On January 26, 2022, PAISBOA Sustainability Group members met virtually to discuss examples and benefits of getting students excited and thinking about sustainability within their classrooms.

I was asked to host the meeting and feature how Moravian Academy is incorporating sustainability into our Upper School curriculum. First, I shared the 9th grade History Unit on Sustainability, which allows students to explore the concept using lesson plans created by Brown University's Choices Program. Ninth graders get ready to participate in a Climate Summit Simulation Game, during which students choose to participate as a Nation Delegate, a Climate Activist, or a Journalist.

Each group of Nation Delegates work under conditions that reflect the amount of resources and power available to their respective nations. For example, students who represent the “developing nations” group have little to no resources (represented by having no chairs or table space) while “developed nations” are given chairs, tables with tablecloths and flowers, water and snacks.

After each round of negotiations students submit their group's pledges which are graphed in real time to show how the global temperature changes as a result of their negotiations. See Moravian Academy’s video from last year's Climate Summit. 

I also shared the good work of our Moravian Academy Green Team, which consists of passionate, young environmentalists from the Upper School student body. The Green Club provides a platform for students to discuss ways they can make a difference in both their community and school. For example, they recently collaborated with our technology department to provide a place where batteries can be safely recycled on campus. They also host an annual student-run conference called the Student Symposium on Sustainability, which invites students from public and private schools across the region to conversations related to sustainability. This year's Student Symposium on Sustainability is scheduled for April 23, 2022. More details to come!