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).

Grades
Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Wed, 28 Nov 2018
Lesson / Activity
Wetlands on Wheels
Teacher Name
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Teachers
Students Count
360
Activity Description

A mobile classroom that enables children to see and work with, hands-on, some environmental grasses and other items from wetlands areas. A mobile classroom that enables children to see and work with, hands-on, some environmental grasses and other items from wetlands areas. This allows students to learn about our area, including the wetlands right behind our school, how it leads to the Choptank River and in turn to the Chesapeake, and the impact that we have on it. We did this every year since 2016 for at least 3 days, one day per grade level. We did this every year since 2016 for at least 3 days, one day per grade level.

Images
Other Files

NGSS 3rd G WoW Teacher Introduction Packet 2016 (1.84 MB)

3rd Grade Teacher Packet

Grades
Pre-K, Other (e.g., course/clubs/subject area)
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
All other grades were able to observe the cycle and see the release.
Date
Mon, 11 Oct 2021
Lesson / Activity
Butterfly Raise and Release and Garden
Teacher Name
Stacy Neal, Nicole Kemp, Rachel Gleaton, Renee Rostien, Katie Anderson
Students Count
100
Activity Description

Pre-kindergarten students are taught the life cycle of the butterfly in their life cycle science unit. Our school provided students with an experience with local caterpillars that were found in a raised garden bed of native plants that the students helped with. When the caterpillars were caught they were brought into the school for all grade levels to observe. Students were able to learn about the native plants that the larvae eat and why native plants are so important, what they need to survive, and what they need to turn into a butterfly. Students are involved in the entire butterfly life cycle, including the final release back into the wild. This is mostly a pre-k activity, but the whole school is able to observe the caterpillars changing into butterflies and the release.

Images
Other Files

Lesson Plans for Animals More Bugs (Theme 8, Week 4) (1.14 MB)

Lesson Plans and standards that go with the butterfly unit in pre-k.

Grades
Kindergarten
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Mon, 1 Oct 2018
Lesson / Activity
SNAP-ED Garden and Tastings
Teacher Name
Zelie Kneller, Sandy Crawford-Plante, Bonnie Lease, Ryan Rousan, CaSandra Wilson, Shirley Smith
Students Count
120
Activity Description

Our kindergarten teachers partnered with the University of Maryland and their SNAP-Ed program. They came in once a month to teach our students about local fruits and vegetables and their benefits. Students were able to see the process of building a garden, helped to plant and harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and eat them. Students grew and harvested lima beans, strawberries, basil, mint, thyme, sage, carrots, tomatoes, eggplant, corn, peppers, cucumbers, and marigolds. Each year there after we grew our own plants and harvested them. We also planted native plants such as wild carrot and dandelions to show them that "weed" are more than meets the eye. This went along with our living/nonliving unit.

Images
Grades
Grade 4
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Wed, 6 Apr 2022
Lesson / Activity
Sultana
Teacher Name
Miranda Stutzman, Sarah Waters, Jessica Swann, Janita Manley, Krystle Simpson, Jordyn Cahall
Students Count
120
Activity Description

The Sultana Education Foundation provides hands-on educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay’s historic, cultural, and environmental resources. By helping students of all ages develop an appreciation for the Chesapeake Bay, Sultana is working to create a community of individuals who are dedicated to preserving this irreplaceable treasure.

Images
Videos
Other Files

Sultana Materials (114.66 KB)

Sultana pre and post trip materials sent to staff to incorporate into teachers' lessons.

Grades
Grade 5
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Wed, 12 Oct 2022
Lesson / Activity
Tuckahoe Canoe Trip
Teacher Name
Kevin Reyes, Jen Gunter, Isa Sheldon, Andi Dean, Katie Lewis, Christopher Drexel
Students Count
120
Activity Description

We went canoeing to look at native and non-native plants and animals. We tested water quality and discussed human-footprints on the environment. We also took a nature walk and made observations.

