Systemic Sustainability
Environmental Curriculum and Instruction
1.1 Activities
Elementary & middle schools must provide one example of outdoor/environmental instruction per grade level.
High schools must provide one example of outdoor/environmental instruction in four subjects (which may include multiple different differents sciences).
Pre- K 4 students learned about the coral reef. In weeks 4 and 5, students learned about the animals and plants that live in that habitat and compared the coral reef to their own habitat.
Pre-K 4 (1) (299.53 KB)
This artifact includes pictures and descriptions that demonstrate pre-kindergarten's participation in environment-based instruction.
Each year, Edgewater Elementary Kindergarten students visit Camp Woodlands in Annapolis, MD. This one-day field experience is part of the Kindergarten environmental literacy unit “Trees are Terrific.” The unit includes 10 lessons that are taught either at school or during the trip to Camp Woodlands. This Kindergarten program is a great introduction to outdoor education, providing young students hands-on opportunities to learn about the environment. Students learn about trees and how to make a positive difference in our environment. Our students gained an understanding that trees are living things that grow overtime. They also learned that animals and humans depend on trees for food and shelter.
Kindergarten Green School (1) (880.91 KB)
This artifact includes pictures, descriptions, and a sample lesson plan that demonstrate Kindergarten students' participation in outdoor, environment-based instruction.
First Grade students participate in an environmental literacy unit called, “How Can We Help Monarch Butterflies”. During the unit, approximately 100 first grade students learned all about the Monarch butterfly. The students learned about the migration of the butterfly, and the metamorphosis process. Students observe butterfly growth and record data throughout the unit. Students start by observing what a monarch caterpillar eats and how it locates food. At the end of the unit, students observe the butterfly release and determine how a butterfly stays safe and survives in nature.
First Grade Green School (748.49 KB)
This artifact includes pictures and descriptions that demonstrate first grade students' participation in outdoor, environment-based instruction and work from students' Monarch Butterfly reflection journals.
Second grade students learned about the migration of the Baltimore Orioles. Students demonstrated how some animals travel long distances to change habitats when the seasons change.
Second Grade Green School (2) (259.5 KB)
This artifact includes pictures and descriptions that demonstrate second grade students' participation in environment-based instruction and work from students' oriole habitat migration game.
Third Grade students at Edgewater Elementary School participate in an Environmental Action Project. For this project, students apply the 21st Century skills they have acquired throughout the year (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity) to investigate and research local environmental issues.
3rd Grade Environmental Action Project (2) (989.17 KB)
This artifact includes pictures and descriptions that demonstrate third grade students' participation in outdoor, environment-based instruction on environmental issues including solid waste reduction, energy conservation, and water pollution.
Students analyzed different sources of power, such as solar power and fossil fuels. They created a list of pros and cons to determine the best source of power for their community.
4th Grade Green School Solar vs. Fossil Fuels (1) (806.25 KB)
This artifact includes pictures, descriptions, and student work samples that demonstrate fourth grade students' participation in environment-based instruction.
To close our Government unit, 5th graders learned about laws that addressed the issues of single use plastic bags. After discussing the impact plastic bags have had on their community and around the world, students developed “Action Plans” to address these problems.
5th Grade Green School 2022-2023 (3) (1.33 MB)
This artifact includes lesson plans and descriptions that demonstrate fifth grade students' participation in environment-based instruction and work samples from students' research projects.
1.2 Green School Awareness
1.2.1 School Wide Awareness - Staff
Demonstrate that all school personnel are aware of the Green School status of your school and the application process.
Edgewater Elementary School Green School leaders presented on the Green School application process during a whole staff meeting.
Green Team leaders shared information about our school's environmental literacy goals and the Green School application process. Additionally, example artifacts and timelines for submission were shared. The presentation was 20 minutes long and was presented to 35 members of the staff who were present at the meeting. The Google Slides used for this presentation were shared with all staff members who were not present.
