Photo by FlyNutAA

Idea by Katie, a 1st Grade Teacher, in Chalmette, LA.

To help children understand that natural resources are limited, I explain that energy eventually will run out and we need to use what we have wisely. To demonstrate this concept, I buy a big bag of M&M candies and bring them to the class on Monday. Every time we leave the room or use the sink we take some candies. We always run low by Wednesday. That’s when students start coming up with a plan to conserve or limit the amount that each child may take. It never fails that by the end of the demonstration, someone wants to recycle his or her old Valentine candy to replenish the jar.

This article was featured in the April 2012 edition of Really Good Stuff’s Classroom Connections newsletter.  Read more great articles from that issue below and sign-up to receive the next newsletter right in your in-box.

Books Can Pave the Way!

Small People Can Make a Big Difference

Reflect, Protect, and Educate

What Total Commitment Looks Like

Video Resources Introduce Tricky Topics

Build Global Awareness

Weaving Earth Day Practices into Everyday Life

Podcasting for Awareness

Students to the Rescue

Become a “Model Teacher”

Candy Conservation

Fantasy Island Fosters Awareness

Literature-based Ecology