NATIONAL CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT
CALS EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Andrew (Andy) Stephens

2007-2008 Initiatives Profiles Activities Resources Photo Gallery Recognition Links

ACTIVITIES      GETTING OUTDOORS     In late October, Andy brought the members of the Mean Green Team to Mono Lake, an alkaline lake close to Nevada that is critical habitat for migratory and nesting birds. Like previous outdoor trips, the students were able to learn about local geography and ecology while picking up litter along the hiking trails. This was a great trip for students to get outside of Los Angeles and for some, to see snow for the very first time! Other outdoor trips will follow this Spring.           Students had great views of the lake on their hike     For some this was the first opportunity to see snow!          CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES     This school year, the Mean Green Team was able to clean up a tributary of the Los Angeles River, called the Arroyo Seco, as well as Dockweiler Beach, near Los Angeles Airport. At both locations, students picked up plastic bags, styrofoam, coffee cups, and other litter, beautifying the area but also allowing for better water flow. Three members of the Mean Green Team pick up litter in a LA river tributary        EVENTS FROM 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR : IMPROVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY         Last year, the Mean Green Team tested the indoor air quality of their school finding high levels of bacteria, mold and CO2 in the classroom. Following the students presentation of findings to the school board, air filters were changed and plants were introduced to every classroom in the school.   MGT member adheres an air quality sensor to his classroom air duct           TREE PLANTING DAYS     Last Earth Day the Mean Green Team planted 15 trees to help convert an old rail yard to the new Rio de Los Angeles State Park. During the event, members were interviewed and later featured by a local radio and news channel.           The Mean Green Team planted 15 trees at the new park     Teacher Andy Stephens gets interviewed by KNX 1070 AM radio for the opening of Rio de Los Angeles State Park          CLEAN-UP DAYS     At La Gran Limpieza, the Mean Green Team joined over 2,000 volunteers to bag litter found in the Los Angeles River. This event became the largest urban river cleanup in history and removed close to 60,000 lbs of trash! Additionally, members went to Playa del Rey beach two times last year to get outdoors, play Frisbee and of course, remove more unsightly litter from the beach.           The Mean Green Team posing after the LA river cleanup     The result of the first Playa del Rey beach cleanup