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Green Traditions

Activity

Designing a Sustainable Culture

Imagine creating a new culture that values the Earth and its resources. Think about what this culture might do to protect the environment and make sure we use resources wisely. What do people eat in this culture? What holidays or celebrations do they observe? What kind of music, dance, or art do they make? Think about how these values are reflected in your school!
Anthro 3
Anthro 3 (3)
Anthro 3 (2)

Science Seed

Every culture has unique ways of using and protecting resources to ensure future generations can thrive. Just as plants rely on sunlight, water, and nutrients, humans depend on the Earth’s resources to live. Many farmers in Latin America use agroecology to grow food sustainably, while Japan’s concept of mottainai encourages reducing, reusing, and recycling. Costa Rica generates 99% of its electricity from renewable energy, and Mexico uses natural adobe to build homes with low environmental impact. Indigenous communities, like the Lipan Apache, preserve traditional knowledge, and practices like whole-animal use show us how to minimize waste. These examples teach us that living in harmony with nature helps protect the planet for the future.
botany jar illustration

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Sanchez Elementary

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Sánchez Elementary School is close to downtown on Austin’s east side. Built in 1976, the campus boasts murals by Raul Valdez depicting the school’s Hispanic history and heritage. Sánchez was one of the district’s first to introduce two-way dual language education- fitting because the school’s namesake, George Sánchez, was a pioneer in bilingual education. This project was made possible by HEB.

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