Resources
Reviewers this issue: Kelly Borkowski, John Cooper, Ariana Grindrod, Judy Halpern, Jon Hayes, Jen Johnson, Phyllis McKenzie, and Barbara McMillan
Buy, Use,
Toss? Designed to create thought- ful consumers, Buy, Use, Toss? A Closer Look at the Things We Buy is an interdisciplin-
ary 2-week curriculum for grades 9-12 that focus on the impacts that the Western materials’ economy has on the environment, society and our lives. After determining whether common consumer items are necessities or luxuries, students follow the life cycle of an item, from extraction of natural resources to production, distribution, consumption and disposal. Key les- sons include analyzing advertisements and reflecting on the relationship between consumer goods and qual- ity of life. Most lessons are designed to be completed in small groups, and include blackline master worksheets. The unit incorporates the free online video “The Story of Stuff,” which explores the conventional production cycle in order to help students consider more sustainable alternatives. In- cluded are links to up-to-date external resources for teacher background and student research and all lessons are linked to U.S. National Standards for science and social studies. – (PM)
Facing the Future, 2010, no ISBN (PDF), 105 pp., free download from Facing the Future, <
www.facingthefuture.org>.
Change Your Fuel, Change
Your World Do you remember the guy who traveled across America in the late ‘90s fueling his modern ‘flower power’ van with used fryer oil from fast food restaurants? In the documentary Fuel, Josh Tickell now makes a compelling case for biodiesel’s importance as a viable alternative to gasoline and petroleum- based diesel. The documentary offers
a fascinating history of the diesel engine (which origi- nally ran on biodiesel!) and how the petro- leum industry has quashed biodiesel as a major fuel
source for the last 100 years. Apart from the environment, Tickell shows us why alternative fuels are an imper- ative for reasons of economics and social justice as well—how the U.S.’ dependence on oil has led to huge foreign debt as well as unnecessary wars. The film addresses objections to the sustainability of biodiesel produc- tion by offering alternatives to virgin oil production, such as promising new algae-based technologies and produc- tion from waste byproducts. Ideal for high school science, environmental and social studies classrooms. – (PM)
Cinema Libre Studio, 2010, ISBN 1-59587- 130-6 (DVD), 112 minutes, US$24.95 from Cinema Libre, (818) 349-8822, <www.
cinemalibrestudio.com>.
Asphalt to Ecosystems Asphalt to Ecosystems: Design Ideas for Schoolyard Transformation by Sharon Danks is a book for school adminis- trators, teachers, parents, and school designers ready to change the environ- ments in which we teach and learn. The book features case studies of urban and rural schoolyards from around the world, accompa- nied by beautiful color photo- graphs. It offers diverse solutions for greening schoolyards through incor- porating wildlife habitats, organic
gardens and artistic elements. Examples of schoolyard elements profiled include forest, desert and wetland ecosystems, permaculture food gardens and renew- able energy systems. The book evinces the benefits of such projects with links to curriculum spanning the humanities and sciences. Within the design process, we are guided to address practical issues
GREEN TEACHER 93
such as seating, microclimates and protection from the elements. Though most case studies are from California, the book addresses schoolyard greening solutions for many different climates and bioregions. This book is an impor- tant addition to the growing body of literature on green schoolyard transfor- mation, and is a must-have for school district libraries as well as an asset for all schools. – (PM/JC)
New Village Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0- 9766054-8-5 (pb), 276 pp., US$39.95 from New Village Press , <
www.newvillage-
press.net>.
Get Growing! Edited by Jolie Mayer-Smith and Linda Peterat, Get Growing! Activities for Food and Garden Learning, A Teacher Resource For Elementary and Middle Grades will help educa- tors connect grades K-7 students with the natural world through food garden- ing. Over 300 interdisciplinary and inquiry- based activi- ties encourage students to use their senses in experiencing
gardens first-hand. A comprehensive range of topics are covered, from plant identification, to soil and com- post, nutrients, the plant cycle, spring planning, planting & tending, harvest- ing and winter gardens. Curriculum connections run the gamut of subjects (science, social studies, mathematics, language and visual arts, nutrition/ health, home economics, drama, ca- reers, and physical education). While the guide was developed in Vancouver, its lessons apply to many geographic locations. Each topic is laid out as a user-friendly lesson plan including learning outcomes, key vocabulary, curriculum connections, materials, preparations, guidance for volunteers and further extensions. Student hand- outs are provided for most activities to continue the learning in the classroom. To inspire students with real-life ex- amples, profiles of farmers, gardeners and environmentalists are interspersed among the lessons. – (JHayes)
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