A Review of Green Topics with 6th Graders

This classroom collaboration was initiated by Michael Sapp of Sapp Design Associates Architects at the beginning of the school year. He asked the District if they could visit a classroom each month and enhance their science curriculum with lessons on environmental design. The goal was to assist students in becoming knowledgeable about environmental issues and to teach simple actions that all citizens can take to protect our natural resources for future generations.

This spring, SDA staff continues to visit with Julie Karlson’s sixth grade science class at Inman Elementary School in Nixa, MO to review “Green Topics”. In the first three lessons, we discussed “green” terminology, the meaning of sustainability, solar and climate information, as well as the basic building elements and the role they play in providing shelter from harsh climate while also utilizing good climate. With all of this information, the last two lessons will be focused on pulling together a simple house plan and applying what they have learned about climate and environmental forces to the design.

At our fourth session last week, students were given a class assignment to design their dream “green” home. This session was presented by Steve Telscher and John McNabb. The kids are terrific and quite knowledgeable about environmental issues. They are having a great time designing like an architect. Next month, their house designs will be displayed and each student will discuss the “green” elements if their design