Eco Heroes on Parade Again

'Tis the season for my 3rd Annual Eco Heroes Parade.  My Eagle Cove School 3rd graders researched famous environmentalists using these 3 books from the Earth Heroes' Series.

Once again, I have an crop of biographies written by my troops, with a cute collection of environmentalists visiting my room (check out the pictures below).  For our past 2 years of parades, check out:

--Wall o'Fame:  Earth Heroes!

--2nd Annual Parade of Earth Heroes

Book pics from http://www.naturebooksforkids.com/ and parade pics from my camera.

Earth Hour in Retrospect

Earth Hour 7.0 has come and gone.  With it, more than 7000 cities participated, making it the most so far in its 7-year history.  A big jump from its inception in 2007 in just one city:  Sydney, Australia.

In my world, we had an adult-only Chili & Cornbread Cookoff at Eagle Cove School.  Being a Maryland "green" school, we also participated in a condensed version of Lights Out for Earth Hour Saturday night.  It really looked pretty cool in the darkened gym with the green string of tube lights weaving in and out of the chili crock pots!  

At school this past week, my 3rd graders wrote about Earth Hour for their weekly composition.  The overriding comment that we talked about was well-written in one student's paragraph:

"Mark your calendar!  Earth Hour is coming.... You might wonder why would we want to do this? Well, it saves a little bit of electricity, but it is a symbol that shows that little actions can become big things when put together.  Added up, it can make a big difference."

My brother (knowing I crave all things green) sent me an interesting semi-rebuttal article from Huffington post entitled: "Earth Hour Is A Big Waste Of Time! Or, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Bjorn Lomborg?" by Tom Zeller, Jr.  Despite it's turn-off title, it actually is a good article. As I started reading it, it reminded me of last year's "Human Achievement Hour" where the anti-Earth-Hour-ian's countered Earth Hour by proposing "Let's turn ON the lights during Earth Hour's 8:30--9:30 to celebrate all the world has accomplished due to technology."

Of course, it leads me begging the question:  Why does it have to be mutually exclusive?

(Which is not much different from "Why can't we all just get along?"  But, I digress.)

Zeller goes on to say that Bjorn Lomborg (who wrote the 2001 book The Skeptical Environmentalist  and who is a part of Copenhagen Consensus) counters ideas such as Earth Hour by saying it is "exactly what is wrong with today's feel-good environmentalism."  Copenhagen Consensus released this video this weekend as a counter:

But, after watching this video, I think there is a good message here. As in ALSO! Lomborg counters that Earth Hour over-simplifies climate change. But I disagree. It becomes something easy that everyone can take part in... and then it helps people analyze their way of living and invites them to decide, "Gee, what other changes can I make to help our planet?" Yes, it will take visionaries to see that their are other methods of change needed to be made on huge energy levels to change the current situation. But it also takes "the average Joe" to reconsider daily decisions that could lead to a less-wasteful lifestyle. The "average Joe" can't necessarily tackle green research and development. Additionally, you can't tell me that inventors, scientist, and environmental or political leaders don't turn off their tech for an hour every now and then to regroup or recharge!

Likewise too, we need videos such as the one above to see that the world is not in balance...that there ARE over a billion people world-wide who don't have the same luxuries that some of us are used to. So we need that message to be heard as well. And I bet, most Americans (and perhaps many other global citizens), may not even realize that statistic. In some ways, by turning of the light for an hour, we can get a slight understanding of what it might be like to be in "energy poverty" like these 1.3 billion people world-wide who already are. This map does an excellent job of showing the "haves versus the have nots."



I truly don't believe you should take multiple sides of the same goal and put them against each other. It is counter-productive. Additionally, it would seem that all groups involved, based on Zeller's article,want awareness. Awareness! Enlightenment!! Let's fight for the common good and bring about the necessary "light" to protect our resources, fight climate change, and make the world a better place! Sometimes "bringing the light" comes by way of Earth Hour candles in a darkened room. (Earth Hour, by the way, has been reported as "the single largest symbolic mass participation event in the world.") Sometimes "illumination" does comes in other ways--in making technological advances, writing books and articles, inventing new power sources, and sharing information! Bright ideas sometimes do indeed need brightly lit rooms. Again I say: Why does it have to be mutually exclusive?

Yes, many advancements have come from electricity. It has taken us to entirely new levels of thought, connection, imagination, ability, and innovation. No one here is countering that. Yet, we are a global society that (on average) is using the resources of 1.5 planets, when we only have ONE. Third graders get that. By having even the youngest of children be able to vote with a light switch, we will begin to create thinkers who will grow up one day. These children have the potential to become future green research and development leaders. This can only come through awareness. THIS is why we need both--and this is why we need to NOT be objectifying people who have the same ultimate end-goal (= reducing greenhouse gasses and the effects of climate change, while building a more sustainable and healthy planet).