Images
Grades
Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Pre-K
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Wed, 26 Oct 2022
Lesson / Activity
Bird Feeding and Cameras
Teacher Name
Cindi Harrison, Zelie Kneller
Students Count
787
Activity Description

On campus we have three bird cameras that are set up through an app that are on student iPads. Students are able to view the cameras either whole group on the projector or on the iPads. Classroom teachers can use the bird cameras to create authentic experiences with their students. The technology teacher introduces the bird cameras to each classroom on their technology day by taking them on a walk outside to see the feeders and box. They can see where the camera are, they learn how to feed the birds and what type of bird feed is used for what type of bird, as well as other animals that visit the feeder such as squirrels and hawks. Classroom teachers then take this resources and implement meaningful experiences for students. For example, multiple grade level teachers take their students outside to sit near the bird feeder to view them while they are outside. Other classroom teachers put the camera on their projector during down time or independent work so students can view the birds. One classroom teacher took her students outside to view the birds at the feeder and then had them come inside and research all the native birds that come to the feeder and the made presentations on their favorite type of bird. Another teacher uses the bird cameras as a center to watch on their iPads and draw what they see. At the center they have bird books and information cards to identify the birds. Other teachers have students use the Merlin app and students take screenshots of the birds they see and input their findings into the Merlin app. We also have the bird camera on live stream at the entrance of our school for community members and families to see.

Images
Videos
Other Files

birds (14.49 KB)

Example lesson plan for observing and journaling about the birds students see.

Grades
Grade 2
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Wed, 18 May 2022
Lesson / Activity
Adkins Arboretum Trip
Teacher Name
Diane Drewes, MaryJo Cutter, Jess Gernert, Aileen Joseph, Debbie Melvin, Amy Phillips
Students Count
120
Activity Description

Students took a field trip to our Green Schools center Adkins Arboretum. At Adkins we learn about pollinators, seeds and how they travel, life in the forest, and tested the water turbidity. In our curriculum, we have lessons about types of pollinators and the process of pollination, seeds and seed dispersal, and observing living things (plants, animals).

Images
Other Files

32. Lesson 9- Seed Catchers (90.65 KB)

Seed Catchers lesson plans.

36. Lesson 10- Plant Needs (103.49 KB)

Plant Needs lesson plans.

26. Lesson 8- Traveling Seeds (94.98 KB)

Traveling Seeds lesson plans.

12. Lesson 4- Pollinators (73.77 KB)

Pollinators lesson plans.

7. Lesson 2- Animal Habitats (82.63 KB)

Animal Habitats lesson plans.

Grades
Grade 5
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Wed, 8 Sep 2021
Lesson / Activity
Recycling
Teacher Name
Andi Dean, Emilee Manship, Jen Gunter, Kevin Reyes, Katie Lewis, Isa Sheldon,
Students Count
787
Activity Description

5th Grade Teachers took the lead but was implemented whole school. All grade levels have been involved in a recycling program here at GES. Lessons are taught on the human impacts of solid waste and then students brain storm ways that we can reduce it.

Images
Other Files

Recycling lesson (486.21 KB)

Lesson plans and standards for recycling program.

Grades
Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Wed, 19 Jan 2022
Lesson / Activity
Tower Garden
Teacher Name
All grade level teachers and cafeteria staff
Students Count
787
Activity Description

Students and staff are able to explore and experience this state of the art technology and then enjoy the tasty vegetables in our cafeteria! Teachers introduced this to their classes and stop by periodically to look at the growth of the plants. It is located outside of the Art room in the same open area as our turtle. The plants are used in the cafeteria for salads and lunch. The tower is also on a timer to make sure the lights and water are turning on and off for the recommended amount of time.

Images
Grades
Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Wed, 22 Apr 2020
Lesson / Activity
Virtual Earth Day
Teacher Name
All Teachers
Students Count
787
Activity Description

Students in all grade levels participated in a virtual Earth Day during the 2020 shut down.

