow-up activity can be included if requested. A variety of stories, read, told, and/or acted out with the help of participants will get their attention. Add group movement games set to music (popular, classical, and/or cross cultural), and games that celebrate the Earth, build strong character, and promote knowledge and awareness. Children, youth, and adults learn and remember citizen science and environmental conservation concepts that can help us all. Convey key concepts in reducing, reusing, and recycling such as habitat, human rights, biodiversity, interdependence, and instill such values as conservation, cooperation, sustainability, and empathy, encouraging children and adults to become responsible stewards of the earth. Earth Tales are also effective for library events, fairs, celebrations, and other special events. NOTE: Please book early for Earth Day.
NOTE: Earth Tales can be tailored to themes or events of historical significance if requested ranging from the invention of paper to current events. Make A Difference Day, September; Johnny Apple Seed’s Birthday, September 26; National Hispanic Heritage Month, September; October, Fall/Halloween, October 31, America Recycles Day, November 15; Thanksgiving, November 25; Winter/Hanukkah, November 30; Christmas, December 25; New Year's, January 1; Black History Month, January; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 20; St. Valentine's Day, February 14; President's Day, February 17; St. Patrick's Day, March 17; Spring/Easter, March 27; Earth Day, April 22; Arbor Day, Last Friday of the month; Mother's Day, May 8; Flag Day, June 14; Father's Day, June 19; Independence Day, July 4; etc... ON GROWING WILD AND KIDS MAKING A DIFFERENCE (Also See Earth Tales)
Kids can make a difference. Kids of all ages are concerned about the health of the planet and are taking action. Science and common sense tell us that our present and future depends upon the Earth's health. We rely upon a world that is rich with diversity of life forms and a world free of pollution. Younger participants examine environmental concepts of energy through a story and activities. For older participants the concept of rewilding is introduced in looking at the participant's own yards. This session is also an overview of how children and youth around the world are making a difference by the organizations they create and projects they instigate. Earth stewardship is everyone's responsibility. Students learn to think globally and act locally in creating a sustaniable world.
NOTE: This assembly program can be used as a kickoff or a finale to a year filled with a series of environmental education presentations. A culminating project could be done either individually or as a group at the end. Another option would be a part 1 of a 2 part series. In part 1 participants review what other students have done. In part 2 participants design a plan to take action on an environmental challenge. THE ECONOMICS OF RECYCLING
Does a strong economy depend upon a healthy environment? Get a grasp on economics, health, and earth’s natural systems and compare your environmental knowledge on the leading causes of pollution with a national report card. Also, find out how Indiana ranks in overall environmental quality. In an unusual physical education class participants discover how their choices show what they value. The environment is one concern that touches all issues, from jobs to health. Participants explore the big picture of the recycling industry from local to international, the “Green” infrastructure that supports the economy, and the concept of eco services. How can products be designed with recycling in mind, and sustainability in our world? How is everyone part of the puzzle—the economics of recycling?
NOTE: Middle school, high school students, and adults. ENERGY (Also see Talk For Teens On a Hopeful, Healthy Ecology)
The power of the world works in circles and energy is at its core. Energy is everywhere and is in every living and nonliving thing. Energy is what makes things move and grow. It is what makes things work and it is constantly flowing in our world. The light and heat of the sun, the activity of people and animals, the growth of plants, and the working of things are all expressions of energy. Explore energy forms and discover how human use of energy has social, economic, environmental, and health impacts. For older participants, this session involves predicting, classifying, collecting, and recording data. All ages get some energizing exercise!
Trees and Tree Products
EVERGREEN TREE TALK
What stays green all year round? It is also the oldest living thing in the world, the heaviest living thing on Earth, and the tallest thing alive! Find out in this session which investigates the secret life of trees, sustainable forestry, conservation education in presidential history, a president's family who had their own ideas, and some holiday trivia. Participants may then create a reuse craft that reminds them of being “green” or earth-friendly year-round or older participants focus on forest management and sustainable forestry.
IT'S NOT EASY BEING A TREE
Why recycle paper? Get to know some amazing forest facts and understand how trees satisfy many needs. Trees have families and visitors as well. Explore the life cycle of a tree, parts of a tree and their functions, and how nature naturally recycles. Explore a mystery bag, become a human tree, learn what a tree cookie is and/or enjoy some "Around the World" tree riddles. Older participants may focus on forest management and sustainable forestry.
