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How do you handle off topic questions that are still somewhat relevant?

Andrea Wong

Green Eggs No Ham!

My class had a pretty good impromptu lesson on the Green Premium the other day. Although we aren’t quite there yet in terms of content, a student brought up the cost of eggs and the conditional license for a bird flu vaccine. The class started a discussion about how much eggs cost and the difference in pricing between organic, cagefree, pasture raised, etc. After providing a quick explanation on the Green Premium, I divided them into groups based on the Grand Challenges and had them research the prices of a few products and their green counterparts. We ended with a mini debate about who was more responsible for creating cheaper sustainable options; consumers, businesses, or governments. While it did detour our lesson a bit, students were invested and engaged in the conversations/research. I also think they will have a better grasp of the Levers of Climate Action when I introduce them next week. 

Do you have any ideas for other activities I could do when talking about the levers of climate action? 

What topics in your classes have derailed your plans but sparked a positive shift in discussion and engagement?

  • I've noticed on Uber there is  a premium price for eco-friendly cars.  I wonder how many people actually pick the ride for about $5 more because it's an electric car?  Might just be Uber posting it, but nobody chooses it.  At my high school we actually have a few kids who drive electric cars.  They were pushing for the school to add some charging stations.  That didn't go far, but I was proud of them for making the ask.

  • in reply to Bryan Dibble

    Ohhh interesting connection  ! Definitely bringing this up in my next class. I found a conversation on Reddit about eco-friendly cars often being nicer and newer on Uber. I wonder if that would influence some people to choose a more green option.

  • in reply to Bryan Dibble

    Aren't a lot of the "regular" ride-share cars often hybrids already? Not a total EV, but "green enough" to a lot of people. Intersting green premium for all EV...

  • in reply to Bryan Dibble

    Maybe just in larger areas. I was in Vegas when I saw that option.  Right next to the option for high-end rides like Benz or BMWs.  Maybe in my region I can find the option for a coal-rolling jacked 4x4?

  • Somewhat related, but Green isn't always a premium! 

    I used to teach personal finance and the kids were always surprised that if you buy used and charge smart, the running costs of an EV are much lower than conventional ICE vehicles and hybrids. A vegetarian diet can also be significantly cheaper than more traditional omnivorous diets if you avoid the flashy meat substitutes and eat more traditional vegetarian proteins like tofu and beans.

  • in reply to Will Nash

      , very true! We've been eating a lot more tofu lately as the price of groceries continues to rise. 

  • in reply to Will Nash

    Right!  In Vegas, the Uber choices were "green" which was more expensive but offered an electric car.  Or "premium" which was more expensive and offered a fast, expensive, gas-consuming car.  I thought that was pretty funny, I could just see someone saying, "I only ride in a M5 BMW."  My butt is not that fancy, so I took the Prius.

  • in reply to Bryan Dibble

    Or one of those armored-covered "EV" Hummer-looking things.... LOL.