We have ONE planet. Let's fight for it together!




Earth Hour Banner from www.earthhour.org, 60 vs 60 pic from http://www.forgetthebox.net/human-achievement-hour-forget-earth-hour-turn-on-the-lights/, Video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9SVVADAX_cU, world map http://www.bernos.com/blog/images/earth_lights_lrg.jpg, Number of planets needed chart from http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/earth_overshoot_day/

Earth Hour is Out of This World

It's not often you get a message that is literally "out of this world!"

However, when it comes from the International Space Station...it is!

Here on Saturday, March 23, the day of Earth Hour (which is 8:30--9:30 in your time zone), is a message for those of you who may be still on the fence as to whether to participate.  When you take a look at the Earth from a new perspective--from above, from the International Space Station), you may start to see things in new ways.  Take a look and a listen from Russian Cosmonaut Roman Romanenko and his perspective on Earth Hour.

Then take part in Earth Hour. Watch your clock, and get creative with candlelight, bonfire, flashlights and more tonight from 8:30 to 9:30! (Click here to learn more about Earth Hour.)



Video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLWiJC6ZfhQ, Earth Hour Logo from www.earthhour.org

World Water Day 2013 -- Part 3

So we are less than a week away from World Water Day 2013 (tomorrow, Friday, Mar. 22). If you've been reading along with GTG's Part 1 and Part 2, here's where you probably are:

--Concerned with the plight of people in Africa who have to travel great distances to get fresh (often not clean) water;

--More aware of the value (& sometimes scarcity) of this precious, wet resource of ours;

--Committed to such things as stopping the dripping faucet, taking shorter showers, or watching your water use while you brush your teeth;

--Finding yourself wondering how these few, little things can actually help.

That's where this infographic from The Pond Blog of Lochness Water Gardens can help bring about some insights when it comes to water usage for the planting and harvesting of some of your favorite foods.

So whether you switch from coffee to tea or from beef to pork to vegetarianism, there are some interesting and eye opening new options for things you can do to help conserve water... not just on World Water Day, but everyday. It shows you that little things do add up and each one of us can make a difference.

Infographic courtesy of: Loch Ness Water Gardens

Logo from http://www.unwater.org/water-cooperation-2013/home/en/

Earth Hour Ahead: Saturday, March 23

It's one of those weeks where a LOT is going on.  Eco-speaking, that is.

You've got World Water Day this Friday, March 22nd, and Earth Hour, this Saturday night, March 23, 8:30--9:30.

If you've been following along here at GTG, you already know a bit about World Water Day through Part 1, Part 2, and my all time favorite video (a blast from the past).

But, unless you've been here for years, you might be questioning, "What is Earth Hour?" Well, as you can imagine, I've already had a lot to say on that here at GTG (so check my archives).  But, lucky for you, I'm no where near done.

This Saturday, March 23rd, is all about Earth Hour.  I find it fascinating that I find myself getting a little choked up about it every time.  It is so powerful, and Earth Hour speaks to me on a number of levels:

Historically:  This is my 5th year participating, one way or another, whether it be a home event with buddies or a school event with games.  I've spoken on behalf of Earth Hour at the Maryland House of Delegates in February 2011, I've seen it grow exponentially.  (Check out my graph of Earth Hour participants by # of countries and cities.)

Via Empowerment and Activism:  Earth Hour takes on a life and energy of its own--I love taking part in it. I love energizing kids about it each year as we watch the videos, brainstorm about it, and write persuasive paragraphs about it.  The kids can even see that by turning off your lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm your time zone, you are a part of something big.  That truly is the definition of awe-inspiring!

This year we'll be at a school sponsored event, where due to the logistics, our time is lessened, which is a bit of a bummer, but still you are one who is small, taking part in one something that is globally big.

Watch the Official Earth Hour 2013 video and feel the need to be a part of something big...a part of something global!! Then turn out your lights this Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 in your time zone and watch the "wave" of "de-illumination" take place!!

Video and header from www.earthhour.org; graph created using Earth Hour Statistics (from their website) as created on the Create A Graph Website.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The sounds of the bagpipes from church this morning are still wafting through my ears!  Happy St. Patty's Day and the wearin' o'the green!

I'm sporting my "Green Chic" t-shirt as March 17th is a good time to express both my eco-side and my Irish-lovin' side. Also, in the vein of recycling, I'm going to bring up some of my oldies but goodies and "greenies" from my GTG leprechaun days of yore.

Cheers to you and yours today, as your Irish eyes are smiling, while you're drinking a green beverage or two.

Sláinte--a collection of all things green (eco, Irish, and otherwise!)

