We Save the World One Hybrid At A Time

Our group met again, on January 19.  After sending out the email (to ask permition to work with the fifth graders) to the four principals, we only got one response.  That was, “great, but I don’t think a competition is good.”  So, we are in the midst of trying to please the principal and think about another movtive.  Why a motive you might ask.  Say you are a fifth grade student being told to recycle.  You are given tons of statistics about how our environment is being hurt minute by minute.  Those facts go in one ear and out the other and when you go home, you forget to bring in recyclable items (and to recycle at home).  

I know that most little children are competitive.  So, adding in a competition helps the fifth graders remember to bring in recycleable items (or recycle them at home too!) and motivates them to bring in a lot of materials to beat the other schools.  This way they are recycling and having fun.  But we understand why the principal doesn’t want us to do competition.  This is because our goal isn’t for children to recycle only when there is game.  Our goal and main objective is to teach children to recycle anytime anywhere, not just under the conditions of winning a prize.  So, that is why we are in the midst of brainstorming another motive that will get the students to learn to recycle as well as having fun. 

Any suggestions?  Leave comments, we’d love to hear other thoughts.