SESI Workshop:
Green Infrastructure
Green Infrastructure
This workshop is designed to help students learn about urban green infrastructure options, particularly in desert environments. Students will also understand the benefits and costs of green infrastructure.
*Teacher Lesson Plan can be found at the bottom of this page*
**Links work best when signed into a Google Account. Student worksheets are forced copied so students can work directly on the respective Google Documents**
Test Your Knowledge!
Take the Pre-Quiz by clicking on the link:
*Students from Cathedral, Del Valle or Horizon HS use the
correct link for your school*
Intro. to Green Infrastructure
This video gives a brief introduction to green infrastructure along with public perceptions on what green infrastructure is.
Green Infrastructure:
A Deeper Look
This video takes a deeper look at green infrastructure (GI) including the differences between green and grey infrastructure, different applications of GI, as well as the benefits of GI.
Local Examples of GI
The videos below explore different examples of green infrastructure found locally in El Paso. They highlight the importance of utilizing green infrastructure in desert environments and show how such methods can be utilized to exponentiate rainwater in this water-scarce region.
Rainwater Harvesting
This video explores the concept of water harvesting. Experts share their knowledge on how residents can make a rainwater harvesting system at their home. Also shared are ideas of passive rainwater harvesting landscape and the importance of such construction here in the desert.
Show what you've learned!
This student activity will allow you to calculate the amount of water that could potentially be collected from a variety of rooftops. Watch the video for examples, and then click the link below to access the handout.
Elaborate on your knowledge!
Now that you have a better understanding of what green infrastructure (GI) is and why it is important for urban desert areas. Think of a place within the city that you feel is lacking green infrastructure - this could be a place that frequently floods, or even a place that was cleared but not currently in use.
Using what you know about green infrastructure and water harvesting, sketch out a diagram of the area incorporating some GI elements. Then tell how these new additions can help mitigate flooding or help with rainwater collection.
Teachers can have students work in pairs or groups, and facilitate discussion amongst the different ideas that students come up with.
Conclusion
After completing this workshop you should have a better understanding of what green infrastructure is and how it differs from grey infrastructure. You will recognize the importance of green infrastructure, particularly in the desert landscapes of El Paso.
Retest Your Knowledge!
Take the Post-Quiz by clicking on the link:
*Students from Cathedral, Del Valle or Horizon HS use the
correct link for your school*
Teacher Corner
Workshop Lesson Plan, TEKS and Instructions can be found here:
For guest speaker opportunities contact Jennifer Ramos-Chavez,
Insights Environmental Education Coordinator: jennifer@insightselpaso.org
This workshop was produced thanks to funding provided by EPA grant #NE-01F54901-0.
Thanks to the Green Hope Project, High Native Desert Plants and Creosote Collaborative for their contribution to the development of this workshop.