July
3,
2008
By:
Thelma K. from West Jefferson, NC
Here are some facts and figures according to reusable bags, regarding paper bags vs plastic bags:
In 1999, 14 million trees were cut to produce the 10 billion paper grocery bags used by Americans that year alone;
Paper bags generate 70% more air and 50 times more water pollutants than plastic bags;
Paper bags use 4 times as much energy to construct compared to a plastic bag;
Paper bags use 84 times as much energy to recycle compared to a plastic bag;
Some studies have shown that paper bags generally don’t decompose any faster in landfills than plastic bags. This is apparently due to the lack of water, light and oxygen etc, in landfills.
Paper bags use more space in landfills than plastic bags.
So, the best thing to do is to avoid paper and plastic bags altogether. I agree that we should opt for a reusable bag/tote made from a natural fiber.
Ideally, your reusable bag would be large enough to fit 5 times the groceries that a plastic bag would. Also, it would be so durable, that you can continue to reuse it for 2 - 3 years without needing to replace it.
Think of how many plastic or paper bags you’d be saving by doing that!
So lets get started with the reuseable design challenge .
READ MORE |
|
 SHARE
|
July
3,
2008
By:
Lisa M. from Merion Station, PA
This fall our school is going to an alternate A-B schedule with 90 minute blocks from a traditional 7 period 50 minute per class schedule. Our teachers look forward to this change becasue they feel it would give them more time to give the students more individual assistance; opportunities to get to know the students personally;time for more meaningful and creative student work; and the ability to structure a full lesson. Thus, these advantages of a 90 minute block period should lead to a less stressful and more flexible classroom climate.
READ MORE |
|
SHARE
|
July
3,
2008
By:
Lisa M. from Merion Station, PA
The manner in which buidings and facilities are designed have a huge impact on students academic performance. Good design is fundamental to learning. Children respond differently to various classroom settings, which is why it is so important to ensure their classrooms are designed to stimulate them in a positive way. By allowing them to have input in the design of their classroom creates a balanced learning environment.
READ MORE |
|
SHARE
|
July
3,
2008
By:
Karen T. from Philadelphia, PA
Although drinking mineral water has not been proven to improve health, people are making health conscious decisions to not drink sodas and other sugary juices and drinks. If only all of those plastic bottles were recycled it would not leave them landfilled, incinerated, or littered.
READ MORE |
|
SHARE
|
July
2,
2008
By:
Lisa M. from Merion Station, PA
Lisa, I think what you did with your kids is great. I am a from New Orleans and I could totally see my kids getting into that project. What a great way to incorporate a visual design with a poetic design. I may have to try this next year.
READ MORE |
|
SHARE
|
July
2,
2008
By:
Lisa M. from Merion Station, PA
Thanks Ashlee,
I attended a workshop given by Wiggins and yes it was all very helpful. Are other teachers at your school working at implementing UBD or are you pioneering it on your own?
READ MORE |
|
SHARE
|
July
2,
2008
By:
Lisa M. from Merion Station, PA
Great idea Joyce...Thanks. I'm thinking of backing into structured writing. Your ideas fits into my plan.
Lisa
READ MORE |
|
SHARE
|
July
1,
2008
By:
Barbara N. from Overland Park, KS
Lee and Barbara,
What school are you from? How do I contact you for a phone call?
I am a tech teacher teaching Design and I would love to have an art person come alongside.
READ MORE |
|
SHARE
|
July
1,
2008
By:
Amanda T. from Chattanooga, TN
I saw a news story last week on CBS that discussed a school district in Modesto, California, that teaches world religions to its students. They are not preaching, but teaching in a community that now has a huge diversity of religions and wants to promote religious tolerance. Check out the link. It mentions a book that might help you. Also, you could contact them or look at their website to find out what they're doing to teach the course. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/24/eveningnews/main4206426.shtml?source=search_story
READ MORE |
|
SHARE
|
July
1,
2008
By:
Erin J. from Alexandria , VA
Our 8th graders made books. The teacher was able to purchase the binding materials. I will have to ask her when we retun to school where she bought them. I do know she orderd them off the internet. She printed the pages on our 2 sided color printer.
READ MORE |
|
SHARE
|