Images
Other Files

Earth Day Project (1.04 MB)

Virtual Earth Day Project.

Earth Day Virtual Trip (5.21 MB)

Earth Day Virtual Trip

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.

Summary Description

At the beginning of each school year, Green Schools has shared goals and outcomes of the Green Schools application.

Date
Tue, 23 Aug 2022
Staff in Attendance
67
Meeting Description

Email sent out for teachers to sign up for committees.

Images
Date
Mon, 29 Aug 2022
Staff in Attendance
67
Meeting Description

Back to School staff meeting where committee outline and expectations were overviewed. This included Green Schools Committee duties and expectations.

Images

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.

Summary Description

Each year (since before 1990) Greensboro Elementary has celebrated Earth day with a school wide celebration. We invite members of the community and other community stakeholders, such as Parks and Recreation, to come in as well as teacher led activities teaching students about our amazing Earth and what we can do to help take care of it.

Grades
Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Other Grades
High School Students come and present to younger students.
Date
Fri, 19 Apr 2019
Celebration / Event title
Earth Day
Event Description

Each year (since before 1990) Greensboro Elementary has celebrated Earth day with a school wide celebration. We invite members of the community and other community stakeholders, such as Parks and Recreation, to come in as well as teacher led activities teaching students about our amazing Earth and what we can do to help take care of it. This year we had local farms, Parks and Recreation, Wetlands on Wheels, Fishmobile, Enviroland Tours, Garden Club, Origami Butterflies, Composting, Wolves, Organic Farming, DNR, and Miniature Horse Rescue

Images

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..

Summary Description

Our staff has participated in numerous environmental education professional developments. We have comepletig training from ShoreRivers, MWEE courses, and on site professional developments through our local partners such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Sultana Education Foundation, DNR, Adkin Arboretum, and HornPoint.

Number of Teachers
67
Date
Fri, 17 Feb 2023
Teacher
Zelie Kneller
Development Description

On February 17th, 2023, ShoreRivers provided our school staff with a professional development on Place Based Learning and how to incorporate it into our curriculum. Staff participated in a workshop on what Placed Based Learning is and how and when we can use our environmental education resources on our grounds as well as brainstorming breakout time for staff to plan how to incorporate PBL into the curriculum.

Images
Other Files

Greensboro Christian Park Jam (2.08 MB)

Teacher Jam Board of ideas.

Place Based Learning Topic_Activity Sign Up (28.86 KB)

Grade level topic sign up that was sent out to teachers and was discussed at team meetings in the weeks prior as teachers looked at their curriculum and chose which topics would best fit in their lessons/curriculum.

Date
Wed, 16 Dec 2020
Teacher
Zelie Kneller, Shirley Smith, Sandy Crawford-Plante, Amy Phillips
Development Description

MWWE 101 Project Learning Tree - Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience Educator Training Module 1 through Chesapeake Exploration

Course Objectives:

Participants will learn the history of the MWEE and its connections to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Participants will identify how students, teachers, and the community could benefit from a MWEE. Participants will review evidence for how a MWEE can support a variety of learning outcomes. Participants will identify their role in the MWEE Essential Elements and Supporting Practices and how they can incorporate student voice and choice. Participants will evaluate a completed MWEE program.

Date
Fri, 14 Aug 2020
Teacher
Amy Phillips
Development Description

NOAA Environmental Science Training Center hosted a virtual professional development opportunity for elementary school teachers (grades K-5) that connects locally relevant environmental science across the curriculum. The workshop is designed to address and support the implementation of core components of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences.

Other Files
Date
Sat, 10 Mar 2018
Teacher
Jen Gunter, Andi Dean, Emilee Manship
Development Description

Teachers attended a Sultana Education Foundation professional development. SEF professional development programs provide opportunities for teachers to improve core content knowledge, refine pedagogy, and earn required Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits to keep Maryland teaching certificates current.

