Feb 26. presentations

I agree that the presentations were very successful, students seemed to be very interested in the projects. In regards to gardens, students mentioned that gardens represent spring and that good weather is coming, they liked the idea of having ponds and bridges, and were excited to know that the garden could attract wildlife. During the rain garden presentation, students noted that there was an area near the basketball goal that floods often and they seemed to be excited about designing their own rain garden. The rain barrel demonstration sparked students interest and students wanted to know how large the barrels would be and if they could write their names on the barrels. The recycling clip was a great way to wrap up the session.

Hooray! The kids are becoming more interested!

Here are some ways we could further explain some of this environmental jargon to the kids. The first is a web-page from another type of ecological program for kids. The second is how the rainbarrells are really constructed. It's like we need to explain the importance of this stuff and how it works or the kids won't really grasp it and be able to use it later.
http://sftrc.cas.psu.edu/JuniorForest.html
http://www.raingardens.org/docs/rainbarrel.pdf

What about this list of companies? Should we try them for support or further contacts?
http://articles.directorym.com/Rain_Gardens_Louisiana-r1022227-Louisiana.html

Presentation

So the presentation was GREAT! Too bad we didn't get more input on the situation. My favorite part had to be the hurricane that came along with our rain barrels. :-D So I guess we are officially at the hard work part. Seems as if all the projects were a big hit and we are going to have to implement them all. Time to find contacts!!

Sounds good. Chris, I think you and I will be able to feed off of each other's comments for a smooth and informal presentation. I will bring either pictures to pass around or a poster board of garden pics. We can begin with (1) the video on litter/recycling. Then we can transition to (2) flower and veggie gardens (including bird houses, yes!!), (3) rain barrels, and (4) rain gardens.

Those kids are gonna be blown away by the awesome environment.

Let me know if you all think we should change anything written above =0)

Friday presentations

maybe just keep it simple with presenting each project to everyone. and then we can talk about each one. too much temptation to get up in each others' business for the young ones and people may be finishing at different times, thus, peolpe will be waiting. we haven't had time to really coordinate this.
you should get there early to make sure everything is in order. i have to be in new orleans in the morning but will be there in plenty enough time.
in presenting, remember to start with "one of the things you told us you like is... water and fishing, growing things, butterflies, etc." whatever pertains to the particular project you are speaking of. then say, "based on that we came up with..." this goes for all of us but especially chris and jessica.
all of the stuff you guys are coming up with sounds awseome! jamie can demonstrate the rain barrel model, maria the posters for the rain garden... great stuff yall. this is going to be good.

Small groups- Great idea

By reading the previous posts, I agree with Chris that breaking up into small groups is a great idea (although doing one presentation is fine as well). Yes, we can start with the Rocko video (wonder if the kids know who he is!!!) and then break out into groups at that point. That way everyone can explain the specific boards or visuals they created for the class. I will print visuals for gardens to bring with me (flower/vegetable gardens, shrubs, benches, etc). Even if we spend a few minutes at each table, we'd still have time left for Q&A. We can set our tables up in a circle around the classroom for the students to easily navigate to each.

If you all prefer to hand all presenting over to Chris and myself, we can always gather your visuals and go through the list of ideas as a duo to the class.

Looking forward to it!

Sounding Good

Definitely seems like things are coming together.. Rain Gardens, Rain Barrels, and Recycling is done... so all that is left is is just gardens in general... So maybe that can just be the one that is the different pictures of the butterflies, birds, etc. I know that we are suppose to be giving the presentation and I have been researching some of the stuff, but it sounds as if maybe the moving from table to table is a good idea... kind of like stations as suggested before. The recycle video could be shown first and then maybe a 5 minute explanation of each. Then we could allow for a large question and answer (given by Dr. Burley?).. hmmm... I guess I need to be talking to Dr. Burley. Jessica, I will be in my office tomorrow, so maybe send me an email or something so we can discuss what's going on. I leave my Southeastern account open all day.