1. Now available! eCards — research, write, design, send!
eCards is an innovative core-curriculum integrated resource for Grades 6, 7 and 8. It meets curriculum expectations in Geography, Language Arts, Visual Arts and Information Technology. Visit the GreenLearning website for a complete list of the Ontario grade 7 expectations addressed by eCards.  Using the eCards website, students research a renewable or non-renewable source of energy, create eCards with their own message and graphics, and with teacher approval, email them to a family member, friend or community leader — making their voices heard on their energy futures.
eCards fosters authentic learning and creativity. It challenges your students to use higher-level skills of inquiry and thinking as they prepare persuasive arguments and voice their opinions. As a teacher-moderated, student-created online learning experience, the project supports a variety of learning styles and is easy to use. eCards includes all of the resources a teacher needs: - student handouts
- a Teacher's Guide
- assessment rubrics
- an Ask an Expert feature
- an online walkthrough
- a complete set of on-site and age-appropriate student research materials on renewable and non-renewable forms of energy.
eCards workshops are now scheduled for Ontario, BC and Alberta. eCards is an approved Green Street program. Register for eCards today.
2. Students Complete Arctic Voyage Where Research Meets Art!
On September 23, 2007, the 12 students on board the Nooderlicht completed their Arctic climate change expedition. Three of the students were from Canada; the others came from the UK and Germany. Their voyage was sponsored by the Cape Farewell Project with the support of the British Council.  While on the voyage, the 12 students conducted science projects and identified ways to express their experiences in an artistic medium. For example, Doriana from Nunavut studied changing weather patterns by interviewing Inuit elders and reviewing scientific data, and she is now creating a piece of throat singing music.
The Pembina Institute is working with the British Council to link ten Canadian teachers and their classes with the work and experience of the Nooderlicht through our GreenLearning program, eCards. The students' research, webcasts and blogs will be made available online for use during the school year. Using this information, students in the ten classes will conduct their own research and create eCards. In other words, ten classes across the country will go on their own Arctic exploration without leaving their classrooms! Watch for more on the results of the Cape Farewell Project and eCards.
3. New and Improved GreenLearning Website
A feast for the eyes! GreenLearning has launched a revamped website with a new look and new features.  To access any of the curriculum resources, click on Lessons and Activities, which serves up eCards, EnerAction, Science 5, Science 7, Science 24, and Social Studies 20.
Use the new search function to quickly find the right resources for your classroom. Registered teachers can use their existing GreenLearning ID and password. Go Green! New teachers simply click on Teacher Sign-Up. We welcome your feedback! Send us a quick note to let us know if you find the new website easier to use or have ideas for improvements.
4. Upcoming Workshops
Pembina continues to work closely with teachers and curriculum consultants on the development and implementation of eCards, EnerAction and other GreenLearning resources. Join us at any of the upcoming events: October 25—Toronto Catholic District School Board
Toronto, ON October 26 & 27—Ontario Geography and Environmental Education conference November 14—Calgary Youth Forum
Calgary, AB November 16 to 18—AB Teachers' Association Science Conference
Edmonton, AB November 16 to 18—Science Teachers of Ontario Association Conference
TBA—Halton Catholic & Public, London Catholic, Peel, Toronto Public
You can contact the BC, Ontario or Alberta GreenLearning Directors, click here.
5. Announcing New Sponsors
GreenLearning is pleased to announce the support of two new sponsors — the British Council and the Ontario Ministry of Energy. The British Council is supporting the partnership between the Cape Farewell Project and eCards. The Ontario Ministry of Energy is supporting the implementation and development of GreenLearning in Ontario. Thanks to all of our sponsors for their continued commitment and support. More on Sponsors.
6. Watch for EnerAction!
 Students take action on energy conservation! EnerAction's lesson and activities are integrated with Grade 4 to 7 core curriculum. EnerAction was tested in the spring of 2007 and will be ready for launch later this fall.
More on EnerAction.
When planning your classes this year, make room for energy education!
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