Images
Date
Sat, 11 Mar 2017
Teacher
Jen Gunter, Kelly Higgins, Andi Dean, and Emilee Manship
Development Description

Four GES 5th grade teachers, Jen Gunter, Kelly Higgins, Andi Dean, and Emilee Manship, attended a professional development workshop on March 11, 2017 at Horn Point in Cambridge, MD about the Choptank River Ecosystem. To learn more about this ongoing professional development for our 5th grade teachers, please visit the Sultana Education Center.

Images
Date
Tue, 22 Feb 2022
Teacher
Jennifer Gorman, Sarahi Reyes, Zelie Kneller, Stephanie Richardson, Rebecca Willoughby
Development Description

Recycling PD for Green Schools Committee - trainer of trainers model; trained on what can and cannot be recycled in the state of Maryland and how the materials need to be prepared and collected. Members of the Green Schools committees then took this information and trained their assigned grade level teachers/staff to incorporate into their curriculum and recycling lessons and school wide routines.

Other Files

Recycling Slides (1.4 MB)

Slides used for recycling PD.

Recycling Bin Sign (745.5 KB)

Signs that were made for recycle bins.

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.

Behavior Change

Staff has been making efforts in decreasing our carbon foot print. Each staff member was given a reusable water bottle for daily use and to bring to staff meetings and celebrations so that we do not use water bottles. We also have purchased compostable utensils and plates/bowls. And in an effort to save paper we switched to electronic sign ins and when mistakes are made on copies we either use the back of the copies, or correct the mistake on the papers, and at the very least reuse or recycle.

Images
Other Files

Email Sign-in sheet (150.11 KB)

New digital email sign in system for meetings.

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.

Summary Description

Our school and county has initiated a new Energy Conservation Management Program in a partnership with Cenergistic. The company came in and completed a presentation at our back to school meeting to inform staff about the new goals for energy conservation.

Other Files

100% compliance (206.33 KB)

Reaching 100% compliance for energy conservation goals.

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

Date
Fri, 8 Apr 2022
Activity title
Water Stations
Activity Description

Students realize when the water filter needs to be replaced and let the teachers and staff know that the water filter should be replaced. This has sparked many discussions led by students about the importance of clean drinking water. Our water stations have a monitor on them that also let students know how much they are saving. Many conversations prompted by students have come from these about bringing their own water bottle instead of buying water bottles or using the fountain that wastes water.

Images
Date
Tue, 18 Apr 2023
Activity title
Planting Native Plants in Swales
Activity Description

Students in the environmental club spent months researching native plants and pollinators that would be best to plant in our swales at the school. These marshy depressions collect runoff so students needed to research not only what native plants are best for pollinators, but also which plants could survive best in the wet conditions.

Other Files

Environmental Club Agenda (52.14 KB)

Agenda for when to research and plant native plants in swales.

Green School Perennial Plants Zone 7 - Sheet1 (52.75 KB)

Native plant research

Date
Wed, 28 Nov 2018
Activity title
Wetlands on Wheels
Activity Description

A mobile classroom that enables children to see and work with, hands-on, some environmental grasses and other items from wetlands areas. This allows students to learn about our area, including the wetlands right behind our school, how it leads to the Choptank River and in turn to the Chesapeake, and the impact that we have on it. We did this every year since 2016 for at least 3 days, one day per grade level.

Images
Other Files

NGSS 3rd G WoW Teacher Introduction Packet 2016 (1.84 MB)

3rd grade teacher packet.

NGSS 5th Grade WoW Teacher Introduction Packet 2016 (1.51 MB)

5th grade teacher packet.

Date
Fri, 6 Apr 2018
Activity title
Wetland Exploring
Activity Description

Students in all grade levels explore the wetlands behind our school to learn about the importance of taking care of the wetlands and how it leads directly to the Choptank River which leads to the Chesapeake Bay. They learn about native plants and animals and how to protect them. Students have been exploring these wetlands since the school was built.

