kids

Leave Only Footprints

Everyone has an ecological footprint. Participants use paper footprints to simulate the impact of their choices on the earth. Extension activities allow students to explore their ecological footprints and what choices can be made to reduce them. Recommended for grades 6 and up. Time: 45 minutes Common Core Standards for this activity (pdf): Download Common…

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beauty in nature

10 Reasons to Take Your Students Outside (& the Research to Back It Up)

A lot of teachers want to offer their students experiences in the natural world, but because of strictures on curriculum, the prevalence of standardized tests, and other challenges, encounters with nature can fall into the category of “nice but not necessary.” But we know from a plethora of research that we humans desperately need that…

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Palm oil pods and seeds

Exploring the True Price of Palm Oil

by Marsha Rakestraw Last updated 1/31/19 Look in your shopping cart, and you probably see soap and other beauty products, baked goods and other processed foods, perhaps some cleaning products. What you don’t see is that about half those products contain palm oil, which means they are contributing to the destruction of forests and communities,…

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books

14 Must-Read Books for Activists

by Marsha Rakestraw We become activists when we learn about an issue or challenge and are inspired to take positive action. Teenager Natalie Warne learned about child soldiers when she watched a documentary in class. She was inspired to become an intern for Invisible Children and help get an important law passed. Economist Muhammad Yunus…

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dog in costume

9 Tips for Horrorific & Humane Halloween Costumes

by Marsha Rakestraw Dressing up on Halloween isn’t just for kids. According to the 2011 National Retail Federation survey, almost half of adults plan to don costumes for Halloween this year, and more than 1 in 10 pet guardians will adorn their furry friends. Americans are expected to spend $2.5 billion on Halloween costumes this…

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ants

Cultivating Compassionate Kids: 10 Children’s Picture Books

by Marsha Rakestraw One of the deepest wishes of many parents is that their children will grow up as thoughtful citizens, showing compassion for people, animals and the earth throughout their lives. Reading and discussing children’s picture books is a great tool for helping children embrace compassion for others. Here are 10 suggested titles: 1….

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Whale breaching the ocean's surface

El Estómago de La Ballena

Los estudiantes aprenden sobre el impacto de nuestra “sociedad de usar y tirar” explorando todos los diferentes tipos de basura encontró en el estómago de una ballena. Recomendado para grados 3-8 Duración: 15-45 minutos

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Entre Bastidores

Entre Bastidores

Los participantes conseguirán explorar la vida oculta de los objetos que utilizan diariamente. Para lograrlo, van a investigar sobre cómo esos productos se crean. Sobre  quién o qué ha sido necesario o ha podido sufrir algún daño durante la creación y distribución del producto. Recomendado para grados 6 en adelante Duración: Desde 45 minutos hasta…

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¿Qué Precio Tiene La Belleza?

¿Qué Precio Tiene La Belleza?

Esta actividad le ayuda a los estudiantes a explorar y pensar críticamente sobre el impacto de los ingredientes en los productos de cuidado personal que se ponen, le ponen a otras personas, animales y que afectan al medio ambiente, al igual que la manera en que la mercadotecnia y las marcas afectan nuestras elecciones. Recomendado…

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¿Qué Caracteriza a Una Persona Humana?

¿Qué Caracteriza a Una Persona Humana?

¿Cuáles son las cualidades más deseables e indeseables de los seres humanos? Utilicen ejemplos de historias y fotografías para ayudar a los estudiantes a identificar nuestras mejores (y peores) cualidades y cómo podemos fomentar más cualidades humanitarias entre nosotros mismos y los demás. Recomendado para grados de 3 a 6 Duración: 30-60 minutos Traducido por…

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