Staff Green School PD (1.59 MB)
This artifact includes a copy of the information slide deck used to share information about the Green School application during a full staff meeting.
greenschoolsignin (279.28 KB)
This artifact includes the sign in sheet from the meeting full staff meeting sharing information about the Green School application process. This
1.2.2 School-Wide Celebration
Demonstrate how your school celebrates beig a Green School by hosting a school-wide environmentally-focused event open to all students.
Edgewater Elementary hosts an annual event to encourage personal and environmental health.
Edgewater Eagles participate in an annual Walk or Bike to School Day. Students and staff are encouraged to walk or bike to school to raise awareness and support for the health, community and environmental benefits of regularly walking or biking to school.
National Walk and Bike to School Day (2.93 MB)
This artifact includes a copy of the electronic communication notifying families about Walk/Bike to School Day. Additionally, pictures of students and families participating in this school-wide celebration are included.
Environmental Professional Development for Teachers
1.3.1 Environmental Professional Development for Teachers
Demonstrate that 10% of staff have completed an environmental PD. Instructional staff is defined as any staff that manages a gradebook.
- New Schools must have all PD completed within the past 2 academic years.
- Renewing schools must have all PD completed within the past 4 academic years.
A teacher who has participated in multiple workshops may only be counted once..
Members of the Edgewater Elementary School staff are committed to continued Professional Development that supports Environmental Literacy. The Professional Development experiences of 5 staff members are outlined in this section.
Melissa attended the 2020 MAEOE Environmental Education Conference. The knowledge gained at the conference was share with members of the Edgewater Elementary School Green Team and other members of the Edgewater Elementary School staff.
Gardner_Conference (87.25 KB)
This artifact includes a copy of the conference registration.
Sarah attended the 2020 MAEOE Environmental Education Conference. The knowledge gained at the conference was share with members of the Edgewater Elementary School Green Team and other members of the Edgewater Elementary School staff.
Schreffler_Conference (117.28 KB)
This artifact includes a copy of the conference registration.
Lila Mastroberti completed a self-paced Professional Development focused on energy consumption and conservation.
Certificate of Completion for Energy Conservation_ All Staff (Full Course) (66.23 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes a certificate of completion for the course, Energy Conservation.
Kelsey Koss completed a self-paced Professional Development focused on Stormwater Management. During the course, Mrs. Koss learned about sources of stormwater pollution and their effects on the environment. Describe stormwater management solutions.
Certificate of Completion for Stormwater Management Overview (Full Course) (91.22 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes a certificate of completion for the course, Stormwater Management.
1.4 Achieving Sustainable Schools
1.4.1 School-Wide Staff Sustainability
Demonstrate the sustainability practices your teachers, staff, and other personnel have implemented school-wide to make your school green. Any actions involving students belong under Objective 2.
Edgewater Elementary School strives to be sustainable. The faculty and staff are committed to the following school-wide behavior changes that support our Green School initiatives:
- Use of Electronic Newsletters
- Computer Based Assessments and Online Learning Management Platform for Classwork
- Outdoor Learning Spaces
- Bike Rack
- Use of task lamps and natural lighting
- Use of reusable writing tools in place of paper
electronic communication (702.19 KB)
Each week, the principal of Edgewater Elementary sends an electronic update. The Weekly Update includes staff updates, links to electronic articles to support on-going professional development and links to a variety of resources frequently utilized by members of the staff. Teachers also send electronic Weekly Updates to families. Additionally, the PTA also send electronic communication to families. Documentation for this artifact includes screenshots from electronic staff and family newsletters. These artifacts demonstrate the entire school community's commitment to reducing solid waste.
Online Testing and Classwork (237.85 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes a list assessments completed electronically during the 2022-2023 school year. Students in first through fifth grade complete assessments electronically. At this time, more than 70 assessments have been completed using computer based testing platforms. Additionally, multiple classwork assignments are posted weekly to the Online Learning Management System, Brightspace, in grades 3-5. This school-wide sustainability practice reduces solid waste. At this time, more than 270 students complete computer based classwork assignments. These school-wide sustainability practice reduces solid waste.
Outdoor Learning (495.48 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes photographs of students utilizing outdoor learning spaces at Edgewater Elementary School. Students in grades Pre-K through Five utilize our multiple outdoor learning spaces throughout the school year. This sustainable school practice occurs across all content areas.
