Project-related programs are offered free thanks to funding from our generous community partners. For these programs, Willow Bend will visit your classroom multiple times for a fun, interactive learning experience.
For additional information or to request programs for your class or group, email Cassandra Roberts (cassandra@willowbendcenter.org).
Introduction to Climate Change and Renewable Energy
GRADES: 5-12
COST: Free (funded by City of Flagstaff Sustainability Section and REpowering Schools)
OVERVIEW: A three-part program series (three 50-minute sessions) that covers the basics of climate change literacy including important terms and concepts, exploration of the science behind climate change, understanding global and local effects of climate change, exploring solutions and learning about renewable energy.
Climate 1 (Climate Change 101): Climate vs. Weather, goldilocks principle, greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases, CO2 and how it naturally occurs in the environment, rise in CO2 and fossil fuels, definition of climate change, global and local effects of climate change.
Climate 2: A framework for climate change solutions.
Renewable Energy: Introduction to renewable energy (vs. nonrenewable), exploring wind and solar energy, hands on wind energy activity.
Waste Reduction Strategies
GRADES: 4-12
COST: Free (funded by City of Flagstaff Sustainability Section and Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff)
OVERVIEW: A three or four-part program (50-minute sessions) targeted at helping students make informed choices to reduce and properly dispose of household waste. The program includes the life cycle of a product, proper recycling guidance, understanding reusable products, food waste reduction, and learning how to conduct a food waste audit.
Waste 1: Introduction to waste, life cycle of a product (from natural resources to products), recycling guidelines, reusable vs. non reusable products
Waste 2: Waste reduction, recycling review, and food waste - facts about food waste and how to minimize it
Waste 3: Home waste audit (step by step guidance on conducting a household waste audit) and strategies to minimize school and household waste
Waste 4: Review, sharing results, and next steps
Outdoor STEM and Wildlife Explorations
**This program offering is currently full.**
GRADES: K-6
COST: Free (funded through Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff and Collaborators)
STRUCTURE: Depends on grade level; may include 2-3 classroom visits and a field experience. We work with individual teachers to best meet the needs of their curriculum and class.
OVERVIEW: Grade-specific sessions will explore local wildlife, habitats, ecosystems, and the interactions between humans and environments.
K-2nd grade: focus on wildlife and habitats of Frances Short Pond
3rd grade: focus on ecosystems and wildlife of Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve (*this option connects with the Picture Canyon for Third Graders project)
4th-6th grades: focus on stewardship and management of local ecosystems; adapted to meet individual teacher needs.