Working with Local Area Schools on Environmental Education

Skull Forensics: In September 2008, ICF tested out a skull forensics unit on local 7th grade classes to complement their biology studies, specifically on mammals. The discussion began with teeth: what they are used for, what they are called, where they are located, comparing human teeth with those of other mammals. The dialogue was supported by powerful projected images of animal skulls, and then small groups of students had the opportunity to examine real mammalian skulls and were challenged to identify what kind of eater they might have belonged to. ICF is currently working from this experience to develop an environmental education unit on skulls forensics, linked to the Virginia Standards of Learning and 7th grade biology studies, and seeking funding to roll it out to 2,500 local area students in spring 2009.

Local Greening Initiatives and Resource Conservation: In May and June 2008, ICF, City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County delivered presentations to four local classes on local greening initiatives. The presentations and discussion focused on the problem of managing stormwater runoff responsibly and safely. The City and County talked about their green roofs, but also other measures to manage stormwater runoff that anyone could do at home. ICF is currently working from this experience to develop an environmental education unit on local greening initiatives and resource conservation, linked to the Virginia Standards of Learning and 4th grade ecology studies, and seeking funding to roll it out to 2,500 local area students in spring 2009.