Bike Rack (117.44 KB)
Many students at Edgewater Elementary School ride a bike to school each day. The staff at Edgewater Elementary School recognize how important this is for both the health of our students and the environment. To support students who ride their bike to school, the school installed a bike rack for students to lock up their bikes during the school day. A picture of the bike rack documents this sustainability practice.
Task Lamps (191.45 KB)
Staff members at Edgewater Elementary utilize task lamps when working at their desks. 25 members of the staff utilize task lamps in place of their overhead lighting when students are not in the classroom. The use of task lamps reduces energy consumption. The staff is committed to continuing this practice to lower energy consumption and model responsible choices. Pictures of teachers utilizing task lamps document this sustainability practice.
Write on Wipe Off Surfaces (464.45 KB)
Students utilizes their desks and write on/wipe off surfaces in place of paper classwork assignments. This sustainability practice reduces solid wasted and is utilized across all grade levels and content areas. Documentation for this artifact includes pictures of students utilizes write on/wipe off surfaces in various classrooms across all grade levels and subject areas.
1.4.2 Systemic Partnership
Demonstrate one partnership with a central office or board within the school system that supports part of the Maryland Green Schools Program. Any partnerships outside of your school system belong under Objective 3.
Edgewater Elementary School strives to be sustainable. The faculty and staff are committed to the fostering an on-going systemic partnership with Arlington Echo: Anne Arundel County Public Schools Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education Center.
Ongoing Partnership (995.19 KB)
Edgewater Elementary's on-going partnership with Arlington Echo Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education Center supports our school's Green School efforts. Each year, approximately 275 students in Kindergarten, Fourth Grade, and Fifth Grade participate in off-site field trips at Arlington Echo, Downs Park, and the Aquatic Center. These field trips support classroom-based curriculum and instruction by providing hands-on, real-world experience interacting with the environment. Edgewater Elementary's on-going partnership with Arlington Echo also provides resources, such as hands-on Watershed models, to support school-based environmental literacy instruction. This systemic partnership is documented with photographs of students at Arlington Echo, Downs Park, and the Aquatic Center.
Ongoing Partnership 2 (156.57 KB)
Arlington Echo Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education Center provides resources, such as the Watershed Model, to support curriculum and instruction at Edgewater Elementary School. Documentation for this artifact include pictures of students engaging a hands-on learning experience utilizing the Watershed Model and lesson plans provided by Arlington Echo Outdoor Learning and Education Center.
Student Action
Schools must document eight total actions that address at least three of the listed sustainability practices.
These are student actions not adult actions. Adult sustainable actions can be documented in Objective 1.4.
2.1 Water Conservation/Pollution Prevention
2.1 Water Conservation/Pollution Prevention
During the Spring of 2022, third grade students completed a schoolyard Report Card. Using the results, students identified litter on school grounds as an environmental problem affecting our school. Then, students researched how humans’ actions affect the health of the Chesapeake Bay and used their knowledge to encourage others to make changes to keep the Bay healthy. Students wrote Public Service Announcements about the importance of cleaning up litter before it makes its way to the Chesapeake Bay. The Public Service Announcements were shared on our school’s morning announcements. Students also created dioramas that were shared with students in other grade levels.
Public Service Announcement. pdf (427.68 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes pictures of students gathering data using the Schoolyard Report Card, planning and presenting Public Service Announcements focused on keeping the Bay clean and students presenting dioramas to students in other grade levels to teach them about the important of keeping the bay clean.
During a field trip to Arlington Echo during the fall of 2022, Fourth Grade students learned about the importance of keeping the Bay clean. After returning to school, students wrote articles providing reasons our school should have a school yard clean up to stop litter from polluting the Bay. As a result of these petitions, a school yard clean up was planned for the winter of 2023.
