The list below is made up of projects that students can take part in as a class or even as a school for the sole purpose of educating them on the importance of taking care of the surrounding environment. They include projects such as games, contests, community events, community awareness programs, and competitions between schools.

Environmental Bingo

Bingo game with pictures for younger children, as well as words and a statement about the environment. To obtain a free copy of the game contact Susan Patane, Norcal/San Bernardino Inc., Education/Community Relations, (909) 386-8605.

Environmentally Challenge

All fifth grade classes within the California school system are invited to participate in this fun program. Students learn about our environment and apply their understanding through the development of a responsible action project. Classroom projects compete for a variety of prizes. Environmentally Challenge is a joint program of the State of California's Environmental Education Interagency Network (CEEIN) and The Walt Disney Company. Program registration begins in September. For additional information or to register your class, contact Jiminy Cricket's Environmentally Challenge, P.O. Box 7516, Burbank, CA 91510, 1(800) 290-0299.

Environmental Expo

The Environmental Expo is a community event held in April at the campus of Cal State San Bernardino. At the Expo, students, teachers, parents, and the community join together to celebrate Earth Day and learn more about the environment. Everyone is invited to attend and learn more about the environment by participating in a variety of activities, such as: Environmental Education Teacher Workshops, Multimedia Faire, Student Environmental Solutions Contest, Nature Bowl, Kids Activity Round-Up, and "One World for All Species" Parade. You can also visit an assortment of exhibits and displays. For more information about the Expo, contact the Environmental Education Resource Center, California State University, San Bernardino, (909) 880-5681.

Environmental Kid Award

Monthly award program available for elementary school students. Limited to one award per classroom, per month. Teachers, use this award to honor the most environmentally sensitive student, the top recycler, or the student with the best recycling effort. Please allow at least 2 weeks when requesting certificates. Contact City of San Bernardino, Public Works Dept., Public Education Coordinator, Peggi Hazlett, (909) 384-5549.

Keep San Bernardino Beautiful, Adopt A Street Program

Across the nation civic organizations and businesses are "adopting" sections of highways, roads, streets, wall and center medians. These "adoptions" include not only litter removal, but also tree planting, graffiti removal and beautification. For information about the San Bernardino Adopt A Street Program, contact the Mayor's Office, (909) 384-5203.

Earth Day Groceries

This is a project the whole school can get involved in. Contact your local grocery store to borrow plastic bags, decorate them with pictures of the earth, environmental messages, and the name of your school, and return them a few days before Earth Day. The bags will then be used for customers on Earth Day. Contact Mark Ahlness at mahlness@cks.ssd.k12.wa.us or for more information check the website: http://www.earthdaybags.org.

Keep San Bernardino Beautiful, Blight Education Program

The goal of this program is to build a sense of community and increase awareness among students about what causes blight in the community. The student education program will involve interactive presentations and community clean ups. For the 1997-98 year the program will be offered to schools within the City of San Bernardino. For more information about the program contact City of San Bernardino, Public Works Dept., Public Education Coordinator, Peggi Hazlett, (909) 384-5549.

Kids, Cans, Plus!

Reynolds Aluminum Recycling offers additional incentive for schools that recycle aluminum at one of Reynolds' Recycling Centers (see list of local centers). All schools will be paid great prices for their aluminum. Earn a 2-cent per pound bonus for flattened cans. Recycle more than 50 pounds of cans and get Reynolds top price. Reynolds Recycling Centers accept aluminum cans, foil and scrap. Be sure to mention that you are recycling for a school. This program is offered year round.

Schools can compete to win cash prizes from Reynolds by registering in the Kids, Cans, Plus!, an aluminum recycling competition for schools in Southern California. Schools compete for grand prizes that are awarded on a pounds-recycled-per-student basis. Contest runs September through June. To request a registration package call Martin Zweben, (310) 337-1390.

"San Bernardino, You Could Use An Oil Change!" Poster Contest

Poster contest is open to elementary school students in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Each participating school has a first place winner. Program begins in January of each year. For more information contact the City of San Bernardino, Public Works Dept., Public Education Coordinator, Peggi Hazlett, (909) 384-5549.

Closing the Loop Sample Lessons

These lessons help students discover and nurture an environmental ethic and stewardship for natural resources. Each lesson encourages students to explore their natural environment, identify waste management issues, and engage in personal and community action projects.

Landfill in a Pop Bottle

The objective of this classroom project is to demonstrate the function of a sanitary landfill as a waste management method and introduce some of the related environmental impacts. Students are to construct model landfills in soda bottles to compare different containment techniques and to examine how they function over time.

Model City Relay

Students will be assigned to "City" teams with each other outdoors for a "Model City" award for their planning and recycling efforts. Students will learn that reusing and recycling saves energy and money, how to plan a simple waste disposal strategy, and reinforce what can be reused and recycled.

Rockin' Recyclables

Students will perform the play By the Skins of Our Bananas or write their own play about the environment to teach the students about the problem of solid waste as well as learn how to communicate with others artistically.