Can we raise a generation of green kids? Climate scientist Eugene Cordero and his team at San José State University say we can. They’ve created a fun and innovative video series geared toward students in grades 5 through 8 at GreenNinja.org, which features a “superhero,” blending live action, puppetry and animation to teach kids how to live green. Season one has 16 episodes and the Green Ninja’s second season is well under way. Cordero and his team have also created lesson plans based on each episode that teachers can use in the classroom to make science education fun and interactive.
Highlights from season one include “The Baiting Game,” on how to choose sustainable seafood; “Footprint Renovation,” about limiting your carbon footprint; “For Goodness Rake!” in which the Green Ninja shows the environmental hazards of leaf blowers; “Styrofoam Man,” where the Green Ninja battles an environmental danger bent on taking over the world; and “Doctor Burrito,” featuring Cordero himself in a starring role, using his science training to reveal the environmental impact of a chicken vs. steak vs. veggie burrito.
“We wanted a creative vehicle that would get kids excited about science and empower them to become engaged in the fight against global warming,” Cordero said.
Truthout is pleased to begin a weekly posting of these short videos for middle school students – and everyone else – about climate change and its effects.
Anthropology Apology
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
Burrito Gases
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
Iron Green Chef
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
Do the Worm Bin! A Catchy Tune About Composting
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
The Baiting Game: Which Fish to Avoid
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
Clark’s Story: A Gas From the Past
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
For Goodness Rake!
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
Incredible Edible Everything: The Garden Party for Everyone
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
Incandescent Exposure: Why to Avoid Incandescent Bulbs
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
Bike Party
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
Karbon Kombat: Fossil Fuel Fatality
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
American Idle: Running in Place
By Eugene Cordero, The Green Ninja Show | Video
Dumpsta Diva: Take the Plunge!
By Eugene Cordero, Green Ninja | Video
Save the Fishes: The Bottle-Stopping Rap That’ll Get Your Heads Bobbing!
By Eugene Cordero, Green Ninja | Video
Dr. Burrito!
By Eugene Cordero, Green Ninja | Video
What’s the Bag Deal?
By Eugene Cordero, Green Ninja | Video
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