Pre-St. Patty's Day--a link to 10 green initiatives to take for this leprechaun-lovin' day

The Wearing o'the Green--a bundle of ways to live green, eco-style

Eat Green--green up your food routine

Living o'the Green--my family's St. Patty's Day 2010, decked in green and painting/installing our rain barrel

The March 2009 Green Team Gazette--where this blog started--as a monthly newsletter


Shamrock pic from http://mattjenny.deviantart.com/art/Shamrock-65577333; Rain barrel pic of our back yard from http://greenteamgazette.blogspot.com/2010/03/living-othe-green.html

World Water Day ~ Part 2

Infographics are great ways to visualize the importance of and information about a subject, as was evident a few days ago with my World Water Day ~ Part 1 post.  Videos are too.

Here are 2 for you:  the first is an eye-opening one about the importance of opening our eyes to World Water Day 2013.  The 2nd one tells you some of the science of water (and the importance of potable [= drinkable] water), proving the point that "Water is Amazing" (created for World Water 2012 last year.)

World Water Day this year is March 22nd, 2013.

To learn more about World Water Day, check out the United Nations World Water Day 2013 brochure or their website... or check out Water.org (Co-founded by Matt Damon).  2 great (& humorous) videos can be found on the Matt Damon link!  Definitely check those out!!

Video 1 from http://youtu.be/F0Jg8D0JctI; "Water is Amazing" Video from http://youtu.be/9m3dQC6IfwY; Logo from http://www.unwater.org/water-cooperation-2013/home/en/

World Water Day 2013 ~ Part 1

It's been said:  "Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink."

Fitting in that we're less than 2 weeks away from an eco-holiday: March 22nd--the annual United Nations World Water Day

Here's a great infographic that helps put water (that valuable and often taken for granted wet li'l resource out there) into perspective!

World Water Day 2013 infographic

To find out more, check out these resource links:

--Past World Water Day Posts from GTG

--Youth & Kids World Water Day Resources

--Facts and Figures

--Info about "Water Cooperation"

--Ways to get involved

--The Official UN World Water Day Brochure


Images:  World Water Day Logo from http://www.unwater.org/water-cooperation-2013/home/en/;
World Water Day 2013 Infographic from http://visual.ly/world-water-day-2013

Greening Your Home and Yard Routine

Spring has nearly sprung, and tonight is Daylight's Saving Time here in MD.

As the weather turns nicer, here's a great infographic to help you green your home and yard routine!!

Infographic from http://www.angieslist.com/articles/tips-green-home.htm 

Following the FlowChart of Climate Change

Here's an eye-opener of an infographic.  Not necessarily classroom-friendly, but definitely educator-friendly for giving good arguments when the naysayers continue to crop up.

(Now "why" they continue to crop up when 97% of climate scientists are all on board, I'm perplexed... but perhaps this will turn some of those naysayers around!)



From http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/climate_desk/2013/03/climate_change_flow_chart_how_to_win_any_global_warming_argument.html?wpsrc=upworthy

A Radical Explosion of PBS Resources!

The last month was brought to me by the Letters P & D: Professional Development! I began February at the MAEOE Conference in Ocean City, MD where 600+ Maryland environmental and outdoor educators gathered to engage in eco-ed!  This past Friday I was at the NAIS in Philadelphia, PA with about 5000 independent school educators and administrators with a team from my school at the National Association of Independent Schools.  

(If only I could have worked it out to go to EdCampIS this past Saturday with my Head of School for the "Independent School EdCamp" Experience, as I feel EdCamps are one of THE most amazing and dynamic types of professional development...but I digress.)
Conferences and professional development are so energizing for teachers.  Yes, the sub planning leaves a little bit to be desired (as teachers, we know it always takes sooo long to write up the plans for when you are going to be absent--much more time than just getting the lessons together in the first place).  But, to be in a fresh environment and network with other instructors and school leaders, and get exposed to the amazing things that are capable within a classroom....so enriching!

The 76 page NAIS booklet for the 3 day conference definitely gave you a lot to choose from, even if you were only there for a day, like me.  One of my favorite sessions was about a household name that we all know and probably love:  PBS.
 

What I didn't know was the wealth that lived over at PBS.  We're not just talking Sesame Street or even Downton Abbey, folks.  There is soo much more there.  Here were some of the amazing finds I discovered in my 1 hour PBS session:


PBS Kids Website has been rated one of the 50 best websites in Time Magazine.  To build your readers, check out PBS Kids/Read!

PBS Teacherline has online, facilitated professional development.

PBS Kids Island is a great place to go for online reading games for beginning readers.

PBS Mobile has approximately 30 apps for tablets.

PBS Parents is a great online resource for parents.

PBS Kids Lab has a large array of educational games--many of which are interactive whiteboard-ready!

PBS Ready to Learn starts with a curricular framework with a transmedia approach (rather than stand-alone interactives)

PBS Learning Media is a treasure trove, plain and simple!  Over 20,000 classroom-ready resources are right there waiting for you to build your lessons and make them blossom.  With partners like NASA and the Library of Congress, the wealth is evident! Search by keyword, grade level, curricular strand, or even by standards. It is a free login, and you can customize it for you by allowing you to add resources to your favorites, building classes and thematic units as you go!  Over 850,000 educators have already registered to use PBS Learning Media!

