Environmentally and Educationally-friendly

Story Planted on July 3, 2008

By Cole Cheney

It’s one thing when a teacher teaches environmental issues. It’s another when “Dora the Explorer” conveys green lifestyle choices. Ask a student about the 3 R’s and they are as likely to say “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” as “Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmatic”. As green issues permeate through children’s television, music and Internet websites, Iowa teachers are following the messages with supporting facts and interwoven lessons. Speakers, fieldtrips and lessons comprise the various “packages” in which sustainability and environmental consciousness reach young Iowans. Parents wanting to extend their child’s green knowledge can check out PBSKids.org’s “Backyard Jungle”, the “Green Guide for Kids” blog online or call their local Environmental Protection Agency office for a slew of resources.
While children only control small aspects of resource consumption (reducing water use and recycling waste), many eco-friendly ideals taught now will flourish in later years, according to Elaine Watkins-Miller, Spokesperson for the Iowa Board of Education.

“Just recently, the Iowa Legislator passed a law mandating that by 2014, all public schools in the state teach the ‘Iowa Core Curriculum,’ Watkins-Miller said. “One of the primary science requirements includes a working knowledge of ‘environmental stewardship’.”

While formal legislation is years away, various districts strive to “teach green” in their own fashion. Though qualitative or obvious influence of the teachings are yet to be seen, getting the ideas “out there” is key, according to Dave Blum, Director of Math and Science Curriculum for the West Des Moines School District.
“We really thrive to show students these practices outside the classroom,” Bloom said. “Our schools have full recycling systems, environmental clubs and a curriculum tailored to each grade.”

Covering a different ecosystem every grade, students spend their science classes learning about the various animals, plants and geography associated with the environment. 6th graders study wetlands for months before visiting an actual wetland while 4th graders visit a preserved prairie after in-depth learning on the topic. After facilitating a student relationship with nature, said Blum, teachers then inform students of humanity’s effect on the particular ecosystem.

“Our kids typically respond after learning how their pollution impacts the rainforests, deserts and oceans that they are studying,” Blum said.

Though each district creates their own curriculum until 2014, Blum is confident that most schools teach students skills of sustainability. Parents however, are as important as the teachers themselves in “teaching green”.

“The schools are definitely emphasizing ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ with speakers and projects,” said Jennifer Galluzzo, a mother of 3 children that attend Montessori Children’s House in Des Moines. “I also like to encourage environmental awareness at home to follow-up on the school lessons.”

Monitoring paper towel usage and utilizing reusable water bottles are a few of the small things that Galluzzo does to teach her children a more sustainable lifestyle. Effectiveness in the learning process, according to her and Blum, lies in keeping lessons on the micro level.

“I can hardly understand what causes acid rain or landfill problems, let alone my kids,” said Galluzzo. “Instead, I just like to explain that certain things and practices are wasteful.”

Noting that “even Dora talks about taking care of the earth”, Galluzzo’s perceptions are not outlandish for picking up on an eco-friendly tone in children’s media. Nickelodeon’s “The Big Help”, Disney’s “Jonas Brothers” and PBS’ “Backyard Jungle” each feature environmental awareness emphasis in regular programming slots.

As the message of sustainability spreads through these different channels, environmental consciousness becomes ever harder to ignore. The environmentalists’ battle will only truly be won, however, as soon as Homer Simpson yells “D’oh!” after forgetting his reusable grocery bag.