Intro

Discussion

Curriculum

Materials & Instructions

Round 1

1. Conduct Survey and Record Data on tally chart provided

1. Draw a map of the area around the school where vehicles are most likely to be idling.
2. Divide students into groups of two to four and assign each group a specific area on the map to observe vehicle idling.
3. Review the necessary safety tips with each group of students before they go out to record.
4. Remind students to only observe and not talk to idlers while making their observations. Stress the importance of filling out the observation tally sheet completely.
5. Have each group go to their assigned areas and record their observations on the Observations Tally Sheet for a half-hour period. This half-hour should straddle the time of the bell, i.e. 15 minutes before the bell and 15 minutes after.

2. Calculate Results and Display Observations

Worksheets have been provided for preparing and graphing results.

• Observations Tally Sheet
• Calculations Worksheet
• Graphing Worksheet

3. Discuss results and identify ways of helping people change their idling habits

• As a class, discuss what you observed about idling in your school community.
• Discuss how stopping idling is an important way to help reduce the production of greenhouse gases.

• Brainstorm reasons why people leave their engine idling.
• Think of ways to educate people on idling and tactics to possibly change their behaviour.
• Introduce the flyer and the poster contest and get everyone excited to start helping people change their habits.

4. Steps - The Education Blitz

• Presenting your Point - A Poster Activity. Use the poster contest for students to design and develop their own message about idling.
• Spread the Word - A Mini-Flyer Activity. Use the printable Mini Flyer (150 kb PDF) provided to help students spread the message or encourage them to make their own.