DNRP > SWD > Education & Schools Assistance > Secondary School Programs > FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a fee for this program?
2. How do the presentations work?
3. How do the middle and high school workshops differ?
4. Are the presentations done in the classroom?
5. How long is each lesson?
6. Can I get the workshop for all five of my classes?
7. How many lessons can you come out and teach?
8. I have a co-worker who would be interested in these lessons as well. Can you visit both our classrooms?
9. Does this program satisfy any Washington State EALRs?
10. What are other teachers saying about this workshop?
11. Why should I register as a Green Team if I am already doing a project with my students?
12. How long is the commitment for a Green Team project?
13. Is there a minimum or maximum number of students allowed in one Green Team workshop?

1. Is there a fee for this program?

There is no fee for the workshops; they are offered free to schools in King County outside of the City of Seattle.

2. How do the presentations work?

The workshops are designed for middle and high school students and encourage critical thinking and discussion about our level of resource consumption. Throughout the lesson, students rotate in groups through three different stations and are responsible for handing in a worksheet at the end of the presentation. Our presenters encourage questions and discussion about resource conservation, biodiversity and personal choices for reducing our impact on the environment.

3. How do the middle and high school workshops differ?

While both versions of the workshop follow the same basic outline, high school students are presented with more challenging questions and are asked to reach higher level of thinking. Our workshop presenters are skilled at modifying the workshop based on the ability of the students.

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4. Are the presentations done in the classroom?

Our presenters will set up props and materials in your classroom and preferably stay in that same room throughout the teaching day. Both workshops encourage group table work and require students to complete a worksheet.

5. How long is each lesson?

Class periods need to be a minimum of 50 minutes. We are happy to present to classes that last up to 85 minutes.

6. Can I get the workshop for all five of my classes?

Yes, as long as each class is a minimum of 50 minutes in length, we can present to all five class periods.

7. How many lessons can you come out and teach?

If scheduling and budget constraints permit, we would be happy to return to your classroom on an additional date to teach a different lesson.

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8. I have a co-worker who would be interested in these lessons as well. Can you visit both our classrooms?

Yes, in fact, we encourage whole grade levels to participate in the program, particularly if there is school-wide focus on waste reduction and recycling or other environmental topics. If both of you have only one or two classes but during different periods, then we can accommodate both of you on the same day. Otherwise, we will schedule you on two different days.

9. Does this program satisfy any Washington State EALRs?

Yes, both workshops satisfy a variety of Washington State EALRs in areas such as reading, science, geography, history and communication. Specific EALRs (PDF, 15 K) are listed for each lesson.

10. What are other teachers saying about this workshop?

"This program was very appropriate and well-received by the students 7th to 10th grade." (Middle/high school teacher, Kent Mountain View Academy)

"This is an excellent presentation! It is well put together and very interesting. I would love copies of your data." (Seventh grade teacher, Tolt Middle School)

"These are wonderful workshops - I feel they support our program very well." (Sixth grade teacher, Meridian Elementary)

11. Why should I register as a Green Team if I am already doing a project with my students?

Even if your project is already underway, we want to hear about it! We can still provide assistance and prizes for your students upon project completion. The more we know, the more we can help teachers network with one another.

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12. How long is the commitment for a Green Team project?

That depends on you. A Green Team project can last for an hour (such as building a worm bin or cleaning up litter), a month (such as improving recycling at your school by educating other classrooms) or all year or longer (such as restoring a stream). Even the shortest Green Team projects can be worthwhile and valuable to your students and school community.

13. Is there a minimum or maximum number of students allowed in one Green Team workshop?

Yes, Green Team classroom workshops are designed for one classroom at a time (though the Green Team specialist may visit several classrooms consecutively). Classes must have at least ten students to have a classroom workshop. However, we can provide general assistance to Green Teams with any number of students, from a small class to the entire school.

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