TurfMutt » opei

Sacramento 4th Grade Students Win TurfMutt Poster Contest

Lucky — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:22:45 +0000

Last year, TurfMutt sponsored a poster contest. Students were asked to design a poster that illustrated how they and their family could help create and save green spaces

After reviewing many entries, three winners at Herman Leimbach Elementary – a 4th grade class in Sacramento, CA –were selected and each received an Amazon.com gift certificate. The 1st place winner drew a picture of their family watering grass only during the early morning hours to use water wisely.

The teacher was very excited about the program: “We are always looking for activities and tools that supplement the class work in an engaging way,” said Jenny Williams, 4th grade teacher at Herman Leimbach Elementary. “The TurfMutt science program allowed students to learn about science in a new, exciting way.”

Do you have interest in the curriculum for your school?

We keep getting requests each week from teachers for TurfMutt materials. More information on the curriculum: www.weeklyreader.com/opei or to see a sample of the poster that won, go to http://www.turfmutt.com/school/

TurfMutt Curriculum Goes National Today

Lucky — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:19:45 +0000

This week, 25,000 schools across the country will get new, updated TurfMutt educational materials for third through fifth grade students. In 2009, Washington, DC and Sacramento, CA area schools were the first to receive an array of TurfMutt educational materials – and the response was very positive. So, now it’s time to roll it out across the country.

As before, the TurfMutt science-based youth curriculum teaches elementary students about the science behind green spaces’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), release oxygen, cool the air, control dust, reduce erosion and filter water. This year, we’ve made further efforts to teach students how to be water-wise.

The TurfMutt curriculum still includes science-based experiments on seed starting, photosynthesis and water absorption, and worksheets.

Go the @School page and see more photos of the TurfMutt program. What do you think?

Powerful rain storms bring tree and yard damage

Lucky — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:33:48 +0000

From California to the East Coast, there has been plenty of flooding. After strong winds and rainfall, you’ll be tempted to break out chain saws and other outdoor power equipment to clear away broken limbs and damaged trees. Please keep in mind these important safety reminders:

Have a chain saw on hand for clean up, but first read and understand the instruction manual and ensure the equipment is in good condition.
Make sure you understand chain saw “kickback.” “Kickback” may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
Don’t work around power lines. One of the biggest threats to safety is downed utility lines. While an electrical conductor lying on the ground may appear harmless, they are considered “hot” unless tested and grounded! Do not touch it—no matter what! Contact a professional.

For a list of safety tips for chain saws visit http://www.opei.org/ht/d/sp/i/228/pid/228 and for overall storm safety tips visit http://www.opei.org/ht/d/sp/i/206/pid/206