How many idlers are in your school zone?...
...and how long are they idling for? This Switch Off! activity can actually make math fun. Test the hypothesis, "People will change their idling habits if they are provided with good information," by observing and recording the idling habits of those who pass through your school zone.
Students will be able to:
- Calculate the amount of fuel and money that is wasted and how much carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) is produced by idling engines in school areas.
- Create graphs to compare and contrast the idling rates before and after your Switch Off! education blitz.
- Evaluate the impact the students' Switch off! education blitz has had on the school community's idling habits.
- Have a valuable class discussion on how they have influenced climate change.
The Data Detectives activity is designed to be performed twice, once before any Switch Off! awareness activities or education blitz (distributing mini flyers and poster displays) takes place and again after these activities. Have a look at the calendar plan for a suggested timeline.
Please note this calendar is only a suggested time line and can be done any time that suits your calendar. However, do consider the probability that people are likely to be more receptive to change in the warmer months when they can't use the excuse of staying out of the cold to justify idling.
Safety!
It is most important that this activity be done safely and with proper instruction. We recommend that:
- Students stay on the sidewalk, out of the parking lot, and off the road while completing their activities.
- If possible, students should have supervision from either an adult or a senior student.
- If available, safety vests should be worn by students.
