Mad Green Scientists

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Recently, much attention in the mass media has focused on the emergence of a green economy and changes in our food system. Yet, science education and nutrition programs are severely lacking in schools and communities in low income districts where profound educational and health disparities underscore un-met needs. Students in schools in low-income minority school districts are falling farther and farther behind, and this gap is acute in the sciences. Economic pressures over the next five years make it likely that the underserved schools themselves will be unable to devote extra resources to innovative science / technology education.

Collective Roots seeks Mad Green Scientists to support the development of our new GardenPower! program that will provide an opportunity for low-income students and their teachers to participate in the highest quality science / technology education. As a new "green economy" emerges, GardenPower! will help students acquire science concepts that are essential for pursuing new tracks in higher education and career paths. This knowledge is the first step in creating greater awareness and adoption of clean energy sources and changing our community's energy use habits. What sets this program apart is that it goes beyond just teaching the students about renewable energy sources. It ties the science and engineering of renewable energy to the students' daily lives through authentic, experiential learning experiences.

With your help to support the development of real world hands-on activities, students will have the opportunity to explore the science and technology behind the processes that provide the energy for the food they eat and can provide the energy to power their world.

GardenPower! is unique in that it provides a concrete and explicit connection between these natural and technological processes - a link that is too often missed or overlook in traditional science curricula. Your help is needed to develop curriculum activities and curriculum kits for this exciting new area of our work.