CHANGING OUR FUTURE THROUGH EDUCATION TODAY: A Grade 3 Curriculum Supplement on Making Wise Travel Choices JoAnn Woodhall TDM Planner, Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Pro Walk/Pro Bike 2004 Copyright © 2003

Copyright Notice Copyright © 2003 The Regional Municipality of Waterloo. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted unless in accordance with the instructions set out below. For Teachers in Waterloo Region: Instructions on Using this Material If you would like to print any pictures or information to be used in your classroom, you have automatic permission to do so. You also have permission to copy images into a Powerpoint presentation (or similar) for classroom use. If you wish to use the Regional Municipality of Waterloo website as a reference or resource, the website is located at { A seminar on the You Can Clear the Air unit has been presented at the School Board offices. With sufficient requests, we would be happy to offer this again. For Teachers outside Waterloo Region: Instructions on Using this Material You must obtain the prior written permission of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Requests for permission may be directed to JoAnn Woodhall, {Transportation Demand Management Planner} at the Regional Municipality of Waterloo { or or 150 Frederick St., Kitchener, ON N2G 4J3}. These materials were developed as the result of extensive research and consultation with Program Coordinators from the local School Boards, an environmental educational consultant and the Region of Waterloo. While the material reflects requirements of the current Grade 3 curriculum for the Province of Ontario and should, therefore, be transferable to classrooms in Ontario, and are somewhat less easily transferable to those classrooms outside Ontario, the various project stakeholders kindly request the following: 1. Anyone interested in using this unit in another School Board District, should consider that it is best applied through consultation with School Board officials (Social Studies), and in the case of the transit bus trip, the proponent would need to approach the local transit provider in their community. It is our shared experience that projects of this nature are not likely to achieve the highest degree of success without consultation and coordination of this nature. 2. Any duplication of materials must acknowledge the ownership of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. 3. The Region of Waterloo would greatly appreciate being made aware of the nature and extent of use of the unit materials as well as any significant modifications undertaken. This will help us to collectively learn from others’ experience and improve the document during any updates. The environmental education expert who authored most of the original unit materials was Lucy Keating of Commexus Inc. Ms. Keating has extensive background in the field and brought shared enthusiasm for the issue. Any School Boards wishing to adopt this unit may want to consider contracting Commexus Inc. { or so that the transition of the unit to your community is managed accordingly.

What is it? YOU CAN CLEAR THE AIR is a supplement to the grade 3 curriculum (Province of Ontario) that educates students (parents and teachers) about making wise travel choices.

What is air?

Students make “Pollution Catchers” to see what is in the air we breathe What Gets in air?

Students “Put a Sock on it” to understand the results of vehicular travel What goes into air when we make certain travel choices?

Use the WEB of Life to explain the interrelated nature of environment and how the impact of air pollution affects all aspects of the natural world. Environment, It’s all Related

Students bring the message home to parents and family members by completing a Family Travel Audit Assessing how we travel

Students can track their trips taken in new ways with Eco-tracks How could I change my behaviour to have less impact?

Bus tour Fax form to book Parent volunteers Route map Classroom Fares Checklists Tally up observations Urban / Rural Parent Thank you Class certificate Take away pack

How can I educate others?

“Our Kids Say…Travel Wisely” GRT Busboard Campaign

Results To Date 28 classes 690 students have participated If 5% switch, GHG emission reductions (~525 kg) Local media has been supportive Interest across Canada Recognition

One-time Costs Consultant Original graphics (cover) Binders In-kind – staff, printing

Ongoing Costs Take away packs Bus boards In-kind – promotion, drivers, facilitator, updates

What Worked? Enthusiasm Branding Transit Pilot with teachers Workshop for Teachers Busboards Binder format School Board server

What’s Next Improve Monitoring of Results Improve Communications Plan Update materials Grade 5 – Energy Systems

FINAL WORD JoAnn Woodhall