Here's just a few little eco-favorites I've found already with just the briefest of searches over at PBS Learning Media!

Trash on the Spin Cycle:  

A look at The Great Pacific Garbage Patch with Jacques Cousteau

Documenting Glacial Change:

A look at ice melting from 1941 to present

GPS: Garbagology

Endangered Species

This is definitely a bookmark-worthy site!

To learn more about NAIS, be sure to check out some of their official attendee-bloggers.  Between NAIS and PBS, you might find yourself a little lost for days, surfing the net for so many goodies!!


Photos & videos from....PBS Pioneers video: http://youtu.be/FziODF2dIAc,  PBS Kids from http://pbskids.org/

What Most Schools Don't Teach

Interesting question--What do you imagine it is that most schools don't teach?  I saw this video posted on a good friend's Facebook page for the first time a few days ago.  Since then, I've seen it start cropping up time and time again.  Before hitting the play button, I pondered (especially given I teach school), what could it be?


The missing lesson:  Teaching how to Code.  From Code.org's "About" page:

"Our vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn how to code. We believe computer science and computer programming should be part of the core curriculum in education, alongside other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, such as biology, physics, chemistry and algebra."

I think Will.i.am said it the best on the Code.org home page:
will.i.am
Musician/The Black Eyed Peas & Entrepreneur“
Here we are, 2013, we ALL depend on technology to communicate, to bank, and none of us know how to read and write code. It's important for these kids, right now, starting at 8 years old, to read and write code.“

Photos from http://www.code.org/; Video from http://www.code.org/teach; and go find a great stats infographic at http://www.code.org/stats

Reduce. Reduce. Reduce. Reuse. (THEN Recycle!)

I saw this today, and thought it was the perfect follow up to my "1 Reason Why Reuse Trumps Recycle" post of a few days ago.  "Reduce" is even higher up the true scale on the 3R's mantra than "Reuse" (and most certainly higher than "Recycle")!

To learn more, run, don't walk to "The Story of Stuff!!"




From The Story of Stuff Project's Facebook Page:   https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151753997645884&set=a.219639005883.174012.104834210883&type=1&theater

1 Reason Why "Reuse" Trumps "Recycle"

If you are an environmentalist, you know the feeling of pride that comes when you say, "I recycle!"  (Perhaps even saying it in with slightly "holier than thou" attitude).

Well, here's just one of the many hundreds of reasons why "Reuse" comes before "Recycle" in the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" mantra.  How many things can you "reuse" (rather than "recycle") this week?

Why Reuse a Cup? via Factory Direct Promos - Reusable Bags

"Click image to see a larger version or to grab the code to share on your website or blog 

Image from http://www.factorydirectpromos.com/why-reuse-a-cup

Educate, Engage, & Energize with MAEOE ~ Part 3

As I've mentioned before in this series of take-aways from my MAEOE conference earlier this month, so much of the focus was around the need to get outdoors.  "Prescription N" as Richard Louv (author of "Last Child in the Woods") calls it--with the "N" standing for "Nature."

Along those lines, Amy Beam, outdoor educator and nature awareness educator in the Metropolitan DC gave a really interesting 1/2 day session at MAEOE entitled "Let's Go Beyond the Walls."  As a Montessori educator, Amy shared so many nature-centric ideas Maria Montessori.  She also shared a clip from the documentary "Mother Nature's Child."  You'll see her here in the trailer below.


After spending the afternoon in Amy's session, delving into some explorations and investigations of our, inspiration has been bubbling and brewing.  Here were some of my favorite:

• Exploration Backpacks--A quick Google search said that for $59.95, I could get one...but I love  hat she had created some perfectly fitted for youngsters through her own ingenuity and the Dollar Store.  Stocked with magnifying glasses, notepads, mini colored pencil sets, water colors, mini flashlights & mirrors (to see up a tree), envelopes for finds such as feathers and other delicate things, and even freezer bags for traveling aquariums.  I could see outfitting our school classrooms with little packs like this for the recess explorers who are more naturalist than playground athlete.  We all know them:  the kids who wonder about, wondering what on Earth to do at recess. Click here to see the pic above (not the $59 one), and "Learners in Bloom's" blog on the creation & use of them.

• Sensory Routines & exercises from "The Coyote's Guide to Connecting With Nature" (Amy's outdoor bible)-- From finding a "sit spot" (a place to land and just observe for 10 minutes or so), to tracking, to mapping, to the art of questioning as a way to help youngsters come up with their own insight...there were a lot to ponder.  Some of my favorite were the sensory exercises of having the kids put on:

-fox feet (to silently make your way around)

-deer ears (to hear the slightest sound

-raccoon hands (to touch and investigate)

-mouse whiskers (to get close)

-owl eyes (to scan the big picture)

-eagle eyes (to zoom in on one item)

-coyote nose (to hone in on scents)

• The biggest take away--Natural play spaces are different than playgrounds.  They lead you to be more inventive.  Even in the biggest playroom or the best playground, you can't have the richness indoors or on a structure than you can get outdoors!  We need to remember that!

