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Benefiting
from Other Programs
Many agencies and organizations are working to keep the environment healthy.
Some have programs that allow students to help them. Working with established
programs has several advantages:
-
Teacher and students become part of a larger network of people
who are working together toward a common goal.
- They have already
planned and prepared materials, saving time and effort.
- Established
programs usually offer a contact to call if there are questions or
problems with the project.
Comparing
Established Programs
Established programs are all different, so it is necessary to investigate
the details fully before committing. Some charge for their materials.
Some projects are for groups; others are for individuals. Some are
for students; others are for adults. The following steps can help
teachers identify the right project for their students:
- Be sure the project idea has engaged student interest. See Choosing
a Project for help.
- Consider available programs, and
select several that seem compatible with group interests. Locating
Established Programs and Resources covers a few programs you
might investigate. If your community has a litter control or clean
community program,
telephone that office
to ask about local projects that your group might work on.
- Have students use telephone, letter writing, and Internet skills
to learn more about these programs. (See Using
the World Wide Web for Project Research, Writing
Business Letters,
and Making Business Telephone Calls.)
Request printed information about the program and its costs.
Ask if there is an informational
videotape that you might borrow. If the program has a nearby
office, perhaps you can schedule a guest speaker to tell your
group about projects
available. (See Getting
Help from Guest Speakers.) Allow several
weeks for this step. You want to be sure that you seek
as much helpful information as possible in order to choose
the right partner.
- Have students carefully read all the information.
What might prevent them from achieving success with these projects?
If these problems
cannot be solved, move on to another project.
- Pick a project. If nothing seems
just right for your class, think about doing an independent project.
Use some of what you have learned
through your investigation.
- Have students make detailed plans and schedules
as suggested above. Supervise their plan development carefully.
Next: Locating Established Programs and Resources
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