Instruction

Linking with Established Programs

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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.

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