For more information about Amy Beam and her 2011 "Montessori by Nature" Conference Notes, please check out this link.


Mother Nature's Child Trailer Video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzhnBaJ9p78; book image from Amazon.com, backpack image from http://learnersinbloom.blogspot.com/2012/03/nature-walks-and-outdoor-exploration.html

Educate, Engage, & Energize with MAEOE ~ Part 2

Just when it seems like it was just Christmas, here we are at Valentine's Day.  Valentine's Day, that season of love, you can't help but have hearts to come to mind.  A family tradition over the years has been to transform the EveryMan Meal of Meatloaf into "The LOVE Loaf."  This year, in thinking about it and about dinner, I was moved to music, creating a sort of "Ode to the Love Loaf," singing it (of course) to the tune of "The Love Boat."

Of course, humming that tune, it reminded me (in a "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" sort of way), of my 2nd session at MAEOE's [Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators] conference that I attended just this past weekend.  The session was entitled "Teaching Environmental Ethics Through Games and Songs" and was run by two gregarious and fun educators, Edward Hall and Sean McGuinn of Arlington Echo.  They are two vital components of the Camp Woodlands Kindergarten Environmental Literacy Unit "Trees Are Terrific." During their hour long session, they had us singing, moving, and grooving to some familiar tunes with revamped text to make science concepts come to life for young children.  We also had an opportunity to write a tune of our own.

It was a fun session which I loved, but it was great in reminding us of all the things we already know.  Kids are much more engaged when they are entertained, and active participants in their own learning.  It builds a kinesthetic memory, which strengthens the retention of the skills.   Here is a great infographic reminding us why we need to incorporate music more (double click on it to enlarge or the above link):

Here's a fun and easy one from Hall & McGuinn's Arlington Echo Trees Unit:

Leaves, Branches, Trunks and Roots

(sung to the tune of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes")

Leaves, branches, trunks, and roots, trunks and roots;

Leaves, branches, trunks, and roots, trunks and roots;

Seeds fall down and start to grow.

Trees are Terrific!  Don't you know?  Don't you know?

Don't forget the movements--
or to speed up!

"Leaves" = wave hands

"branches" = "strong man" pose
"trunk" = hands on hips

"roots" = touch feet

"seeds fall down" = wiggle fingers down like snow

"And start to grow" = reach arms out and up

"Trees are terrific!" = wave arms in air

"Don't you know" = point to your head

Here's the one our 3rd grade group of 4 teachers created in 15 minutes or less.  (It's not ready for the Grammy's, but it's fun, teaches a bit, & does the job!)

The Itsy Bitsy Raindrop

(sung to the tune of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider")

The Itsy bitsy raindrop flows down the watershed,

Into the gutter, straight to the river bed.

Tributaries join and bring the water down

Now the itsy bitsy raindrop, in the bay has found.

So put a little song in your school, a little life in your lessons, a little wiggle and jiggle and a mini jam session in your classroom.  It'll leave your kids (and you!) energized and glad that you did!

(For more eco-songs à la Green Team Gazette, check out this link.)



Infographic from http://lteacherstoolbox.blogspot.fr/2012/09/news-music-learning.html, Arlington Echo logo from http://www.arlingtonecho.org/, and Love Loaf pic from my sister-in-law.

Educate, Engage, & Energize with MAEOE ~ Part 1

After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back, with a mind that's a-buzzing!  I've just spent two days knee-deep in EcoMania at the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educator's [MAEOE] Annual Conference in Ocean City Maryland.  I think this makes year five, and it's always such a supreme wealth of ideas and insights.  You can't help but go away energized, overflowing with new ideas and inspirations that you can't wait to put into practice.

I'll admit it--it's my own little annual nirvana!

The theme of this year's conference was "Educate-Engage-Energize."  They hit it spot-on.  600+ educators from Maryland (and neighboring states) from schools (both public and independent), outdoor education centers, and environmentally-minded people came together for half and full day sessions, keynote speakers, hour-long workshops, plenary sessions, and excursions.  After several years of attending, you start seeing old friends and recognizing faces!!

Over the next several posts, I'll be reflecting on and sharing the many fabulous resources that I have collected along the way these past few days.  The overwhelming umbrella of ideas over this weekend reminded me of the "green bible" of outdoor and environmental educators.  More than once, all roads led us back to Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder" and "The Nature Principal."  The overwhelming message is that having that time (that unstructured time) outdoors to play and explore is precisely what we need to neutralize so many of the ills facing us all.  

