Greener Classroom

Science 8 Classroom

 What does a green classroom look like? One of my goals this school year is to consider the amount of environmental waste that my students and I produce during the course of the school year. The science laboratory alone has a large volume of waste just by the very nature of the activities that the students are engaged. But there is a lot that I think I can do to make big changes here at school. Here are few things that I've started to be a little bit greener.

One of the online activities for students to complete replacing
on that was once completed with paper and pencil.

Science Notebook - Students are required to use a science notebook. My thoughts on the science notebook are two-fold. First, the students will be more engaged in the content because they are both creating and using the materials for the class. But the added effect, is that we will use less paper by not producing photocopyies. I have found that too much of the paper that we photocopy for the classroom can become a disorganized mess. But, the science notebook may be a great way to introduce order to class materials as well as lessen the impact on the environment by eliminating much of the regular photocopying.

Online Activities - Another way to reduce the amount of printing and paper that we use this year is through the class website. I am trying several means to collect student work electronically. This will no doubt eliminate the need for the copying or printing of assignments. Using the parent/student portal website, I am also able to post work in a manner that only the particular student can see his/her work.

Energy - As much as possible, I am making a conscience effort to turn off unused equipment, lights, and electronics. This will lessen the use of electricity.

As the year progresses, I am going to brainstorm more ways to make my classroom greener. If you have any ideas about reducing my impact on the environment, let me know with a comment!