Images

2.2 Energy Conservation

2.2 Energy Conservation

Date
Mon, 26 Sep 2022
Activity title
Light Monitor/Energy Saver Job
Activity Description

Students were taught about the importance of saving energy through our lights. In each classroom there is a light monitor who makes sure that lights are turned off or dimmed in each classroom.

Images

2.3 Solid Waste Reduction

2.3 Solid Waste Reduction

Date
Mon, 14 Oct 2019
Activity title
Recycling
Activity Description

All grade levels have been involved in a recycling program here at GES. Lessons are taught on the human impacts of solid waste and then students brain storm ways that we can reduce it.

Images
Other Files

Recycling lesson (486.21 KB)

Lesson plans for recycling.

Date
Thu, 18 Apr 2019
Activity title
No Straws
Activity Description

Kindergarten successfully got straws banned from GES and other schools in the county. Students researched the impact of solid waste and humans on the environment and after an example from another classroom not using straws and reusable utensils. See attached letter that was sent to the head of food services that got straws banned.

Other Files

BethStraws (13.48 KB)

Letter that was sent to the head of food services that got straws banned.

Date
Tue, 29 Nov 2022
Activity title
Food Recycling
Activity Description

After realizing just how much waste create each day with all the food that is thrown away by students. We started helping the cause by collecting all the unopened, packaged items that students intend to throw away (Yogurt, goldfish, string cheese, fruit cups etc.). These items are collected and taken to the office where they are washed and kept in the refrigerator. The following day they are placed on the table in the cafeteria. Students who are still hungry after finishing their meal are welcome to come to the table and select something else to eat. This effort has saved so much food from the landfill, along with giving students an option if they're still hungry. Win win! While that was a great start there is still so much food being thrown away. Students who buy lunch at school are required to take fruits and vegetables as part of their meal. These items get thrown away in huge quantities. As part of our effort to reduce waste and go green we have partnered with two local farms, Work Horse Farm and Winstead Family Farm, and students will be collecting unwanted fruits and vegetables from right before they hit the trash can. All this collected food will be taken to the farm and enjoyed by lots of animals. We anticipate this will make a huge dent in our daily contribution to our landfill. We will also be encouraging students to do their part and not take more than they intend to eat.

Images
Other Files

Food Recyling (218.44 KB)

Food recycling staff email.

Food Recyling Email Week 1 (1.5 MB)

Over 43 lbs of food was saved from the trash yesterday and taken to the farm!!! Yay us!

Food recycling update (866.32 KB)

Update with pictures from the farm!

Food Recyling Update week 2 and 3 (152.32 KB)

Weeks 2 and 3 updates!

1000 lbs (176.89 KB)

1000 lb update!

Breakfast Leftovers email 2 (1.26 MB)

New initiative where students bring their leftover breakfast food in bins to be taken to the farm!

Date
Mon, 11 Feb 2019
Activity title
Crayola and BIC Recyling Program
Activity Description

At GES we have all grade levels recycle markers, pens and caps, watercolor paint trays, and more through Crayola Recycling program and the BIC Stationary Recycling Program. We have recycle bins specifically for these items that get boxed up and shipped back to the companies.

Images
Other Files

ColorCycle_Parents_LetterV1 (99.69 KB)

Letter to families.

2.4 Habitat Restoration

2.4 Habitat Restoration

Date
Wed, 13 Apr 2022
Activity title
Terrapin Habitat Restoration for Poplar Island
Activity Description

The National Aquarium selected 42 Maryland schools from among many applicants to raise Poplar Island’s summer hatchling crop. Teachers and students will care for them over the school year and return them to Poplar Island the following spring. While teachers present textbook lessons, students learn about terrapins by feeding, caring, and measuring them. Terrapins in the Classroom is one of many National Aquarium programs that provide unique, hands-on opportunities for students to form meaningful connections to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. It joins the Terrapin Education and Research Partnership (TERP) sponsored by MDOT MPA in a common goal to inspire the next generation of conservationists based on a belief that education leads to inspiration and conservation. We have been doing this program for two year, we have had two hatchlings. Each Tuesday we hold turtle talk where a group of students comes to the tank and learns about the turtle, measures them, and helps to feed them. On release day, we watch a live feed of the release!

