With the third program director, sophomore Adrienne Hacker, Goldman and Stevens designed units that would each build on the last. This past fall, about 30 volunteers taught about connections and systems, like the water cycle, ecosystems and habitats. This winter, they have brought those broad lessons closer to home by focusing on Minnesota natural history. They will teach about ways to conserve natural resources this spring. Each week, a team of volunteers is responsible for planning lessons and teaching them to the other volunteers.
Lessons usually combine short lectures with visual demonstrations and hands-on activities.
During one lesson about water conservation, Goldman nonchalantly brushed her teeth at the back of the classroom, with the faucet on the whole time. When the kids wondered what she was doing, she pulled a bucket out of the sink and showed them how much water is wasted in the few minutes it takes to brush teeth. In another lesson, students divided into teams of ecodetectives, and went around the school looking for water and energy waste and improper recycling. Many have participated in other environmental groups, and illustrate their lessons with personal experiences. Stevens spent a year as an AmeriCorps volunteer teaching conservation to elementary students, and Goldman is working on a major in biology with a concentration in environmental and technology studies.