We have employed several teachers to create Greenteach guides for each issue which include additional projects, reproducibles, bibliographies and interesting Internet sites. They then create math word problems which include these facts to exchange with other student pairs. The results of last spring's MCAS testing were a big concern for educators around the Commonwealth. The scores in general were disappointing and clearly highlighted the disparities that exist in our schools. Not surprisingly, there appeared to be a definite correlation between test scores and community wealth.
Children learn best when they're drawn to the subject matter.
By using the environment as a theme, students were not only excited and curious but they felt like experts. Many had immigrated to Boston from environmentally devastated parts of the world. All children affect, and are affected by the environment, regardless of their socioeconomic level. I have found that a project's purpose often becomes wider and richer when students become involved. Their enthusiasm for learning can transform a project into something much bigger than intended.