In-Class and Out of Class Activities
One of our goals in the priority of our project for environment and carpet change is to create “Environmental Awareness Activities” in educational environments for sustainability. In this context, the protection of nature and seas where we live is of great importance and meaning. Unfortunately, today, permanent solutions aimed at protecting nature, clean water resources and seas and preventing damage have not yet been produced. In this context, some environmental activities that students will be involved in at an early age can cause permanent behavioral changes. Therefore, in this section of the platform, it is aimed to give examples of more realistic and functional activities and environmental awareness activities that can be done, considering the goal of permanent behavioral change in students.
Treatment Plant Tour (Outside the Classroom)
Target Group: Students
Duration: 1-2 hours
Activity Location: Outdoor
Activity: A trip to a recycling facility and a wastewater treatment facility is organized so that students can gain more concrete meaning to concepts such as recycling and treatment, and so that children can see how waste is recycled and dirty water is cleaned in their homes, schools and surroundings. During the trip, students will have the opportunity to learn how much energy is used in recycling waste or treating wastewater, which can contribute to them being more environmentally friendly.
List of Needs: Vehicle to transport students to facilities
Partners: Relevant local government Municipality and schools in the region
Tip: During the trip, it can be explained how much energy is spent in the production of a plastic bottle, how it harms the environment, but how recycling will reduce this energy and its positive effects on the environment.
Coastal Cleaning (Outside the Classroom)
Target Group: Students, beach users, local people
Duration: 30 minutes
Activity location: Outdoor
Activity:In order to draw the public's attention to using beaches cleanly and to raise awareness about beach cleaning, a cleaning campaign was carried out on the beach with the participation of students from surrounding schools and the collected garbage was displayed with banners and signs carried by the children. Later, the children will be walked around the district with banners and signs in their hands to raise awareness.
List of Needs: Sufficient number of garbage bags and gloves, colored cardboards and pens, a lath to hold the banners.
Partners: Relative Municipality and schools in the region
Tip: Public participation can also be ensured to attract more attention during the walk and cleaning. Symbolic gifts can be given to the participants after the event.
Exploring Ecosystems (Outside the Classroom)
Target Group: Students
Objective: Students will observe local ecosystems to understand biodiversity and discover how ecosystems work
Duration: 90 minutes
Method: Nature walk, observation and note taking
Materials: Notebook, pen, magnifying glass, camera (optional)
Activity:
Students are briefed on the definition and importance of ecosystems. Students are divided into groups and go on a nature walk. Different living and non-living elements such as plants, animals and soil types are observed. Each student takes notes in their observation notebook and draws interesting elements they find.
Assessment: Students prepare an ecosystem report based on their observations.
Calculating My Carbon Footprint (In-Class)
Objective: Students calculate their individual carbon footprints and develop ways to reduce them
Duration: 60 minutes
Method: Presentation, individual calculation and group discussion
Materials: Computer, carbon footprint calculators, worksheets
Activity:
The concept of carbon footprint is explained and why it is important is discussed through examples. Students think about their energy consumption, transportation habits and consumption habits in their daily lives. Each student's carbon footprint is calculated using carbon footprint calculators on the internet. Brainstorming is done on methods to reduce carbon emissions based on the data collected in groups.
Assessment: Each student individually prepares an action plan to reduce their carbon footprint.
From Waste to Art (Inside and Outside the Classroom)
Purpose: To increase recycling awareness and encourage creative thinking
Duration: 120 minutes
Method: Workshop and group work
Materials: Different types of waste materials (plastic bottles, paper, cardboard), scissors, glue, paint
Activity:
Students are informed about the effects of waste on the environment. Groups develop a project to design an artistic work using waste materials. The creativity of each group is supported throughout the design process. At the end of the project, all works are exhibited in the classroom.
Evaluation: Students present their projects and make explanations on the theme of sustainability.
Water Cycle Experiment (In-Class)
Purpose: To learn the basic processes of the water cycle and the movements of water in nature
Duration: 45 minutes
Method: Experiment and observation
Materials: Jar, water, plastic stretch film, rubber band, sunlight
Activity:
The stages of the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation and groundwater movement) are explained to the students. Some water is put in the jar and stretch film is stretched over it. The jar is placed in a place exposed to sunlight. Evaporation and condensation are observed over time.
Evaluation: Students record their experimental observations and prepare a short report on the water cycle.
Climate Change and Local Effects (In-Class)
Purpose: To analyze the effects of climate change at the local level
Duration: 90 minutes
Method: Research and presentation
Materials: Internet access, poster materials
Activity: Students are shown examples of global and local climate change. Groups research how climate change affects their regions. Each group prepares a poster or presentation with the data they obtain. Presentations are shared in class and discussions are held.
Evaluation: The content of the presentations and research processes are evaluated.
Energy Detectives (In and Out of Class)
Purpose: To increase energy saving awareness
Duration: 60 minutes
Method: Research and observation
Materials: Notebook, pen
Activity:
Energy consumption and saving methods are explained to students. Groups observe energy consumption in the school and determine energy waste sources. Suggestions for energy saving are developed.
Evaluation: Evaluation is made based on the observation report and solution suggestions.
Environmentally themed applications for in-school activities
-Conducting a sensitivity survey to environmental issues
-Preparing each class’ own recycling bins in the school
-Teaching songs about waste and the environment
-Examining the types of waste in people’s lives and grouping them under the title of “Clusters” and creating posters on this subject
-A candlelight reading time with parents on World Thrift Day (October 31)
-Conducting a Seed Bomb activity
-Orienteering work on waste, recycling, and the environment
-Using glass bottles, plastic cans, plastic cups, etc. at home Implementation of a family participation project on turning waste materials into toys and displaying the activities at school and then gifting them to the kindergarten
-Collage work from old newspapers and magazines
-Playing an English taboo game about the environment
-Taking photos about negative environmental images in our city
-Making a booklet of composition studies called How would our city be if I were the mayor
-Performing a fruit seed to tree activity
-Making kites using packaging waste and plastic bags
-Preparing graphics about waste paper and batteries collected at school and calculating our contribution to the environment