We are excited to introduce the Green-Collar Jobs Campaign Teaching Tools: a five-part series designed for use in high school classrooms. Ranging from one to three class periods in length, these interactive activities explore key themes surrounding Green-Collar Jobs Campaign's work, including: the green economy, eco-equity and eco-privilege, model cities, and restorative justice.
Although the activities were designed with high school students in mind, they may be easily adapted for students of all ages. Download activities individually by clicking on the PDF links below, or as a complete set in the Green-Collar Jobs Campaign Teacher Guide.
NOTE: Green-Collar Jobs Campaign’s Teaching Tools are aligned with California’s English Language Arts and History-Social Science Content Standards. [Download the standards grid.]
Activity #1: The Green Wave and My Community
The blossoming green economy (which includes things like hybrid cars, wind turbines, green buildings, and solar panels) is impacting communities across the U.S.
In this activity, students explore the meaning of "green," learn about the green economy, and then team up to investigate how the Green Wave is (or isn't) impacting their city.
Activity #2: Exploring Eco-Privilege
Thanks to the growing green economy, many people now have access to products and services for sustainable lifestyles. But many more do not. And often, those who enjoy such access do not realize that it is a privilege — a privilege denied to many others across the country.
In this activity, students use a self-assessment tool to examine if, and in what areas, they benefit from eco-privilege.
Activity #3: Green Jobs, Not Jails!
"Green Jobs, Not Jails" is the strategic concept underlying Green-Collar Jobs Campaign. It stands for the principle that zero pollution, living wage jobs — not more police and prisons — provide the most logical, humane and cost-effective pathway to safe, healthy and peaceful cities. Two powerful concepts are at the heart of this approach: restorative justice and restorative economics.
In this activity, students examine their personal experiences with the dominant justice and economic systems in their communities. After exploring the concepts of restorative economics and restorative justice in depth, they investigate the strategic concept of Green Jobs, Not Jails.
Activity #4: Model Cities and You
Creating cities that work for people and with nature is a challenge being taken on by communities all over the world. Cities from Curitiba, Brazil to Oakland, California are trying to become "Model Green Cities" — cities designed for both environmental and social health.
In this activity, students divide into small groups. Each is assigned a "green city" that is taking a lead in environmental and social sustainability. After researching the characteristics and accomplishments of this city, each group makes a class presentation.
Activity #5: Finding the Solutions
Though we are often assaulted by negative images and stories that make it appear otherwise, people in urban environments all over the world are taking a stand for both healthy ecosystems and healthy communities. A new politics is being born – a Politics of Solution that emphasizes multi-issue, solution-oriented change in urban communities.
In this activity, students learn about accomplishments in the areas of sustainability and social justice happening both locally and globally.
The Complete Teacher Guide
Our 40-page Teacher Guide includes all five activities, related handouts, Green-Collar Jobs Campaign's Glossary of Terms, contact information, and additional remarks.
