Air and Space: Cradle of Aviation Museum For us adults to be as smart as a 5th grader, all we need to do is stay on the topics we know well. For me, once I enter a realm of naming the capital of every state in the United States, I will be in trouble. Nevertheless, today I was scheduled to speak at the Cradle of Aviation Museum where about 500 fifth graders came to visit. Fifth graders ask a prodigious amount of questions! This is an excellent sign showing that they have exceptional teachers at their school. Each group of students rotated to my section where I gave my interactive workshop five different times throughout the day. All I had to do is teach them about living a more sustainable life within twenty minutes. No problem when you have a small amount of hands-on items to demonstrate how they Do Not Need any Electricity for many things in their home.
I started off by giving examples to explain what sustainability was and the difference between renewables (trees) and non-renewables (oil and gas). Then I shared with them how not using electricity when doing everyday tasks will save money and energy for their parents who pay the bills, along with our environment for all of us.
So, how did they wake up this morning was my first test...
"Alarm clock! My cell phone!", were the prevailing answers.
"Oh, an alarm clock that is plugged in and using electricity?"
"Yes," was the answer with a disappointed tone.
Then came, "Wait! My cell phone uses a battery!"
"Oh," I responded. "Do you plug in your cell phone to charge the battery with electricity?"
Now at this point I believed that I was getting my lesson across... Not with fifth graders, because someone always has another answer.
"Wait! I don't have an alarm clock. My mom wakes me up every morning by screaming at me!"
I relented and stated that was a sustainable way to wake up. The teachers and parents with the students did enjoy that exchange very much. I then told the students about when I was their age and the Wind-Up alarm clock I used. None of them knew what a windup alarm clock was, I shared how I needed to be responsible for winding my alarm clock every night before going to sleep so I could get up for school. Quickly I suggested that perhaps they all can ask for a windup alarm clock for their birthdays and not use anymore electricity to wake up.
I started off by giving examples to explain what sustainability was and the difference between renewables (trees) and non-renewables (oil and gas). Then I shared with them how not using electricity when doing everyday tasks will save money and energy for their parents who pay the bills, along with our environment for all of us.
So, how did they wake up this morning was my first test...
"Alarm clock! My cell phone!", were the prevailing answers.
"Oh, an alarm clock that is plugged in and using electricity?"
"Yes," was the answer with a disappointed tone.
Then came, "Wait! My cell phone uses a battery!"
"Oh," I responded. "Do you plug in your cell phone to charge the battery with electricity?"
Now at this point I believed that I was getting my lesson across... Not with fifth graders, because someone always has another answer.
"Wait! I don't have an alarm clock. My mom wakes me up every morning by screaming at me!"
I relented and stated that was a sustainable way to wake up. The teachers and parents with the students did enjoy that exchange very much. I then told the students about when I was their age and the Wind-Up alarm clock I used. None of them knew what a windup alarm clock was, I shared how I needed to be responsible for winding my alarm clock every night before going to sleep so I could get up for school. Quickly I suggested that perhaps they all can ask for a windup alarm clock for their birthdays and not use anymore electricity to wake up.
Solar Power LED Lights I then showed the students my windup flashlight and radio. We learned that a manual can opener is faster than an electric can opener. We talked about manual tooth brushes, crank pencil sharpeners and saw a carpet sweeper in action. Not one student ever saw a carpet sweeper before!
We then compared electric and gas operated lawn mowers to my push lawn mower. They all wanted to see my Youtube video called Mowing Down The Lawn. Perhaps their teachers will show them parts of the video in the classroom. I showed them a solar powered outdoor LED light, a hand coffee press, solar powered leaf blowers and weed whackers. We talked about how cable TV boxes and game boxes use electricity even when not on!
We then compared electric and gas operated lawn mowers to my push lawn mower. They all wanted to see my Youtube video called Mowing Down The Lawn. Perhaps their teachers will show them parts of the video in the classroom. I showed them a solar powered outdoor LED light, a hand coffee press, solar powered leaf blowers and weed whackers. We talked about how cable TV boxes and game boxes use electricity even when not on!
Demonstrating my battery operated blower, charge by solar panels! Solar is ReNewable!
By the time all was said, asked, and done, we had a good time learning new things and shared a few laughs!
Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!
Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!
