760 Climate Action Kits Delivered to County Students This Week!
Charlottesville, Virginia – Monday, March 8th, 2021
The Community Climate Collaborative (C3), in partnership with the Virginia Discovery Museum and Albemarle County science teachers, will be delivering Climate Action Activity Kits to 760 4th graders in 10 Albemarle County Public Schools next week. The kits were designed to help students gain a greater understanding of home energy use and climate emissions, while connecting families to local energy-efficiency solutions.
The kit includes an energy scavenger hunt and grown-up guide with information on local rebates and energy efficiency resources; a build your own windmill; a t-shirt with art materials to create and decorate a reusable grocery bag; and a solar-powered night light.
Individual Climate Action Activity Kits, in both English and Spanish, will be delivered to Agnor-Hurt, Baker-Butler, Broadus Wood, Brownsville, Crozet, Hollymead, Mountain View, Stone-Robinson, Stony Point, and Woodbrook Elementary Schools on March 9th and 10th.
Members of the media are invited to an opportunity for photos and interviews:
Tuesday, March 9th at 9:45am Mountain View Elementary School at 1757 Avon Street Ext, Charlottesville.
VISUALS: Delivery truck loaded with 760 kits; Climate Action Activity Kits, including contents.
The funding for the climate activity kits was provided by Albemarle County’s Department of Facilities and Environmental Services, the D.N. Batten Foundation, and the Community Climate Collaborative.
Quotes from Partner Organizations:
“The Virginia Discovery Museum was delighted to partner with C3 to create Climate Action Kits to support Albemarle County 4th graders in their learning at home. These kits are part of the museum’s ongoing efforts to support our community’s youngest members in continuing their hands-on learning through play, and to engage children in thinking about how to be good stewards in their community,” said VDM Executive Director, Janine Dozier.
“In 4th grade, students learn about where they fit in the solar system. As they move from the solar system to learning about their specific ecosystem here in Charlottesville and Albemarle, students examine how features of plants and animals support life and the impact of pollution. Over the next two weeks, students will be learning about natural resources and their impact on the economy. We are excited to partner with C3 to provide activities that can be shared with students in the classroom and at-home. These lessons provide an opportunity for teachers to educate our students about their impact on the environment,” said Katina Dudley, Lead Science Coach for Albemarle County Public Schools.
"Albemarle County is pleased to partner with C3 to increase awareness of local energy efficiency programs, support families with at-home activities for kids, and educate our community’s next generation of climate leaders – all components of the County’s recently adopted Climate Action Plan,” said Greg Harper, Chief of Environmental Services for Albemarle County.
“We’re excited to partner with Katina and her incredible team of 4th grade science teachers to help connect their classroom learning with climate solutions in their own home. It’s been a difficult year for kids, teachers, and families. We’re grateful to provide some interactive hands-on learning and helpful energy efficiency resources,” said Teri Kent, Director of Programs for C3.
About the Community Climate Collaborative
The Community Climate Collaborative aims to bring communities together to lead on climate by working closely with schools, businesses, citizens, and local governments to implement carbon emissions reductions, develop climate action plans, and enact equitable policies that accelerate climate action. Our Home Energy Challenge and the Better Business Challenge deliver climate solutions that are practical, tangible, and quantifiable. Visit theclimatecollaborative.org.
About the Virginia Discovery Museum
For 39 years, the Virginia Discovery Museum has provided educational and enrichment opportunities in literacy, science, math, and the arts to the children of the Charlottesville-Albemarle area. It is the mission of the museum to foster intellectual curiosity and development for all children in the community. In 2019, the museum welcomed 72,000 visitors, over 23% of which came to the museum free of charge. The museum partners with over 100 Charlottesville community organizations to offer programs and events and relies on the support of over 300 volunteers who range in age from 14-80. Visit www.vadm.org.
About Albemarle County
Climate change presents a unique challenge and a unique opportunity. Albemarle County stands with cities, counties, and other public and private sector partners throughout the world to advance bold climate action in service of a healthy planet for all and for the prosperity, health, and well-being of our community. As a local government, we have a responsibility for leadership in reducing the community’s contribution to climate change and charting a sustainable future. Albemarle County’s target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community by 45% from 2008 levels by 2030 and to achieve zero net emissions by 2050. Visit their website at www.albemarle.org.
PRESS CONTACT: Teri Kent, Director of Programs and Communication, Community Climate Collaborative, (434) 466-5157, or teri@theclimatecollaborative.org
Check out the incredible photos Erin Edgerton of the Daily Progress took!