February Meeting

This month the concept of a Dynamic System was introduced. We discussed different examples of systems like computers, calculators, and sewers. Each child came to the same conclusion that it was a group of something working together for one purpose. We then played a game where the kids mentally picked two other children and tried to stay between them even when they moved. The point was to demonstrate interconnectedness and how one part of a system (the system being the kids) relied heavily on the other to function properly. It was loud, it was confusing, and it was fun!

We discussed with the kids what happened. What they expected and then were their expectations met? There was a resounding no, I honestly felt worried that maybe the point had been lost until Kristina brought up the “Hamburger and French Fry” Challenge from last month. In the challenge, each child was to brainstorm the components of a Happy Meal or some other fast food meal. How far was it shipped? Where did the meat come from? How far did trucks bring the produce? Etc. It turned into a very in depth conversation. It went much better than I could have ever hoped. Kristina always has a way of pulling all the kids together.

Kristina asked the group to pair off and brainstorm ways that we could make a difference this week in reducing our resource consumption. The one mistake we made was not saying “realistic goals”. We got everything from genetic engineering to sending all of our waste to Jupiter, to turning off the water when we brushed our teeth. It was fabulous! We challenged the kids to implement one of these activities this week and to make a poster to remind them.

Good luck Eco Geekos may the force be with and remember to think Geek this week, when you flip on a light remember to turn it off. Every little bit counts!

Sheri & Kristina

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Tags: earth friendly, interconnectedness, systems

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