Images
Other Files

Bubbles progress (1.19 MB)

Progress monitoring that is shared with students.

Date
Mon, 11 Oct 2021
Activity title
Butterfly Raise and Release
Activity Description

Pre-kindergarten students are taught the life cycle of the butterfly in their life cycle science unit. Our school provided students with an experience with local caterpillars that were found in a raised garden bed of native plants that the students helped with. When the caterpillars were caught they were brought into the school for all grade levels to observe. Students were able to learn about the native plants that the larvae eat and why native plants are so important, what they need to survive, and what they need to turn into a butterfly. Students are involved in the entire butterfly life cycle, including the final release back into the wild. This is mostly a pre-k activity, but the whole school is able to observe the caterpillars changing into butterflies and the release.

Images
Other Files

Lesson Plans for Animals More Bugs (Theme 8, Week 4) (1.14 MB)

Lesson plans and standards for butterfly unit that go with the raise and release.

Date
Mon, 21 Mar 2022
Activity title
Killdeer Nest Protection
Activity Description

Students found a Killdeer nest on the playground by the swings and reported it to a teacher that it needed to be protected. The area around the swing set were then off limits for play and students were able to protect the Killdeer nest while observing during recess as well as from their classrooms and taking a filed trip outside to observe. Students were about to learn about Killdeer as well as their predators such as fox and hawks that were also observed.

Images

2.5 Opportunities for Nature Exploration

2.5 Opportunities for Nature Exploration

Date
Tue, 12 Oct 2021
Activity title
Bird House Building
Activity Description

Students in the Therapeutic Support Program researched and built birdhouses that would house native birds on our school property. These bird houses are now used for outdoor education and learning spaces where students can identify, feed, and observe local birds.

Images
Date
Wed, 13 Apr 2022
Activity title
Terrapin Habitat Restoration for Poplar Island
Activity Description

The National Aquarium selected 42 Maryland schools from among many applicants to raise Poplar Island’s summer hatchling crop. Teachers and students will care for them over the school year and return them to Poplar Island the following spring. While teachers present textbook lessons, students learn about terrapins by feeding, caring, and measuring them. Terrapins in the Classroom is one of many National Aquarium programs that provide unique, hands-on opportunities for students to form meaningful connections to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. It joins the Terrapin Education and Research Partnership (TERP) sponsored by MDOT MPA in a common goal to inspire the next generation of conservationists based on a belief that education leads to inspiration and conservation. We have been doing this program for two year, we have had two hatchlings. Each Tuesday we hold turtle talk where a group of students comes to the tank and learns about the turtle, measures them, and helps to feed them. On release day, we watch a live feed of the release!

Images
Other Files

Bubbles progress (1.19 MB)

Progress monitoring that is shared with students.

Date
Wed, 26 Oct 2022
Activity title
Bird Cameras and Feeders
Activity Description

On campus we have three bird cameras that are set up through an app that are on student iPads. Students are able to view the cameras either whole group on the projector or on the iPads. Classroom teachers can use the bird cameras to create authentic experiences with their students. The technology teacher introduces the bird cameras to each classroom on their technology day by taking them on a walk outside to see the feeders and box. They can see where the camera are, they learn how to feed the birds and what type of bird feed is used for what type of bird, as well as other animals that visit the feeder such as squirrels and hawks. Classroom teachers then take this resources and implement meaningful experiences for students. For example, multiple grade level teachers take their students outside to sit near the bird feeder to view them while they are outside. Other classroom teachers put the camera on their projector during down time or independent work so students can view the birds. One classroom teacher took her students outside to view the birds at the feeder and then had them come inside and research all the native birds that come to the feeder and the made presentations on their favorite type of bird. Another teacher uses the bird cameras as a center to watch on their iPads and draw what they see. At the center they have bird books and information cards to identify the birds. Other teachers have students use the Merlin app and students take screenshots of the birds they see and input their findings into the Merlin app. We also have the bird camera on live stream at the entrance of our school for community members and families to see.

