Green Learning Adventure Under Way

Community-sponsored program brings sustainability to San Diego classrooms

CCSE’s Green Learning Adventure, a new, in-classroom enrichment program about global climate change and sustainable living, was presented for the first time at a parent-student science night at Bethune Elementary School in San Diego’s Bay Terraces neighborhood in November.

Andrea Cook, CCSE climate program manager, led the fun-filled learning experience for more than 100 students and parents, who answered questions at the Sustain-A-Wheel, rode the human-energy bike and investigated where bottled water comes from.

Geared primarily to students in grades five through eight, the Green Learning Adventure ( GLA) provides up to 15 different hands-on, interactive lesson modules covering topics ranging from exposing absurd packaging to exploring the transportation requirements for a home-cooked meal. The GLA team will visit classrooms, leaving behind information on what the students can do in their lives and at home to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and implement other sustainable practices.

The first year of the GLA program is supported by a $50,000 grant from the Sempra Energy Foundation, a $38,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation and $17,000 from Sempra Utilities. Additional funding is being sought to extend the program for two years. Sanyo is supporting the program with donations of educational and support materials, including batteries and the Eneloop bike. For information on donating to GLA, please contact Siobhan Foley, director of education and outreach, at (858) 244-7292 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Schools, youth groups and other community organizations that are interested in hosting a Green Learning Adventure should contact Cook at (858) 244-4869 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

See photos of the Bethune Elementary School event as well as GLA presentations at career fairs for middle and high school students.