A Note from Jane

Crisis can spark creative problem-solving opportunities.

Recently, a team of Sonoco engineers tweaked machines that manufacture PET (#1) packaging to make plastic face shields for protection against Covid-19. Another Sonoco team modified its heat-seal coating applicator to accept an anti-fog coating necessary for critical care workers. To date, Sonoco has delivered nearly two million face shields to doctors, nurses, and first responders.

Want to challenge your students to tackle some creative problem-solving opportunities? How about making their own masks or soda bottle face shields?

Find directions for no-sew face masks here or use this video demonstration for making face shields.

Let’s be smart, creative, and safe!

Jane Hiller

Education Director, Sonoco Recycling

Apprenticeships

Secondary students can earn while they learn the skills needed by SC businesses. Details here.

Awards

Congratulations to the SC Green Step Schools 2020 Top State Award Winners:

Irmo High School (Lexington County) / Overall School of the Year
Ocean Bay Middle School (Horry County) / Conserve School of the Year
Harmony School (Richland County) / Protect School of the Year
Sneed Middle School (Florence County) / Restore School of the Year
Linda Byars (Lexington County) / Mentor of the Year

We are so impressed with your efforts and achievements!

Eco Partners recommends Bag in the Wind by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Ted Kooser for K-3^rd grade learners. The story follows a plastic bag on its capricious journey from a landfill into a series of townspeople’s lives. Eco Partner says, “Without noticing, readers and listeners alike will learn about waste, reuse, and recycling. Litter, poverty, and homelessness are also touched upon, as well as kindness and charity.
NAAEE highlights Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell for 4-8-year-old learners. This beautiful picture book celebrates a child’s first mountain hike with her family.

Civics

The 2020 Census offers educators a chance to teach students about community responsibility. Students can explain to their families the value of submitting their forms:

It's quick and easy. The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to complete.
It's safe, secure, and confidential. Information and privacy are protected.
Responses help to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services.
Results will be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government.

Geography

If you missed the recent virtual tour of the “Seven Wonders of South Carolina,” read about it here. One “wonder” is right in our own backyard!

Grants

Check out some of our favorite grant programs:

DHEC’s Champions of the Environment traditional grant awards will be replaced this year with teacher support including a webinar and resources for online learning. Webinar attendees will receive distance learning toolkits, as well as chances to win subscriptions to Green Teacher magazine and scholarships for professional development opportunities. Contact Amanda (leyah@dhec.sc.gov) for more information.
DHEC’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant for K-12
EEASC Mini-Grants for members of the Environmental Education Association of SC

Speakers

The EEASC Speaker Database is a great way for people to find vetted environmental speakers for their youth or adult programs. Apply if you would like to be considered for this list.

Virtual Education

4H has developed both state and national resources for virtual learning opportunities.
Camp Discovery has been offering video-based educational workshops and activities that campers would usually receive on-site. You can find the entire Camp Discovery video library here.
Project Learning Tree - Free Workshops for Educators
Richland County Stormwater (RCSH2O) is currently moving programs to a virtual format that will be posted on Richland County’s YouTube page. Contact Chenille Williams for information or if you’re interested in a custom lesson on stormwater, water quality, or watersheds.

Upcoming Events

AUGUST 4 (10 am-Noon)
Free Virtual Project Learning Tree/Project WET curriculum workshop
Details here.

AUGUST 6 (11am-2pm)
“Don’t Waste Food” webinar sponsored by Clemson Extension and Farm to School
Free Required Registration here

AUGUST 11 (3:30 pm)
EEASC Midlands Virtual Meet-up.
Required registration here

PLAN AHEAD

SEPTEMBER 24-25
Virtual SEEA /EEASC Conference
Details and registration here

SEPTEMBER 30
Deadline for Richland County Conservation Mini-Grants
Details here

AUGUST 2020