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EcoConnections Classroom Workshops

Earth Impact Students use critical thinking skills as they explore issues of advertising, packaging, and the impacts of their choices on the environment.

EcoConnections workshops reflect current environmental themes and GLE standards. Students work together in small groups that encourage them to discuss, debate, and discover "Why I should care." The workshops challenge teens to develop critical thinking skills by connecting environmental impacts to their everyday choices. Companion videos are provided when appropriate.

As part of the workshops or on their own, students can conduct surveys of their households to determine how efficiently they are reducing their waste and separating recyclables from it. The home surveys come in both a middle school (PDF, 239 K) and high school (PDF, 393 K) version.

The workshops offered are described in detail below. Middle and high school versions are available for each workshop.

To schedule an EcoConnections workshop call Triangle Associates at 206-583-0655 or e-mail workshops@triangleassociates.com.

Biodiversity in Our World

What is biodiversity and why is it important for survival on Earth? Students actively engage in a discussion of real world issues such as habitat protection, population growth, pollution and overconsumption. Through challenging and fun, hands-on activities, students gain a clear understanding of biodiversity, human impacts on the planet, and how their personal choices can make a difference. The high school version also incorporates the topic of climate change as it relates to biodiversity and human impact on the environment. The video "Natural Connections" is highly recommended as preparation for this workshop.

Very well organized. The presenter moved through the material in a well paced, interesting manner. Students were engaged throughout! - High school science teacher

I used to feel that big issues like biodiversity were beyond my control. Now I know that I can help! - Junior high student

Biospheres

Using individual ecosphere models, students examine the biotic and abiotic factors that influence an ecosystem within a closed environment. Students compare an ecosphere to Earth and realize how their daily consumption and disposal habits affect the planet. They rethink and explore ways to live more sustainably. For high school groups, discussion can include climate change and its sources and impacts.

I was very happy with the workshop; my studentsstill refer to the information shared in the lessons. – Middle school teacher

Consumption Junction

How do our lifestyles affect the quality of the Earth's environment? Through studying the life cycle of an aluminum can from its bauxite source to recycling, students learn about the time, energy, and natural resources that go into making an everyday product, the resulting environmental impacts, and how we can limit consumption to create a more sustainable future. Combine this workshop with Earth Impact and/or Think Twice for a complete unit.

Always a very informative and engaging lesson for the students. – Middle school teacher

Instructor was very accepting of the different student needs in my classes. – 8th grade math teacher

Earth Impact: Overconsumption or Sustainability?

How and why do we choose what to buy and what impact do these choices have on our planet? Rotating through stations that explore advertising, packaging, and our ecological footprint, students recognize the impacts their choices have on the environment and ways to choose more sustainable products. Students use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make informed decisions. The high school version includes a more in-depth look at what sustainability is and the different ways to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. The videos "Stuff" and "Gotta Have It" are recommended viewing prior to this workshop. Combine this workshop with Consumption Junction and/or Think Twice for a complete unit.

The workshop helped students utilize their higher level thinking skills to understand how they can make a difference in the environment that they live in. - Sixth-grade teacher -Fantastic! Energetic, informative and engaging. – High school teacher

NEW! Let’s Talk Trash

How does your garbage affect resource use, energy, and climate change? Students discover the connections by participating in a “talk show” hosted by the presenter. Students work in small teams and become experts on how recycling and waste prevention help save landfill space, conserve natural resources and even reduce the factors that contribute to climate change. They use the skills of debate and persuasive argument and make a connection between concept and action. An optional pre-workshop home or classroom audit (PDF, 131 K) enables students to apply their ideas and solutions to their own school and community.

Think Twice

Using popular teen products such as IPods, cell phones and computers, students explore the concept of product stewardship and examine product life cycles and the importance of making conscious, sustainable shopping choices. Students explore how teens have made a difference in this region and are encouraged to think about changes they can make in their own lives and at their school. This workshop is recommended as a follow-up to Earth Impact or Consumption Junction. The workshop features the video STUFF, which comes with a teacher's guide (PDF, 170 K).

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