Images
Videos
Other Files

birds (14.49 KB)

Example lesson plan for bird watching and journaling.

Date
Tue, 21 Feb 2023
Activity title
Environmental Club
Activity Description

Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade are in an environmental club where they learn about sustainable practices and how to take care of our environment and implement those practices on our school grounds and at their homes and in their community.

Images
Other Files

Environmental Club Agenda (52.14 KB)

Agenda for all meetings and list of students.

2.6 Responsible Transportation

2.6 Responsible Transportation

Date
Tue, 29 Nov 2022
Activity title
No Idle Zones
Activity Description

Our school initiated No Idle Zones for cars parked waiting to pick-up and drop-off their students. Students in all grade levels created their own signs after studying the effects of pollution from transportation. Student signage from each grade level was put up where everyone within the no idle zone can see.

Images
Other Files

No-Idle Initiative (45 KB)

After students researched and discussed pollution and the benefits of no idle zones along with the student signage, the new program was put into our weekly memo and sent out to families.

idle_free_schools_flyer (143.22 KB)

Flyer shared with staff and families.

2.7 Healthy Indoor Environments

2.7 Healthy Indoor Environments

Date
Mon, 1 Oct 2018
Activity title
SNAP-ED Garden and Tastings
Activity Description

Our kindergarten teachers partnered with the University of Maryland and their SNAP-Ed program. They came in once a month to teach our students about local fruits and vegetables and their benefits. Students were able to see the process of building a garden, helped to plant and harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and eat them. Students grew and harvested lima beans, strawberries, basil, mint, thyme, sage, carrots, tomatoes, eggplant, corn, peppers, cucumbers, and marigolds. Each year there after we grew our own plants and harvested them. We also planted native plants such as wild carrot and dandelions to show them that "weed" are more than meets the eye. This went along with our living/nonliving unit.

Images

2.8 Citzen/Community/Participatory Science

2.8 Citizen/Community/Participatory Science

Date
Tue, 11 Oct 2022
Activity title
Students using iNaturalist and Seek
Activity Description

Students using iNaturalist and Seek to identify plants on their play ground. Students use their devices and the seek app to identify certain plants on/around our school grounds. In this example, a kindergarten student was curious if a type of berry was poisonous so they looked it up! They also wanted to know the name of the flowers that were growing and the birds at our bird feeder. We found asters, tufted titmouse, cardinal, sparrows, and blue jays! Students sat a a picnic table a drew what they saw!

Images
Other Files

Staff Device Numbers - Sheet1 (54.38 KB)

Staff device numbers collected so that iNaturalist, Seek, Merlin, Rock Identifier, and the bird cams could be put on the for student use to identify things in nature.on our school grounds.

Date
Fri, 14 Oct 2022
Activity title
Bird ID on iNaturalist App
Activity Description

Students found a feather on the playground and used the iNaturalist app to try and find what bird it came from.

Images
Date
Thu, 2 Mar 2023
Activity title
Bird ID on Seek App
Activity Description

Students found a feather on the playground and used the Seek app to try and find what bird it came from.

Images

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.

Date
Tue, 29 Nov 2022
Partner name
Work Horse Farm and Winstead Family Farm
Activity Description

After realizing just how much waste create each day with all the food that is thrown away by students. We started helping the cause by collecting all the unopened, packaged items that students intend to throw away (Yogurt, goldfish, string cheese, fruit cups etc.). These items are collected and taken to the office where they are washed and kept in the refrigerator. The following day they are placed on the table in the cafeteria. Students who are still hungry after finishing their meal are welcome to come to the table and select something else to eat. This effort has saved so much food from the landfill, along with giving students an option if they're still hungry. Win win! While that was a great start there is still so much food being thrown away. Students who buy lunch at school are required to take fruits and vegetables as part of their meal. These items get thrown away in huge quantities. As part of our effort to reduce waste and go green we have partnered with two local farms, Work Horse Farm and Winstead Family Farm, and students will be collecting unwanted fruits and vegetables from right before they hit the trash can. All this collected food will be taken to the farm and enjoyed by lots of animals. We anticipate this will make a huge dent in our daily contribution to our landfill. We will also be encouraging students to do their part and not take more than they intend to eat.