School Yard Clean Up (2.33 MB)
This artifact includes a picture of two student written articles that inspired Edgewater's school yard clean-up. Pictures of students in grades Pre-K - Fourth participating in the school yard clean up are also included in this artifact. This student-driven sustainability practice demonstrates Edgewater Elementary students’ ongoing commitment to protecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
2.2 Energy Conservation
2.2 Energy Conservation
As part of their annual Environmental Action Project, Third Grade students at Edgewater Elementary School participate in Energy Walks. During the Energy Walk, students collect data to track the number of classrooms and offices that leave their lights on when people are not in the room. After analyzing the data from the 2022 Energy Walk, the students determined that action was needed to conserve energy at Edgewater Elementary School. Students created mini-posters encouraging all Edgewater staff and students to save electricity by turning off the lights. These mini-posters were delivered to every classroom and office at the school and still remain hanging near light switches in all areas of the building. Approximately 50 mini posters were created by 100 third grade students.
Energy Patrol and Light Switch Mini Posters (709.94 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes pictures of students participating in the Energy Walk, an example data table from the Energy Walk, example mini posters and pictures of students delivering mini posters to staff around the building.
Teachers at Edgewater Elementary School utilize classroom jobs to promote student leadership and encourage responsibility. 21 classrooms have included the role of "lights" or "electrician" as part of their classroom jobs. When acting as the classroom's "Electrician," students make responsible environmental choices and model those choices for others by turning off lights when they leave a room.
Classroom Jobs Focused on Energy Conservation (348.8 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes pictures of classroom jobs board that include a "lights" person or an "electrician" and classroom “electricians” turning off the lights before leaving the room.
2.3 Solid Waste Reduction
2.3 Solid Waste Reduction
During the 2022-2023 school year, the students of Edgewater Elementary began placing unopened food items from their school lunch on a shared table instead of in the trash can. This action taken by students to reduce solid waste in the cafeteria has transformed into the "Share Bin". Each day, approximately 50 students place unopened food items in the Share Bin instead of in the trash can. These items are then shared with other students who are still hungry.
During the 2021-2022 school year, students in First and Third Grade used recyclable materials for classroom projects. Students brought in the materials for these projects from home. This student-driven sustainability practice allows students to take an active role in reducing solid waste both at home and at school.
Reusing Recylced Materials for Classroom Projects (1.95 MB)
Documentation for this artifact includes photographs of students in grades 1 and 3 utilizing recycled materials to create Putt Putt Courses in Science and build the fourth Little Pig’s House as part of their Primary Talent Development unit.
Each year, students across all grade levels bring in reusable water bottles to refill throughout the day. Approximately 400 students use reusable water bottles in the classroom each day. This action taken by students significantly reduces the number of paper cups and single use plastic water bottles used throughout the building.
Reusable Water Bottles (383.24 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes photographs of primary and intermediate students using reusable water bottles daily. This artifact also includes a picture of one of the water bottle filling stations used to fill reusable water bottles at Edgewater Elementary School.
During the 2021-2022 school year, students in grades K-5 learned about the importance of recycling and reducing solid waste. Intermediate students researched ways to reduce solid waste and decided to collect data to determine the effects of a Waste Free Wednesday. Data collected by intermediate students determined that Waste Free Wednesdays substantially reduce solid waste. As a result, one Wednesday each marking period during the 2022-2023 was designated as a Waste Free Wednesday. Each Waste Free Wednesday, approximately 175 students and staff participate in this student driven-sustainability practice.
Waste Free Wedneday (976.36 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes pictures of research completed by intermediate students, an example data collection tool from a 3rd Grade Waste Free Wednesday, and a flyer promoting the Third Marking Period Waste Free Wednesday.
2.4 Habitat Restoration
2.4 Habitat Restoration
No records were added by the school.
2.5 Opportunities for Nature Exploration
2.5 Opportunities for Nature Exploration
Edgewater Elementary School students across all grade levels and content areas regularly work outside in our outdoor learning environments. These structures for environmental learning allow students to gain the benefits of learning in and about the environment. Edgewater Elementary School students and families are committed to enhancing our current Outdoor Learning Spaces. During the 2022-2023 school year, $34,000 was raised to enhance current outdoor learning spaces and support the creation of an additional outdoor classroom.
