Option 2
What You'll Need
- Crayons, markers, pencils, paper (8.5 x 11)
- Photocopier, Scissors
- Sample Mini-Flyer
- Safety Vests, if available
Instructions
1. Identifying and Discussing the Issue:
Have a class discussion on the impacts of engine idling. Click here to get started on your idling discussion. If you have already undertaken a discussion as part of another Switch off! activity, then jump right into the mini-flyer activity.
Note
For this activity you will need to discuss with the students that they are merely providing information, and that it is up to the drivers to make the choice to Switch off!
2. Making your Mini-Flyer:
Have students create their own mini-flyer using the suggestions and guidelines provided for this activity and then photocopy their originals for distribution. Use the Switch off! Mini-Flyer as a guideline for what to include. An effective flyer should include:
- Catchy headlines: A list of headlines used by organizations working on the issue of idling
- The word bank from the Switch off! Present your Point Activity
- Clear, fun image or drawing that sends a message about idling
- Call to action e.g. Switch off your engine and reduce green house gases.
- Facts and information to help people better understand the issues of idling engines
- The Switch off! "Did You Know?" Section
- The Links to other organizations Section
3. Make copies of your Mini-Flyer for Distribution:
Photocopy your flyer so that you get 2 double-sided flyers from every sheet of 8.5 x 11 inch paper:
- Photocopy an equal number of each student's work following the general instructions above.
- Use the double-sided photocopy function to make 2 flyers per 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper.
- Cut the flyers.
5. Distribute the Mini-Flyer
6. Review the purpose of the flyer as an education tool.
It should be a tool to inform people about idling so that they have the information to make an educated decision about whether or not to idle their engines.
Identify the Areas to Target:
- Drop-off / pick-up zones
- Gates or entrances to the school yard
- Under the windshield wipers of parked vehicles
- School delivery area or loading dock where service vehicles idle (Did you know that Service delivery vehicles spend anywhere from 20% to 60% of their time idling?)
- School office, library or any other location where pamphlets and flyers are made available.
Draw a map of the area around the school where vehicles are most likely to be idling or use the one you created for the Data Detectives Activity. Divide students into groups of two to four and assign each group a specific area on the map to distribute flyers.
7. Safety tips
Review the necessary safety tips with each group of students before they start distributing.
8. Recording comments
Encourage students to record any comments or feedback they may get from people and any thoughts they may have themselves.
9. Wrap-up the Activity with a Discussion
Hold an informal discussion with the class to hear how the exercise went.
- How did the students feel doing this exercise?
- Were the attitudes of drivers within your school zone positive?
- Are there any suggestions for the next time you do an activity like this?
EXTRA! EXTRA!
If your class is really excited about this idea try to arrange an excursion to a nearby shopping center or plaza to distribute more flyers and spread the Switch off! message even further.
Along with passing out flyers at your school, why not drop off a small bundle to local gas stations, convenience stores and libraries. This would help to let the community know of the steps your school is taking to create a healthy environment.
Why not let the local paper know about what you are up to. They are always looking for photo opportunities.
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