Hey again all,

Here is the activity for the lesson for your first week in the schools.  The topic is global warming/sustainable practices.  We left the discussion portion completely open-ended so you can take the conversation in whatever direction the students or you choose.

Red vs. Green:

Most students start out with a strip of blue paper (which represent Earth, ice, etc.). Three students have red strips (which represent environmentally harmful practices that lead to global warming- discuss what some of these harmful practices may be, ex: pollution). One student will have a strip of green paper (which will represent environmentally sustainable practices- these should be part of the discussion as well). 

Like freeze tag, the three red strip students will try to tag blue, showing global warming affecting the Earth.  Once tagged, the blue strip students will sit on the floor to show that they have been damaged by unsustainable practices.  At the same time, the green strip student will also be tagging blue strip players.  However, when tagged by the green, the blue will stand with their arms in the air like a tree.  These “Earths” stay alive and healthy thanks to green, sustainable practices.  

Naturally, the global warming players will tag more Earths than the Green because the ratio is 3:1.  The point of this activity is to show that currently, more harmful than sustainable practices are being used by humans.  With the continued use of these practices, we (literally in the game) see the detrimental effects on the planet.  This opens the airwaves for a discussion about what is causing global warming, what global warming is, and what can be done to remedy it or at least reduce the rate at which it is occurring.  

Let us know if you need any clarification! Sorry for the email overload!

So long,
 Taylor & Katie