Images
Other Files

Food Recyling (218.44 KB)

Food recycling staff email.

Food Recyling Email Week 1 (1.5 MB)

Over 43 lbs of food was saved from the trash yesterday and taken to the farm!!! Yay us!

Food recycling update (866.32 KB)

Update with pictures from the farm!

1000 lbs (176.89 KB)

1000 lb update!

Breakfast Leftovers email 2 (1.26 MB)

New initiative where students bring their leftover breakfast food in bins to be taken to the farm!

Food Recyling Update week 2 and 3 (152.32 KB)

Weeks 2 and 3 updates!

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.

Date
Wed, 12 Oct 2022
Partner name
MSDE
Activity Description

MSDE and GES Hosted a Farm to School Week with numerous community partners including: • University of Maryland SNAP-Ed • Choptank Community Health • Caroline Career and Technology Center • Chapel's Country Creamery • Chesapeake Culinary Center • Red Acres Hydroponics • Blade's Orchard • Rink2Reef Oyster Habitat Rehabilitation • Clayton Farms • Shore Gourmet • Maryland FFA Association • Bailey and Sons Dairy • Bartenfelder and Schafer Farms

Each class was able to go through and meet each community partner and learn about AND TRY the local foods that our community provides as well as a very cool demonstration from Rink2Reef about why oyster bed are an important habitat within a healthy estuary. They used recycled lacrosse sticks to rebuild the reefs that will provide essential habitat for oysters and many other species including shrimp, clams, crabs, snails and a variety of fish. There was also a demonstration on how much energy can be harnessed from a bike! As they rode they bike they were running a blender to make a smoothie! They were given resources at each station and info cards and/or recipes for the food they tried.

This event is a testament to how these partners are active in our school each and every day. We serve their local produce and proteins in our cafeteria to students and staff, they provide our students with invaluable information on the importance of eating local foods, and provide our staff and students with meaningful experiences. They come to more events than just this including but not limited to Earth Day and Career Day.

Images
Date
Mon, 1 Oct 2018
Partner name
University of Maryland SNAP-Ed
Activity Description

Our kindergarten teachers partnered with the University of Maryland and their SNAP-Ed program. They came in once a month to teach our students about local fruits and vegetables and their benefits. Students were able to see the process of building a garden, helped to plant and harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and eat them. Students grew and harvested lima beans, strawberries, basil, mint, thyme, sage, carrots, tomatoes, eggplant, corn, peppers, cucumbers, and marigolds. Each year there after we grew our own plants and harvested them. We also planted native plants such as wild carrot and dandelions to show them that "weed" are more than meets the eye. This went along with our living/nonliving unit.

Images

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.

Date
Wed, 24 May 2017
Title of award
Recognition in the Times Record
Activity Description

GES was recognized for our Green Schools Certification in the Times Record Newspaper.

https://www.myeasternshoremd.com/times_record/schools/greensboro-elementary-awarded-state-honor/article_64e7ff93-2585-53fc-94b0-95d59ea427ba.html

Images
Other Files

article_64e7ff93-2585-53fc-94b0-95d59ea427ba (471.27 KB)

https://www.myeasternshoremd.com/times_record/schools/greensboro-elementary-awarded-state-honor/article_64e7ff93-2585-53fc-94b0-95d59ea427ba.htmlhttps://www.myeasternshoremd.com/times_record/schools/greensboro-elementary-awarded-state-honor/article_64e7ff93-2585-53fc-94b0-95d59ea427ba.html