Middle School Presentations
Introduction: Learn about all the different sustainability-related projects the Garrison Middle School students have been working on! The topics include:
How have Western and Eastern cultures explained eclipses throughout history? How have scientific advancements changed our understanding of the science and ecology related to eclipses?
How we can use our understanding of nature to engineer solutions to problems in our world (a process called “biomimicry”)
How can civic action help us support the Sustainable Development Goals created by the United Nations?
Ecology of our Forest
Introduction: Walking through a forest may seem peaceful, but that is only an illusion. In reality, millions of organisms are hard at work, running the ecosystem around you. Each and every living thing relies on another to survive and thrive, in ways you may have not considered. Learn how to identify different plants, common mushrooms, and how to find the animals you never knew you were walking among.
Rolling with The Years Project (Interactive Film Activity)
Introduction: Guess what! All the same elements of what makes you watch The Office or Game of Thrones apply to non-fiction storytelling (because the Kardashians are actually not that interesting, they just have great producers)! At this workshop, we will be teaching the elements that make up good storytelling for cameras, how to use lenses/cameras/lights/ set up for best visual effects, and how to use that in your own Stories. We'll hook up a camera and use volunteers telling climate stories to show you how we do it! We are a team of a professional Film/TV Producer and a Director of Photography who love stories - and want to hear yours!
Sustainability, but make it Fashion
Introduction: Do you know what happens when you throw away clothing? It typically ends up in a landfill and while it’s decomposing, it creates an awful substance called “leachate” that seeps into the ground and water streams, making its way into our drinking water. Yikes. In this workshop, we will look at ways we can prolong the life of our clothing with various methods of “upcycling,” or taking something no longer in use and giving it a second life. We believe in second chances, and more importantly, we believe our planet deserves better.
Sustainability through Design (Architecture)
Introduction: This session is a visioning workshop on how to design sustainable environments (i.e. buildings) that give back more than what they take, thereby improving the health of our ecosystem and communities.
The Era of Electric Vehicles
Introduction: Has the era of Electric Vehicles (EVs) truly arrived? EVs are one of the most important, yet misunderstood, climate solutions, even amongst those who understand climate change. Do EVs offer real emission savings compared to fossil-fueled vehicles? What about their batteries...really, what about them? Do you have questions like these and others about the safety, range, and longevity of EVs? Then make sure you join Samrat Pathania - clean energy coach with New Yorkers for Clean Power for an information-packed conversation.
Marine Conservation
Introduction: Our planet is nicknamed the blue planet for a reason. Just take one look at a picture of the Earth from space and the ocean's importance to Earth is clear. With over 70% of the planet's surface covered by oceans and over 240,000 known species of animal life inhabiting its waters, it's crucial to understand and address the threats they face. From pollution and overfishing to climate change and habitat destruction, our oceans are in peril. In this session, we will look into these issues and discuss actionable solutions to protect and preserve our marine environments for generations to come.
What is your Environmental Journey? (Climate Justice)
Introduction: We are diving into your experiences of climate action and justice! Youth climate activists Elizabeth Wassif and Juky Chen will lead this creative and participatory workshop. Together, we will create Rivers of Life, a visual and creative art map that maps your journey in climate action and your vision for the future.
Reimagining our Future (Regenerative Agriculture)
Introduction: Take 1 minute to imagine your ideal world. What do you see? What or who is around you? What activity are you doing? Now that you have a vision for your future, see how it fits into the visions of your peers using collective movement, visualization (drawing), and group discussion.
Follow the Forest Training (GIS)
Introduction: The Follow the Forest Initiative aims to protect and connect Northeastern forests and create a wildlife corridor extending from the Hudson Valley to the boreal forests of Canada so that wildlife can move as needed for resources like food and water. Follow the Forest focuses on protecting and connecting core forests by gaining an understanding of where wildlife is moving around and interacting with areas impacted by development.