The big questions we all have in implementing any new program into our educational pedagogical practice generally fall into the following: How do I get the funding to implement the program? (or more importantly who can I bug for financial assistance & help?
Environmental Education Grants are available for access for school groups, local community groups (Landcare) and other non-profit organisations. The key is to find them early and get in with a well planned project. This includes setting realistic goals, doing research into the organisation offering the funds (there is no point in planning a project that does not meet their guidelines ... you will not get the funds and just waste precious time), have a clear and realistic budget (be honest with the costs of any proposed project and plan for budget "blowouts"), consider including outside assistance or groups (many grants prefer to see their money being spent amongst a broader range of clientelle ... consider utilising the P&C, local Landcare, Loins or Services Club, or even the local gardening club).
Join the local Landcare group or establish your own school based group. This provides an access point for advice and potential people power during planning, construction or planting.
Utilise your local community by considering what resources you may have within the broader school community (you never know who may have a tipper or access to plants). At the absolute worst all you will hear is a "No!" .... If one does not ask, one shall not get it!!!
How do I manage my resources? (or how do I make this shoe string budget feed my ever growing plan?)
Planning a realistic and accurate budget is essential. Counting ones pennies is vital as it extends that shoe string a little further and many grants require that you account for your spending. They also often require an evaluation and a final report (keeping a photographic diary of events is a great way to fulfil this requirement and it also doubles as a promotion for your project (very handy for entering competitions ... Lake Macquarie Council have annual Environmental Awards as does Newcastle City Council which all equate to an opportunity to showcase the school and its achievements).
Ask for help!!! Although this may seem a tad obvious or even silly, it can be hard to do when you are caught up in the middle of your project. Don't be afraid to seek advice (or borrow and modify ideas) from other groups ... afterall if they have a working model that you can see would fit into your plan why not adapt it ... just make sure that they are acknowledged for their support. I have not found one individual or group that is not willing to part with some of their knowledge when asked appropriately.
How do I ensure my resource is sustainable? (or how can I plan strategies that ensure I will not have to re-invent the wheel next year?)
Ensuring that the program and more importantly the knowledge learnt from it is sustainable and passed forward is the key to success. Making the project fun for all the stakeholders is an important first step and the idea of student ownership (or control) is key to ensuring the knowledge transfers from one year group to the next. Building the project into a specific KLA or Stage within the curriculum is valuable in giving it credibility amongst the students, staff and broader school community. From a teaching and learning strategy, the project will become part of your curriculum and not just another "task that must be done".
Resource Management
The big questions we all have in implementing any new program into our educational pedagogical practice generally fall into the following:How do I get the funding to implement the program? (or more importantly who can I bug for financial assistance & help?
How do I manage my resources? (or how do I make this shoe string budget feed my ever growing plan?)
How do I ensure my resource is sustainable? (or how can I plan strategies that ensure I will not have to re-invent the wheel next year?)