Teaching Sequence

Project steps (based on the Millennium Kids 'Twelve Steps to a Green Team Project'.)

1. Identify the problem

Begin by identifying the environmental problem(s) you would like to solve. Ask your class to brainstorm environmental problems in your community. You may be able to use the local paper to gain ideas. Some ideas are in the background information section for this activity. Ask students to think of which problems they think they can solve. Choose a challenge to focus on. Divide your class into groups based on student interest. You will get the best results if the students work on the project they are most interested in.

2. Discuss the problem

Once the students have chosen their environmental challenge get them to discuss the problem with teachers, classmates, family and friends about how they want to solve it. Record the ideas and start putting together a plan of action.

3. Research

Ask students to research the cause of the problem and how to solve the problem. Look for case studies of other groups or schools that have tacked a similar problem. You may be able to organise for a local expert to talk to the students. Ring your local council or environmental organisation for advice.

4. Set the goals

Each group should set the goals for the environmental challenge. Ask the students to think about what they want to achieve. Brainstorm ways to achieve the goals. The goals should be realistic.

5. Identify the owner

Determine if the environmental challenge is on private or government-owned land. You may be able to contact the landowners to see if they are interested in your project ideas.

6. Who can help?

Ask students to think about who can help to get your project going and make it a reality. Students may be able to find a mentor who is willing to listen to their ideas and give them feedback as they develop their plans.

7. Plan of action

Write down a draft plan of action. Discuss with students the steps to make their project a reality. Some of the questions that may need to be answered include:

How do we do it?
Where do we do it?
What materials and resources do we need?
Who will do it?
Do we need to get permission to do it?
Will it cost money to do and how could the money be raised?

8. Consult with other groups

Consult with all stakeholders (teachers, local government, community groups). Show them the draft plan and ask them for comments.

9. Funding

Search for funds and support for your environmental challenge. Grants and/or sponsors may be interested in your project. Ask students to research the websites of organisations that have grants available to school projects.

10. Implementation

Help the students implement the action plan. Depending upon the age of your class you may need to have options available for them to choose from. Consider the following for implementation:

What persuasive and educational communication will need to take place?
Who will perform the tasks?
Draw up a plan of action with names, tasks and dates.

11. Discuss the effect

Discuss how the environmental challenge will reduce the environmental footprint of individual students and the class.

12. Monitor

Monitor the success of the environmental challenge on an ongoing basis.

Teacher Reflection

Take this opportunity to reflect on your own teaching

What did you learn about your teaching today?
What worked well?
What didn't work so well?
What would you share?
Where to next?
How are you going to get there?

Clean Up Australia - Environmental Challenge Taking Action!

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Summary

Learning intentions:

Students will...

Success criteria:

Students can...

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