1. Youth Leadership Program Announced
GreenLearning is pleased to announce that a new Pembina Foundation program is now up and running! GreenLearning has been developing a youth leadership program for the last two years, from the research phase through to program design and securing funding. We are working in collaboration with the Pearson Seminar on Youth Leadership. Our youth leadership program will be unique in Canada, offering youth aged 18 to 24 accredited experiential leadership training in sustainability. The first semester will be piloted in early 2009.
We are currently hiring a youth intern to assist with market research for the program. Funded through Green Street, the intern will receive a $1000 honorarium to complete the project by March 30, 2008.
For information about this exciting new program, contact Youth Leadership Program Director, Nadine Raynolds.
 Since September 2007, students have created more than 200 eCards — that's more than 200 personalized messages about energy! In February, eCards will expand to include another Topic Resource Centre for student research.
Currently on the eCards website, students can research wind energy, solar energy, nuclear power and energy success stories. They will soon be able to research Arctic glaciers as well, using the insights, research, photos and videos of the students who participated in the September 2007 Cape Farewell voyage to the Arctic aboard the Noorderlicht.
» Learn more about eCards
3. Student Survey Results Are In
 In December, grade 6 and 7 students participated in the GreenLearning climate change survey which coincided with the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia. As the school with the most student responses, Crofton House School in Vancouver was awarded an Earthball (a one-metre ball of the Earth) for their efforts.
The students surveyed displayed an impressive knowledge of climate change and a willingness to take action. When asked to rank their concerns about the effects of climate change, they noted species extinction (81%), extreme weather (57%), loss of forests (57%), rise in sea level (27%) and loss of food crops (16%). When asked how strongly they feel about climate change and Canada's support of greenhouse gas reductions, they indicated - very strongly - 30%
- a lot - 35%
- a fair bit - 27%
- a little bit - 8%
- not at all - 0%
There are a number of actions that students said they would be willing to take now: - Walk and bike more, drive less - 87%
- Turn off appliances etc. when not in use - 81%
- Avoid extra packaging - 57%
- Use the cold-water setting on clothes washer - 35%
- Eat vegetarian meals three or more times per week - 22%
- Use an automatic thermostat - 16%
Our thanks to all of the students who completed the survey! Look to GreenLearning for more student surveys in the coming months.
In the fall, we asked teachers to provide us with feedback about EnerAction and to let us know which lesson plan they like best. One teacher wrote, "I am so thrilled with the whole EnerAction program. My Grade 4 science students are involved in a project called Tracing Your Carbon Footprint and are excited to be able to use a carbon calculator that can be understood at their grade level. Thanks!" As the winner of the draw, this teacher received a Making it Green T-shirt and lunch kit while five other teachers in British Columbia were awarded an Earthball for their classrooms. For the names of winners, see the Latest News on the GreenLearning website. We thank you all for your participation! At GreenLearning, we always welcome teacher input. » Learn more about EnerAction
» Register with GreenLearning
5. GreenLearning Visits Head of the Lake School
We recently visited Head of the Lake School in Skatin, British Columbia to lead teacher workshops and facilitate a community discussion on supporting youth energy and sustainability initiatives. Students participated in EnerAction and eCards activities, and built small-scale working wind and water turbines as well as solar-powered cars. Cloud Works helped support this work with Head of the Lake School. 
From left to right: Students enjoying EnerAction Lesson #1, Playing with Energy; staff celebrating their work to make Head of the Lake School more sustainable; and staff building re-energy.ca wind turbines.
In the fall, more than 240 teachers participated in GreenLearning workshops while approximately 235 students attended presentations.
Look for these workshops and events over the next month:
- February 11: Fort McMurray Youth Forum in Fort McMurray, AB
- February 13: eCards workshop in London, ON
- February 15: Teaching about Climate Change at ATA Calgary Convention, Calgary Science Centre, AB
- February 20: eCards workshop in Mississauga, ON
- February 21: eCards workshop & GreenLearning Associates meetings in Niagara Falls, ON
- February 28: Oil Sands at Greater Edmonton Teacher's Convention in Edmonton, AB
- March 4: eCards workshop in Richmond, BC
For more information about upcoming workshops and events, please contact your GreenLearning regional director.
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