Archive for the ‘Minds’ Category

Summer 2010 Newsletter — Seasonal Eco-info & Solutions

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Cornelia Mazzan

iStock_000003101006XSmallWhat’s so harmful about using regular sunscreen and bug spray?

What is Permaculture…and how can it help our life on the planet?

How can your family reduce their oil consumption, especially after seeing the Gulf disaster unfold?

How can you teach your children about the oil spill and the effects on the environment?

For the answers, check out Real Mama’s Summer 2010 E-newsletter below.

Recognizing that families and caregivers are short on time and that environmental issues and actions can be complex, Real Mama researches and reviews some of the latest environmental topics and concerns for today’s busy families.

Hope you’re enjoying summer so far. Thanks for your visit and please let us know what you think!

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The Oil Spill and a Teachable Moment

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Camille LoFaro Sowinski

0629002330The Quick Facts: Whether it’s an at-home project or a lesson plan for the classroom, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has provided us with a teachable moment that cannot be passed-up. With real time streaming video available of the actual leak and a host of easy-to-replicate science experiments, the devastation in the Gulf may be the catalyst needed to raise a generation with an awareness of the realities that accompany our fuel consumption habits.

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La Costa Heights Elementary School — Green in Action Award Winners

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Cornelia Mazzan

Sue Andrew’s Second Grade Class in Carlbad, California has had a “green” year. Real Mama board Member Camille Sowinski, whose daughter is in the class, has been working all year with the children on green service learning projects. They submitted their activities along with their worm bin video to the Green Education Foundation and won a $250 grant. Projects were reviewed and evaluated based upon student involvement, successful outcomes, potential for sustainability, creativity, and opportunity for others to replicate the initiative.

GEFGEF Green In Action Awards are granted to schools, classes, or groups of Green Keepers. Participants in GEF programs send in photos, videos, and/or artwork that demonstrate the impact of their participation in a GEF environmental education project or eco-challenge (i.e. National Green Week, Green Thumb Challenge, Green Energy Challenge, etc.).

Watch the Award-Winning Vermicomposting Video!
http://tinyurl.com/25ootjy

Here is a list of the green programs they developed and a brief description of each:

Litter Patrol — We have been learning about storm waster run-off in our class and the harmful effects to marine wildlife.
No Trash Tuesday — We have also created a Zero Waste Lunch Program at our school.
Lunch Time Recycling — With money awarded to me from our Parent Teacher Association, we had a lunch recycling cart built.
Vermicomposting — As part of my service learning program, I taught my second graders how to build small worm composting bins out of recycled materials.
Earth Poetry — We are writing a series of poems about the earth and activism.

Read the full article here.

Congratulations to Camille, Ms. Andrews and her entire class for their hard work and dedication to making our planet a better place!

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Spring 2010 Newsletter — Seasonal Eco-info & Solutions

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Cornelia Mazzan

springWhat’s harmful about using dryer sheets  when you do the laundry?

How can growing a garden help the planet?

Are artificial sweeteners adversely affecting your child’s health?

How can you teach your children about preventing litter and storm water run-off?

For the answers, check out Real Mama’s Spring 2010 E-newsletter below.

Recognizing that families and caregivers are short on time and that environmental issues and actions can be complex, Real Mama researches and reviews some of the latest environmental topics and concerns for today’s busy families.

Hope you’re enjoying spring so far. Thanks for your visit and please let us know what you think!

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Teaching Green: Litter Lesson for All to See

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Camille LoFaro Sowinski

Andrew's classQuickfacts: Lessons that involve hands-on activities are sometimes the best way to educate young children about sophisticated ideas. This project involves teaching children about the harms of storm water run-off and enlightens the students about the importance of litter prevention while sending a loud message to the entire school.

Laying the Groundwork
The second graders that I have the privilege to work with at my daughter’s school are more knowledgeable about storm water run-off and pollution prevention than most grown-ups with whom I come in contact. With the cooperation of a willing teacher, the following project can be replicated in any classroom and the results are sure to impress.
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Winter 2010 Newsletter — Seasonal Eco-info & Solutions

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Cornelia Mazzan

snowy tree on a sunny dayWhat are the dangers lurking in antibacterial soaps?

How can your family eat more healthy and in ways to help the environment?

Are chemicals increasing your risks of getting breast cancer?

How can your school and community get involved in preventing pollution?

For the answers, check out Real Mama’s Winter 2010 E-newsletter below.

Recognizing that families and caregivers are short on time and that environmental issues and actions can be complex, Real Mama researches and reviews some of the latest environmental topics and concerns for today’s busy families.

Hope you’re enjoying winter so far. Thanks for your visit and please let us know what you think!

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