NOTE: See Evergreen Tree Talk for a tree session with craft option. PAPER MAKING 101
What is the most used product in a school or business that comprises 40% of our waste stream nationwide? Yes, its paper and it's filling up our landfills when it shouldn't even be there! In this session, participants experience the paper manufacturing process by making their own paper from scrap paper that they collect prior to the session. They also learn to appreciate what they write on, as they understand where it fits into the cycle of things and understand that more than 10,000 items are made from trees. Participants also play a real pick-up-sticks game that illustrates conservation concepts.
NOTE: Classes are asked to collect a small amount of bright scraps of construction paper or other bright paper leftover from projects. These scraps will be used to make new recycled paper. Hazardous Materials THE GREAT SPINNERS: SPIDERS AND MAN
Both spiders and humans play a vital role in maintaining Earth's ecological balance. You can find spiders or their presence in every house, whether people are living there or not. You can also find evidence of human impact everywhere, whether humans are living there or not. By using some fun comparisons, a weaving game, and a story, participants learn what weaves our world. Older participants become conscious of the affects of pesticide use on soil, food sources, and all living creatures. The session can conclude with a spider web craft or a cooperation game that reflects community action.
HAZARDOUS WASTES IN YOUR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD
What is a healthy home? Problems created by the use of and disposal of hazardous waste are a leading cause of pollution in cities and suburban households around the U.S. The average home contains more chemicals than the average chemical laboratory did 100 years ago! In Monroe County, the average household contains between 3 and 10 gallons of hazardous waste. Participants discover that hazardous waste is not just in factories. This is an introduction to proper household hazardous waste usage and disposal habits, which includes paints, cleaners, medical aids, electronics, and other potions. Organic alternatives are introduced. Older participants conduct a team house seach, learn about bioaccumulation, and take a toxic trash quiz together and younger ones do some basic sorting.
HISTORY OF TRASH, THE LANDFILL, AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG
How have humans throughout history disposed of their trash, what has been thrown "away," what do you throw away in YOUR garbage and how can you change how the earth is being treated? The history of trash discussion leads to groups conducting archaeological digs in- shoeboxes. Students learn how landfills are constructed and maintained and participants create a "human landfill"! Students unearth a variety of items that reveal some interesting things about the people who put them there. What would your trash tell us about you?
TRASH CRAFT/THE REUSE CONCEPT
What's better than recycling? Reuse! Reuse is not a new concept to society but even when it comes before recycling in importance- "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle", it is often forgotten. This session helps participants understand the importance of reusing items. Reducing waste by reusing not only helps us use less but reminds us that 'One person's trash is another person's treasure' and new is not always better! While reuse art isn't keeping vast amounts of waste out of our landfills, it raises awareness about what we use, how we use it, and what we waste. Participants reuse everyday items to create crafts. Crafts best suited for K-6 although the session may be adaptable for older participants. A story and/or discussion of reuse is included prior to the reuse craft. Craft options: -Earth Flag (5th-6th) -Green At Heart Bracelet (4th-6th) -Napkin Ring Holder (3rd-6th), - Gratitude Necklace/Mobile/Garland -Earth Angel -Mouse pad Earth -Spiderweb art -Milk/water jug/pine cone bird feeders -Wizard wands -Tree art -Branch weaving -Egg carton flowers/creatures -Shakers -Holiday card recycling -Medal of Honor -Frisbee Earth - Earth Valentine/Flying Valentine -Other
NOTE: Crafts may change as reuse supplies are available. Habitat
HABITAT: ENDANGERED ANIMALS AND HABITAT RENEWAL
Home is where the habitat is. What did the dinosaurs say when they went out to play? Could it ever be asked "What did the humans say when they went out to play?" The greatest threat to biodiversity is habitat destruction. This session explores the the three C's of conservation--core areas, connectivity, and the ecological importance of carnivores. How do animals and humans contribute to the health and beauty of our environment? Find out, build a town/city with animals in mind, and play habitat games that illustrate ecological principles and teach actions that care for the life around us. A reuse craft can be included if requested. The focus in this session is on wildlife.
HABITAT: HOME AND COMMUNITY
I have a life box and you do too. Home is where the habitat is, and home is an intact life box and a community that actively protects it. Explore life's connections in understanding what is a home and a habitat, and how an ecosystem, a community, and a population interact. Younger participants play a musical habitat game that illustrates environmental challenges. Older participants are introduced to the natural and built environment, the food chain, and the food web and/or take a 100" hike. All participants create a community, 'put on their green shoes' and discover what existing life depends upon, that a healthy, sustainable community needs a variety of habitats, and that everyone needs a sense of place. Protecting place and preservation of green space not only protects quality of life and wildlife but supports the economy. It attracts jobs, enhances health and property values, and saves billions in government costs.
