INTRODUCING The Green Challenge

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Why the Green Challenge

It is vital students begin to learn about sustainability at an early age.   Years ago, learning about the environment and global climate change was not a high priority. In fact, most people didn't know that it was even an issue or would become one.  Global climate change is a major concern and should be at the top of our educational initiatives. In the United States approximately 55 million students and 5 million teachers go to school each day. Imagine if we (the educators) taught every child about how to become a sustainable citizen. Students would have a solid foundation for understanding that sustainability is the right thing to do and does matter a great deal. 

Green Challenge Overview

The Green challenge will focus on engaging students from middle school through high school level.  Students will learn how to plan for long-term solutions in the green building industry and other related green technologies that promote a healthier way of life.  Through the challenge, students will learn about sustainability, and how integrated design and conscientious planning allow for systems to work together maximizing efficiency.  The Challenge is intended to bridge connections between students and green professionals, resulting in an exchange of knowledge normally not available in a classroom setting.  The academic component will focus on implementing standards and other criteria relevant to school curriculum, which results in powerful collaboration, interdisciplinary, and technology rich experiences.  The challenge will also promote higher order thinking skills and enhance student involvement and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics...STEM Education.  In addition, the challenge is intended to help students become aware of the variety of green collar careers that will be available as well as better prepare students with skills and knowledge they will need for the workforce of the future. 

Teacher's role in the Green Challenge

Teachers: Facilitate the project...guide from the side; receive professional development and the Green Challenge teachers manual, learn along with the students about how to "go green" while improving their pedagogical knowledge in Problem Based Learning along with a broad range of subject areas.

What is Problem Based Learning? 

Problem Based Learning usually begins with the introduction of an ill-structured problem, in this case the Green Challenge Scenario will kick-off the learning process. Teachers assume the role of cognitive coach rather than knowledge-holder and disseminator of information. The teacher guides from the side and facilitates the process. Students assume the role of active problem-solvers, decision-makers, and take control over their own learning rather than be passive listeners. They begin by brainstorming what they know about the scenario. They list what they need to know, and begin to narrow down essential questions that will serve as guidelines along the way.  They begin to analyze critically, options, revisit the original scenario and determine who will do what, where, when, how and why as group or individual actions are taken. They develop an action plan, present and implement their green solutions.

Students:  Keep journals, write essays and letters, collaborate with other students and green professions, conduct research, and develop action plans that result in sustainable changes in their school, home and community.

The Green Challenge program is intended to be student lead and teacher facilitated.  Students are to work in teams (maximum 4 students per team). A portfolio of the work of the team is to be submitted for review prior to an end of the year exposition, where teams showcase their work and are judged/awarded accordingly.   

Awards:  Teams will have an opportunity to achieve scholar, Toward Satori, and/or Green Satori awards as their work will be judged by peers, EIRC/NTN staff, and professionals within the green industry.  Students who achieve the Toward and Green Satori award will be invited to attend an award recognition ceremony and could also be invited to other national, State, and community recognitions offered through leading green industries, organizations, and associations.

Contact Maria Cotton at mcotton@eirc.org for more information about the Green Challenge program.