Education


Why is it important to be green?

As educators we are models for our visitors.  We exhibit good museum
behavior.  We model good learning.  We sometimes even model having
fun!  We set the tone for a visit and provide the take home messages.  Many
times we also provide the take home stuff.  We therefore must consider
carefully what it is that we want people to learn and do while in our
museums.  How can their experience with us inspire, remind, illuminate,
and encourage?

How can we become more green?

To be sustainable in our programming we need to examine both content
and process.  Some content is obvious and arises out of our missions –
recycled and found art projects in an art museum, wildlife awareness at a
zoo, or environmental history in an historical society.  But other content
requires creativity and new ways of thinking.  Raising awareness about
sustainability isn’t just the job of science museums; it is a responsibility that
we can all share.  By weaving green topics into what we present and green
strategies into what we do, all institutions can make an impact.

Infusing education department goals and values with a green vision is one
way to start.  This is both philosophical and practical.  What do we believe
as a staff?  What is inherently green (or un-green) about what we do?  Can
each of our programs include green themes and/or strategies?  The
practical is a bit more obvious.  What materials do we use in our programs?  
How many resources are we using?  What is wasteful?  What do we serve as
refreshments?   What can be reused, repurposed, or reimagined?  What can
be donated or found?  How can our programs have small footprints?

What should be our goal?

The Green Museums Accord suggests that we undertake programs to
educate ourselves and our visitors about sustainability.  The education
department is key in meeting this goal.  Through well-crafted programs and
leading by example, educators can play a major role in greening the
museum.
The Green Museums Initiative
Things You Can
Do Today
  • Develop a green values
    statement for your department.  
    Like a museum's mission
    statement, this can guide you in
    content and process.

  • Keep an inventory of all
    education supplies.  Before
    starting any new program, ask
    yourself if you really need to
    buy more stuff.  Can you get
    donated items?  Can you reuse
    or repurpose?  Does every 3rd
    grader really need to take home
    a construction paper city hall?

  • Research green vendors and
    products.  Make a purchasing
    policy.

  • Make a list of environmental
    organizations and experts in
    your community.  Call on them
    to do programs,participate in
    family days, or partner on new
    initiatives.  Brainstorm with
    them – you’ll come up with
    some amazing projects by
    working together.

  • Understand your bioregion.  
    What native plants and animals
    do or should exist there?  What
    have been the land use patterns
    over time?  Trace the seasons.  
    Know your watershed. This
    knowledge will help you develop
    new programs and be aware of
    the natural rhythms in your
    community.

  • Understand the ecosystem of
    your site.  What critters live
    there?  Where does rainwater
    run off?  Where does the sun
    first shine in the morning?  
    Program it!

  • Develop an on-site art project
    where visitors can still be
    creative but the eco-footprint is
    minimal and contained.

  • Talk to your visitors.  What
    environmental issues concern
    them?  What would they like to
    know more about?  
Things You Can
Do Today
"We must consider carefully
what it is that we want
people to learn and do while
in our museums."