The biggest eye-opener:  kids these days spend an average of 6--7.5 hours in front of a screen.  As impossible as that number seems, it clearly is reachable through the law of averages including weekends and summer vacation.  It's startling, surprising, and sad... yet, in looking around at the explosion of technology (especially in the last 3 years since the appearance of the iPad and other mobile devices), perhaps it's not as startling as it first seemed.  So it is our job as parents and educators to do something about this to help our younger folks achieve balance in this growing tech world of ours.  It is our duty!

Images from the MAEOE website; Top 10 poster from http://www.lifesbetteroutsidepartners.org/page3/page3.html

Turning Your SuperBowl Festivities a Green Shade of Yummy

Unless you've been living under a rock (or hiding your head in the sand because your team didn't make it here), today is SuperBowl Sunday.   SuperBowl XLVII.  (That's 47 to you non-Roman-Numeralonians).  The Baltimore Ravens -vs- The San Francisco 49'ers.

Here in the greater Baltimore area, there's a ton of hometown pride and seas of purple everywhere--church, the grocery store, you name it!  Fingers are crossed, and clocks are counting down to kick off time.  I (for one) am hopeful, for I know how grouchy my football friends and family can get when their team is not on top!  I have to live with them, so yes indeed, I am hopeful that Purple Fever reigns supreme!

No matter which team you are going for, odds are high there's a SuperBowl party in a lot of people's future. Here are some great last minute munchies to bring a li'l green to your purple or red & gold parties:

6 Vegetarian & Vegan Snack Alternatives for SuperBowl Sunday

25 Super Bowl Recipes to Make Your Game-Day Party Delicious & Healthier.

A Healthy Game Plan for Super Bowl Sunday

SuperBowl photo from http://danshamptons.com/article/dining/dining/best-places-in-the-hamptons-to-watch-the-super-bowl/; Food photos from the links associated with them.

Oceanic Trash, Infographically Speaking

Here's a pretty interesting infographic (I almost Freudianly wrote "infogarbage") about oceanic trash.

Pretty topical follow up from my classroom activity today (a repeat from last year) where I had the kids scan QR codes to find out (then graph) how long items "Live in the Landfill."  (To learn more about that activity, visit my GTG post from Jan. 29, 2012 "Math Month Meets Eco Stats & A Touch of Tech")



Created by: MastersDegree.net

Infographic from http://www.mastersdegree.net/ocean-garbage/

Balancing the Best & Worst of iPadLandia

I've been thinking a lot about lately about iPads...in my class, in my house, with my kids, the best way to use them, monitor them, not get sucked into the vortex of them. (Parent, child, teacher all inclusive!)

The latest conundrum on that front has to do with how to balance the natural (yes, sometimes addictive) draw of the iPad, yet also drawing the lines on the shut-off switch. Similarly, it dances parallel-ly with how can I use it in the classroom to get the "biggest bang for my buck." And, I will be honest...it also has to do with this:  showing my own children that there is more to life than MineCraft. So upon this quest, I came upon 2 really great podcasts from NPR's 'On Point's: "iPads in the Classroom" and "KidPads." Truthfully, I think these two podcasts should be mandatory listening for all teachers--especially if they are at all interesting in moving with the times, whether in an iPad school or a school that invites a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program, or in a school thinking about it.

Listening to these 2 podcasts, I found myself realigning my perspective and vantage point as both a pro-iPadLandia teacher, and a techie parent of total tech-head children!

It's tough being a parent in the digital age!! Our generation of parents is the first to wrestle this digital age phenomenon and try to maintain a semblance of balance between time outside, time connected, time unconnected, time with books, time with art, time with building, time with others, and time alone. Here we are in this era with the li'lest of ones who think that magazines are broken mobile devices. "Angry Birds" is more of a cultural icon to youngsters perhaps than tried-and-true book characters such as Frog & Toad, Laura Ingalls Wilder, or Charlotte and Wilbur. It's a rapid moving world that we, as parents and teachers, weren't even imagining 3-4 years ago. The rate of change is exponential... which we all know, but perhaps lately it has become even more eye-opening to me in my own house than before.

Hence why I am here!!

So the moral of the story:   Strive for balance. Electronics and hand held devices aren't "shut up toys" to be used in restaurants or elsewhere. (Eek! I saw a child playing his DS in church last week as the li'l fella  accompanied his parents up for 1st communion!!!). Set the limits. Tablets are tools, not toys... and there is more than just eDevices to life. Bring out the books. Broaden their horizons. Kick them outside. Biggest thing--Be the parent.  Parenting: it's not for the weary or faint of heart!

All of these reasons are why, in my class, I demand that my cherubs ask if they can "learn" on the iPad rather than "play" on the iPad!

