The Sustainability Academy is an online component of our learning program. Students can utilize the resources, assessments and activities to broaden their understanding of key concepts and materials that will support their work in the sustainability program. 

As students master and reach proficiency they will earn badges. These badges represent their achievements and should be posted on the Citizenship and Evidence pages of the Personal Learning Plans.

Example 1: Email

The Green Team climate change goal I set was to stop using plastic bags and plastic straws. My goal is important because it means that there will be less trash in landfills, and there will be less plastic in the ocean. The reason why plastic is bad is because it often ends up in the ocean, and can kill sea life and pollute the environment. It is also important because the less trash there is in landfills, the better. I will achieve my goal by first, asking my parents to stop using plastic bags in my lunchbox, and instead, use reusable containers. Second, I will stop using plastic bags and straws, and instead, use paper straws or metal straws (Or just not use straws), and use reusable containers when I need to. 

My goal will make a big difference, because the less plastic we use, the easier it will be for us to save the environment, but if we continue to use plastic, more plastic will build up in the oceans, and make it harder for us to solve the problem of climate change. 

Example 2: Story/Essay

People everywhere are impacted by climate change, be it directly or indirectly. Air pollution, warmer summers, oceans rising - these are all symptoms of a hotter planet. Here in Montpelier, Vermont, we’ve got it pretty good. Vermont is pretty far north and while we still have unbelievably hot summers, that’s just because it’s summer. We still get a lot of snow each winter and it gets really cold.

Montpelier is the place to go if you want a little bit of a break from climate change - our tallest building is four stories tall and while many people drive cars, there are only 7.500 people. But when I say a break from climate change, I don’t really mean that as a break, as there is nowhere you can go that is not affected even a little bit. As I was writing this, some part of my brain thought, What about Antarctica? There’s almost no one there, only to be interrupted by another part of my brain screaming, THE GLACIERS ARE MELTING!!!!!! 

Montpelier is an interesting place in that while it remains relatively untouched by the warming climate -we still have cold winters and there are no coastlines that could flood - we’re all affected in one way or another. The citizens of Montpelier tend to be very radical, and we have many protests and marches. In this way, we’re all affected, but most often it’s because of our reaction, not global events themselves. In short, we have yet to feel the full effects of a warming planet, but when they come, we’ll be ready.

Example Email to City Councilor

Greetings Counselor Casey,

I am an 8th grade student at Main Street Middle School, as well as a District 2 resident. 

I strongly urge you to consider voting in favor of declaring a climate emergency in Montpelier. The youth of today are looking to decision-makers like you to represent our best interests, and that includes protecting our home and our future.

Although Montpelier is the smallest state capital, we still have the power to make big changes and ensure a sustainable future for all.Your actions tomorrow can be part of a chain reaction to gather more support for this cause.

I want to grow up knowing that I did everything I could to ensure a safe and stable future for this planet, and all of its residents. That includes putting pressure on adults in power, so once again, please vote in favor of declaring a climate emergency tomorrow.

Thank you for your time,

Products

Choose one of the following options. When you have completed the summative, make an appointment with Mr. Taylor to assess the work.