NOTE: A High School version, using "Critter Careers" introduces the most current terminology and concepts for rewilding. Also see On Growing Wild and Kids Making A Difference. HABITAT: POLLUTION AND PLANNING
What is sustainable development? Are there any "empty lots?" This session addresses forms of pollution, introduces the concept of environmental stewardship, and the importance of planning cities, towns, and neighborhoods with perserving and renewing habitats in mind. After winning one million dollars, student teams design what they wish on a portion of land. They then see what the consequences are of their design and how their plans affect what the others have created.
HEALTH, HEALTHY PLACES AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
(Also see Kids Making a Difference) What is health, what is a healthy place, and what does sustainability mean? Sustainable development is a way of life that offers lasting solutions to societal problems and environmental stewardship is the key. Sustainable development creates healthy places and healthy communities designed and built to improve the quality of life for all people. Participants develop a green plan from guidelines that includes sharing green/open spaces. Balanced growth uses land wisely and protects the environment. What is the value of green spaces? Healthier people and a sustainable world!
NOTE: A two part series for middle school, high school, or adult. MAKING TRACKS
Every day you make tracks, but you may not realize it. What environmental tracks are you making, and how do the tracks you make differ from that of animals? First examine some real animal tracks and their scat, and then examine the waste trail originating from people and types of pollution. Younger students walk like the animals and take a peek inside the trash can. Older students work cooperatively to guess the major components of waste in the U.S. in the order of the amount that is created. No, the scat samples are not fresh originals but participants don't know that! Take a fun and eye-opening journey from animal scat to the human waste stream around us that we all can control.
POPULATION, "STUFF," AND LITTER
How does population growth affect the environment and the creation of "stuff"? Participants play "More or Less," "This Land Is Your Land," and/or "Name That Litterbug". "Stuff" has a life cycle of its own just as humans do. However, sometimes "stuff" becomes litter. Find out what is recyclable, what is biodegradable and what is not, as well as decomposition rates, and some "litter-known" facts. Do you know that plastic cups improperly disposed of have an average lifespan the same as yours? Do men or women litter more? Participants examine where litter is most often found and how everyone can control litter and stop it from coming to their front door.
Water
SPLISH SPLASH: THE INCREDIBLE WATER JOURNEY
Where does water come from? Where does it go? Participants are introduced to the water cycle by dividing the world's water and going on a cloud journey. On the cloud journey participants discover where water comes from, who uses water, how it is used and how water can be saved, not polluted, and not wasted. When participants land, some, if requested may create a raindrop story or a poem, a "flutter fish", or a "water cycle bracelet. Older participants follow water from the faucet to Lake Monroe. An outside water game can be included for childcare programs. Exercise, knowledge, action steps, and art, a powerful combination! A great way to introduce storm water pollution, the leading cause of pollution in the U.S.
WETLANDS, FROGS, AND TOADS: WHAT THE AMPHIBIANS SAY ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENT
What can frogs and toads tell us about the environment? For a little creature that sleeps in the mud and eats bugs, its voice is loud and clear. The sound of a frog is interpreted differently in various cultures but they do vocalize the same thing. The best translation would be: "Keep our environment pollution free!" Science has found since the late 1980's that when the populations of frogs, toads, salamanders, and other amphibian species decline, all is not well with the environment. Participants create a "frog chorus," learn about the importance of wetlands, and how to prevent water pollution. Younger participants play "Spring Serenade," older participants create origami frog water holding cups, play "Frogs, Insects, and Flowers," or focus on water pollution prevention. A great way to look at storm water pollution, the leading cause of pollution in the U.S.
Soil
WORM MAGIC I: HOW TO COMPOST
(Also See Worm Magic II) Did dirt make your lunch? By exploring where and how food is made, you will find that it did. What do we do with the meal scraps and yard waste to reduce our garbage and give back to the Earth? Participants see and understand a conservation connection they won't forget! This is a comprehensive look at composting with worms and their decomposer friends. Younger participants use magnifying glasses, older students use microscopes. All ages wiggle! A great supplement to geology, earth science, and microorganisms.
WORM MAGIC II: COMPOST FOLLOWUP
Adopt a batch of "red wigglers" or redworms for your classroom and have participants experience a conservation connection they won't forget! Participants fill a worm bin for their classroom, look closer at microorganisms that also work to care for the earth every day and take an in-depth look at the food waste that can be composted and the history of composting. Participants celebrate worms via movement and explore related concepts in an outdoor Hike And Seek Scavenger Hunt.
NOTE: Availability of worm bins dependent on supply. A great supplement to geology, earth science, and microorganisms.
Monroe County Solid Waste Management District
3400 South Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 349-2020
www.mcswmd.org
|
||
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 June 2010 11:09 |