ECOQUEST: Make Your School Sustainable!

• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Evaluation
• Conclusion
• Credits


• Teacher Page

Process

STEP 1: Before we begin, you'll want to know something about global warming. Visit the Energy Star Kids website and watch the Quickest Ever Slide Show to learn about global warming. You may also want to explore the Climate Change Kids Site, Ology Climate Change Site or the Windows to the Universe Site to learn more.

STEP 2: Now we will discover the contribution we are making to global warming by figuring out our own Ecological Footprint.

What is an Ecological Footprint, you ask?

An Ecological Footprint (EF) is a measure of how much biologically productive land and water an individual, population or activity requires to produce all the resources it consumes and to absorb the waste it generates.

In short, an EF measures the effect your lifestyle choices are having on the environment.

What is in an Ecological Footprint?
Food (Local or Global, Animal Byproduct or Vegetarian, Processed or Farm-fresh)
Shelter (Free-standing home or apartment?)
Mobility (Cars (Miles per Gallon), Public Transportation, and Airplanes)
Goods (Clothing and other consumer products)
Services (Garbage, Electricity, Water, etc.) 

STEP 3: In order to figure out your Footprint, you'll need to ask your parents or guardians the following questions. Jot down your answers because you'll need them for the next activity!

1.    How often does our family eat animal based products? Can you rate our consumption on a scale ranging from daily to never?

2.    Do we eat processed food more often than locally-produced fresh food?

3.   How much waste do you think we create as compared to the average American?

4.    Is our home a single family free-standing unit, a duplex, or an apartment building? Do we have electricity?

5.    How big is our home, as measured in square feet?

6.  About how many miles do I travel each week in a car?

7.  What is the Miles Per Gallon rating of our vehicle?

8.  How many miles per week do I travel using public transportation?

9.  About how many hours do I spend on an airplane each year, if any?

STEP 4: Now that you have completed this interview, you are ready to determine your Ecological Footprint! Let's go to the website by clicking on the words Ecological Footprint. Start the process by clicking on North America on the map, then creating an avatar (just like when you play Wii!). You can design any type of avatar you want. Click on the Begin button and have fun! If your parent or guardian is completing this activity with you, you may want to enter detailed information. Otherwise, enter the basic information found in the top half of the window.

Remember to save your results so you can access them later!

Your results will help you to understand that an Ecological Footprint shows you what you are doing in your daily life to impact the health of the planet.

 STEP 6:  Since you have gathered lots of information about your Footprint and ways to make sustainable choices, it's time to share the results! In your reflective journal, write an entry which includes:

EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES!

Now that you have determined how much of an impact you are having on the Earth, it is time to explore your options about how to make it a better place! Explore the following websites to learn more!

 

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITH ALL THIS INFORMATION????

We're going to use it to make our school a greener place!

Visit The Natural Resources Defense Council Website and print out a Green Squad Progress Report. Use it to guide yourself through the school. This activity will help you to find ways to make our school a greener place!

After you have completed this progress report, it is time to take action! 

Your job is to complete the assignment listed in the task area!

Good Luck!