So..... when it comes time to have your youngsters "learn" on the iPad, have them do it in a directed way. Limit the gaming and introduce your wee ones to the apps that are good for them (in addition to the playful ones that they already know about).  These apps (and you know them or can find them on my Pinterest board) are certainly engaging, yet perhaps not on your child's normal radar. Use iMovie to record family memories. Read iBooks or Kindle. Use the Dictionary or Thesaurus or do internet research to widen their horizons. Write and be creative using Pages, Scribble Press, Keynote, Popplet or more. Practice math facts. Use flash card creators or make QR codes. Look at Google Earth. Check out the interactive whiteboards. Be musical or artistic. Be inventive!

Here are some of my latest finds on the subject of limitations:

Managing Children's Screen Time

Setting Limits on Screen Time

5 Parent-Tested Tips to Limit Kids' Screen Time

Tips for Reducing Screen Time

Okay...so maybe this may be the end of my soapbox.
Ummm, probably not. 

My kid pic from my camera.  Angry bird pic from http://tabtimes.com/news/music-entertainment/2011/10/27/astronauts-receive-two-ipads-and-stuffed-angry-bird.  iPad with "Magical" quote:  http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/158048268142743452_7bfesJxJ_b.jpg

Audio from "iPads in the Classroom" Podcast from: http://onpoint.wbur.org/2012/10/24/ipads-in-the-classroom and "Kidpads" Podcast from http://onpoint.wbur.org/2012/05/23/kidpads

Inauguration Day 2013

There are certain times you feel it--the vastness, the importance.

Most certainly, I was struck with the sizeable impact of that moment today.  Watching the Presidential Inauguration here with my 2 children, I was struck with the magnitude of watching history in the making as it simultaneously accompanied the power of the historic past.  How can you not:

• 150 years after the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, 
• 50 years after Martin Luther King, Jr's 1963 March on Washington,
• ON the day we commemorate Martin Luther King here in the United States,
• As our first African American president retakes the oath of office
• With Medgar Evers' widow Myrlie giving the invocation,
• Looking out on the panoramic vista of our Nation's Capital, with the flags billowing in the breeze, and the crowds filling the backdrop from Capital to Washington Monument...

How can you not feel the maginitude?

I feel today it surpasses political parties and the squabble of partisan politics.  This Inauguration (and all it represents) truly was an awe-filled, powerful moment for our country.  It brings the words of a century and a half of famous Americans, talking about freedom, equality, and the power to believe in what can be and what has become:  Abraham Lincoln, Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Medgar Evers, and other activists.  Political debates on issues (and no doubt, subsequent name calling and partisanship) can come another day.  It is because of the journeys and decisions of people of our past, that we can hope for and believe in both our future and the future of our children.



For any Inauguration Day coverage you might have missed, start at CNN.

Video (& and excellent article) from http://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/inauguration-2013-obamas-martin-luther-king-jr-moment-86477.html

Martin Luther King Quote from : http://www.indizoom.com/2012/10/martin-luther-king.html#axzz2IdofCONe

Food For Thought

It's been awhile since I went the health & nutrition route...and I miss my Jamie Oliver Food Revolution days. Here's some pretty interesting "food for thought!"  To supersize this infographic about caloric intake and supersizing, go to http://dailyinfographic.com/calories-infographic

When EdTech, Eco, & Good Books Unite: ECS Eco Reads

Utopia. 

Nirvana.
An idyllic island.
Seventh Heaven.
Blissful Contentment.
Literary enchantment.
A Good Book.

To some of us...they all are synonymous for the same thing.

My version of Shangri-la typically involves a pool deck, a lounge chair, glorious weather (akin to the surprisingly mild Maryland January weekend weather we have just had), a little rest & relaxation, and most certainly a good book or three!

Add in my fondness for the world of EdTech wealth that the Internet & mobile devices provides... insert ECS Eco Reads here.

ECS Eco Reads was inspired from of the creative genius of Carrollwood Day School's "CDS Reads" website for Jaqueline Davies' book "The Lemonade War."  (To learn of my personal love for CDS Reads, click here.)  ECS Eco Reads is a similar spot in cyberspace where folks can come to listen ECS faculty & staff read enjoy well-loved stories. Currently it features eco-favorites such as Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" & Ellie Bethel's "Michael Recycle," however I understand more titles are in the works and on the horizon!

Similarly too, there are other good literacy resources within the site as well as a calendar of environmental holidays to help you celebrate the people and events that have celebrated our Earth!  Come along for the ride, basking in the beauty of a good book!  You'll be glad you did!

From the ECS Eco Reads website:

"Good books come in all sizes. Come along with us while we read some old favorites and introduce you to some new ones. All of the books here have an element of the environment at its heart. 

Reading specialists will agree: elementary-aged students (even those who can read themselves) benefit greatly from hearing stories that are above their level. They are rich with vocabulary and depth, and hearing it read aloud by someone else is a great way to capture the hidden nuances that can be missed when children read stories themselves.  

