SPMS: A Certified Green School
  • Summary
  • Top 5 Accomplishments
  • Systemic Sustainability
    • 1.1 Curriculum and Instruction >
      • Science: Environmental Literacy Standards
      • 6th Grade Habitat Research Project
      • 6th Grade Storm Water Management Lesson >
        • On Campus: Rain Gardens
        • Off Campus: Storm Water Management Project
      • 6th Grade Ecosystem Tanks
      • 7th Grade Water Quality of the Chesapeake Bay
      • 7th Grade Walking for Water
      • 7th Grade Recycled Rube Goldberg Project
      • 8th Grade Terrapin Connections
      • 8th Grade Language Arts Lesson
      • 8th Grade Weathering Investigation
      • Art Class
      • Environmental Guest Speakers
    • 1.2 Professional Development >
      • 1.2 Science Department Professional Development
      • 1.2 Green Course Professional Development
      • 1.2 2018 Professional Development
      • 1.2 2018 Professional Development
      • 1.2 2016 Professional Development
    • 1.3.1 School-Wide Environmental Behavior
    • 1.3.2 Systemic Partnerships
    • 1.4 Celebration
  • Student Driven Practices
    • 2.1 Water Conservation
    • 2.2 Energy Conservation
    • 2.3 Solid Waste Reduction
    • 2.4 Habitat Restoration
    • 2.6 Responsible Transportation
    • 2.7 Healthy School Environment
  • Partnerships & Awards
    • 3.1 Community Partnerships
    • 3.2 Awards and Special Recognitions

Systemic Sustainability: 1.1 Curriculum and Instruction

8th Grade Language Arts Lesson: Overpackaging

The assignment: students evaluated product packaging of various items.  They were to put their writing skills into action by informing companies of their concern about over-packaging of particular products and the environmental impact. The  teacher provided a cover letter to the companies that received multiple student letters, such as this one.  Dialogue continued, as responses were received.  Conversations even extended into Social Studies regarding economics and socially responsible companies.  Math classes used this as a springboard to consider the impact, calculating the cost, both financial and with respect to possible waste.  The overall lessons also focused on the power of the individual to impact change.

  • Presentation
  • Teacher Cover Letter
  • Student Exemplar









2017: Students work in groups to determine which consumer products are "over-packaged" and how.  They then write a persuasive letter to the manufacturer requesting more consideration to eco-friendly packaging and delivery.
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