Outdoor Classrooms and Learning Spaces (627.22 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes pictures of students in grade K-4, across multiple content areas, participating in learning experiences in outdoor classrooms at Edgewater Elementary School. Also included in this artifact is an infographic displaying the total amount of money raised by students and families to enhance current outdoor learning spaces and create an additional outdoor classroom.
Edgewater Elementary School students across all grade levels and content areas regularly work outside in our outdoor classrooms. During the 2021-2022 school year, Fifth grade students in the Kindness Club decided to lead a service project focused on kindness and beautification. For this student-led service project, Fifth grade students collaborated with Ms. Malley, the art teacher, to help all 575 students at Edgewater Elementary School create Kindness Rocks. After rocks were painted, members of the Kindness Club added them to one of our Outdoor Classroom spaces. The rocks line the walkways through the Outdoor Classroom to beautify the area and help reduce erosion.
Outdoor Learning Space Beautification (167.11 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes pictures of 5th grade members of the Kindness Club after placing kindness rocks in our outdoor classroom.
2.6 Responsible Transportation
2.6 Responsible Transportation
No records were added by the school.
2.7 Healthy Indoor Environments
2.7 Healthy Indoor Environments
Edgewater Elementary students participate in the Girls on the Run program. Girls on the Run is an outdoor running club that utilizes the school grounds and encourages the students to spend time outdoors.
Outdoor Running Club (543.73 KB)
Documentation for this artifact includes pictures of girls participating in weekly running practice on school grounds and a pictures of their final 5K race.
2.8 Citzen/Community/Participatory Science
2.8 Citizen/Community/Participatory Science
No records were added by the school.
Community Partnership
Demonstrate that your school is forming long-term partnerships to foster environmental stewardship and cultivate community wellness through real-world connections.
3.1 Community Partnerships
3.1.1 School Active in Community
Describe at least one environmentally-focused partnership in which your school is working to benefit your community.
Edgewater Elementary School hosts a community recycling bin. The Abitibi Paper Retrieval collects catalogs, magazines, newspapers, junk Mail, office paper, fax paper, notebooks, and folders to be recycled. This program is free and provides the school and community with a 24/7, local year round recycling service.
Albitibi-Recycling-Program (253.8 KB)
This artifact describes the Abitibi paper recycling program and the many different benefits.
Abitibi Paper Recycling (1.64 MB)
This artifact includes pictures of our school's Abitibi recycling bin. Many community members bring recyclable materials to our school's bin. The money generated through the recycling bin is used for green school initiatives.
3.1.2 Community Active in the School
Describe at least one partnership in which a community partner is benefitting the school. These actions and projects occur on or near school grounds with support from the partner.
During the Fall 2019 and the Fall 2021, Master Wildlife Animal Rehabilitator, Kathy Woods visited Edgewater Elementary for a full week of fun, hands-on learning! Kathy Woods is the co-founder of the Phoenix Wildlife Center. All students in third grade participated in hands-on learning experience where students learned about an animal rehabilitator job, and they learned how to respond if they find an injured animal in nature. Students learned the importance of helping animals return to their natural habitat. This on-going community partnership with master wildlife rehabilitator supports our school's commitment to being a green school.
Community Active in the School - Animal Rehabilitator (1) (923.57 KB)
This artifact includes pictures and descriptions that demonstrate third grade students' participation in a hands-on learning experience with Master Wildlife Rehabilitator Kathy Woods.
Anne Arundel County Recycling Center partners with our school to visit and inform students of the history of our County landfill and the importance of expanding its life expectancy, the recycling process in the County, how to recycle at home and at school, the importance and benefits of recycling, and recycling programs that are offered at our county recycling centers. This on-going community partnership supports our student's ability to be lifelong stewards of the environment.
Community Active in the School - Waste Management Services (175.37 KB)
Documentation includes email communications between our school's Science Green Leader to the Recycling Program Specialist from the Department of Public Works.
3.2 Additional Achievements
3.2 Additional Achievements optional
Share any environmentally-related awards, special recognition, certifications, or other achievements that your school, staff or students have accomplished.
No records were added by the school.