Overview
“Believe in yourself, learn, and never stop wanting to build a better world.” — Mary McLeod Bethune, Civil Rights Activist and Educator
At Turning Green, we believe schools are one of the best starting points for sustainable change. Students of all ages and interests come together for several hours each day with the purpose of learning. All of us have the potential to bring more sustainability and justice into our schools by engaging others on topics about which we are passionate. Imagine sparking change on a massive scale, starting with your campus and branching out to schools around your community. By working with classmates, faculty and partners, you can build a team for real, lasting, positive impact.
COVID-19 has completely shifted school and education, requiring everyone to adapt to a new reality of online learning with countless challenges, as well as opportunities. For some, it may be easier to connect with teachers, mentors and peers via digital platforms. Around the world, students are mobilizing and organizing virtually for causes they believe in. Even if we are not physically together, we still have a powerful ability to effect change locally and globally.
Student-led movements have always been powerful tools for change. Motivated young people have limitless potential and immense capability! From school strikes for climate to March for Our Lives to the movement to ban glyphosate on campuses, people just like you are rising up in support of a safe, healthy planet. Your work on one campus may well lead to growth, scalable programs and massive reach. Every project begins with taking a first step.
Even if your school remains virtual, you can still make a difference by engaging with your peers from home. Being largely away from campus over the past year may provide new perspective. Your school has made countless changes to adapt rapidly to the pandemic, so now ask yourself: what other changes might make it a better, more just and sustainable place? As schools find new ways to teach, learn and connect amid a shifting pandemic landscape, reflect on your own experiences and knowledge to foster an equitable learning environment.
THINK
School looks much different than ever before. No one knows the future of our education system, so let’s think about what that may be — what it could be! How has this wild time impacted you from learning and social standpoints? How you have adjusted to hybrid formats?
ACTIVITY
Paint us a picture of school for you right now.
- Have you returned to any in-person classes? Are your classes completely online?
- How has the transition affected you? What challenges have you faced? Have there been any advantages of these new realities?
- What is one thing you wish you could tell all teachers or professors in this school year?
Craft a response in 100-200 words.
Share with your school, if comfortable (because feedback is powerful!), and post on social media, tagging @TurningGreenOrg.
THINK
Young people are creative, innovative powerhouses. Nothing will stop us from fighting for the causes in which we believe — not even a global pandemic.
ACTIVITY
If you could create an environmental club at your school, what would it be like? Picture yourself as the leader of a group of students who care about the planet just as much as you do.
- What is your club’s mission?
- How has your club adapted to the pandemic?
- What would a normal club meeting look like? What would you talk about?
- What types of activities or events would your club participate in?
- What are signs you are achieving progress?
Craft a response to answer these questions. Feel free to add other thoughts.
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
Colleges and universities are responding to student interest in the environment, climate, food systems, environmental justice and more by offering classes, programs and opportunities dedicated to the subjects. How does this manifest at your school?
ACTIVITY
If you could lead a class for one period, what would you want to teach? Create an outline for a presentation you would want to share with peers. Reflecting on what you have learned throughout TGC, consider the topics or activities with the most impact. What aspects of the environmental movement do you feel are most important to share? You could create a slideshow, short film, or interactive activity; the class period is yours to use however you’d like! Think about what would be engaging to you if you were in the audience.
- What TGC theme/s would you teach about and why?
- Considering everything you have learned and done during TGC thus far, what stood out most to you? How could you include this in your presentation?
- How would you keep the class engaged? Be creative!
- How would you encourage students to dive deeper outside of this one period?
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.