So whether you read along with us snuggled up on the couch with your family...or stretched out on the grass (following along on a mobile device) while gazing at the sky above)... come along for a listen. "ECS Eco Reads" is just the place to do that, and strengthen your love of reading, nature, the environment, and this home planet of ours!!"

 

Pictures = screenschots of the ECS Eco Reads website (http://ecsecoreads.webs.com/)

Paying Tribute to 99 Years of Environmental Vision & Wisdom

This past week, two people I know each lost special people in their families. Their two ages combined totaled 199 years! Remarkable lives, long lived.

John (Jack) Joel Burton

September 1913 - January 2013

One of the gentlemen was John Joel Burton (referred to by my friend as "Uncle Jack"). John Burton had a full life of adventures as a chemical engineer and a traveler of the world. Tales hold true too that "Uncle Jack" could also play a mean game of backgammon.

A voracious lifelong learner, he also loved writing and sharing his ideas. At 99 years old, having previously lost an eye in a chemical project, John Burton had an ability to see with a greater clarity of vision than many either half his age or blessed with both eyes.  According to my friend: "Uncle Jack was a fighter for the environment.  As he grew older, he became more dedicated in his fight to raise awareness of how we were hurting our natural resources.  He wrote innumerable letters-to-the-editors in many newspapers and magazines.  He had many op-ed pieces published.  He had essays about an assortment of topics. Many were about the perils of global warming and population stress on the globe."

To see many of John Joel Burton's writings, visit his website to read his thoughts on these topics:

• Global Warming
• Economic Systems
• Foreign Policies
• Cultures
• Factory Farms

One of the most fascinating things I noticed was that many of his texts were written in the early to mid-2000s.  Ten years later, the topics are still current, and unfortunately (when it comes to the "debate" about climate change) still surprisingly questioned.  As I previously stated: John Joel Burton had more vision than most.  Here are some pretty powerful quotes that were a decade ahead of where many still are today.

"We are the leading nation in the amount of greenhouse gases already added to the atmosphere and in the amount we are adding at present. And as the wealthiest nation we can best afford to undertake preventive actions. Is it a coincidence that the U.S., with the most unregulated free market economic system of all nations, is also the nation most opposed to taking action to prevent global warming?" ~ John Joel Burton 

"To put it simply, our culture lacks a global perspective, an understanding and compassion for the economically or socially disadvantaged, an awareness and concern for the future and a willingness to sacrifice some aspects of our lifestyles for the common good. We have a flawed definition of a successful life in which 'success' is seen as the amount of power, prestige or wealth an individual has acquired. 

"I am strongly against overconsumptionism--consumption of things we doesn't really need but that are seen as essentials by our culture and the power of advertising. It is most likely that the people of the wealthy nations are going to suffer from global warming, and exhaustion of global resources, starting with shortage of water. We need a culture that does not glorify wealth and high living but instead glorifies individual merit." ~ John Joel Burton 

Good thinkers and champions of the environment will always be missed. Cheers to you, Mr. Burton, your 99 years, and all that you did with them.


Pictures from my friend, Heather Burton Boughey of her "Uncle Jack." 

Science Girl Explains Climate Change

There's a saying: "out of the mouths of babes."  This video entitled "Science Girl" puts that saying to work.  Sponsored by The Climate Reality Project, this video shows the difference between climate and weather, and it brings to light why climate change is as important as it is--and how our over-reliance to dirty energy is also at play!
Video from  http://www.momscleanairforce.org/2012/11/26/climate-change-kids-get-it-why-cant-we-video

Happy New Years' Reflections

When I was a kid, we had a family tradition of going to a Bavarian-style hotel. About an hour and a half from home with family friends to celebrate New Years. We did this for years, so the hotel was kind if like a home-away-from-home. We had a freedom to go exploring about, and--just like home--there were always little nooks and crannies that were comfy little hiding spots. It was also part of my traditions (especially during my high school and college years) to cozy up annually in one if these little comfy spots and reflect on the year, and make resolutions for the year ahead.

Something similar to what many people do here at the start of each new year.

As you do that here and now, at the start of 2013, perhaps some of these items below will serve as inspiration for you as you concoct your resolutions for this new year ahead.

From https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151329470698879&set=
pb.92283163878.-2207520000.1357080165&type=3&theater

From http://blog.zerodean.com/2011/quotes/have-the-courage-to-follow-your-heart-and-intuition/

DOT = Do One Thing
From http://www.business-strategy-innovation.com/2009/09/do-one-thing.html

From http://vi.sualize.us/texturism_lululemon_do_one_thing_that_scares_
you_advice_advise_life_words_picture_4jbi.html

From https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=133122690180298&set
=pb.128159857343248.-2207520000.1357079335&type=3&theater

All pictures with captions reveal where they can be found, the other 2: my house, New Year's Eve.