There were three major components to this project: A class novel study of the novel A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, students researching and writing a persuasive speech, and the building of soapboxes. The novel served as a case study of how millions of people in Africa lack to access clean drinking water. After reading the novel together as a class, students were asked, “What are the top environmental crises faced by the world today?” Students took several weeks to research topics such as: deforestation, reviving the world’s oceans, air pollution, agriculture and transportation systems. The final product of their work was to write a 1-3 minute persuasive speech. For our exhibition of student learning, the 3rd and 4th graders were asked to read their speeches aloud at our school-wide celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2016. During the weeks leading up to Earth Day, our class took a field trip the Austin Tinkering School. Then using woodshop tools, students worked in teams of four to construct soapboxes so that during exhibition they would both literally and figuratively, “Get on their soapbox” and speak about an environmental cause.

Teacher Reflection:

Students are living in an era where climate change is their inheritance. It was inspiring to see them be both passionate and well informed as they delivered their speeches. Having an audience of students ages K-8th grade and their parents, helped the students believe that their words mattered.

Student Reflection:

All Americans have a voice! So let’s use it!

—Alyssa

Always remember, ‘Don’t make greenhouse gas, so that we can all last!’

—Jaxon

So here goes my pep talk, you might be small compared to this world, but you can help!

—Liberty

To learn more visit http://www.austindiscoveryschool.org