WILDFIRES AND FADING MAJESTIC BLUE SKIES OVER CHICAGO

The sky across Chicago this summer is hazy. This phenomenon is caused by high altitude smoke drifting south out of central Canada.  This smoke causes deep blue skies over the Chicago skyline, on a sunny day, to turn opaque and take on a whiteish hue.   

Geoengineers once proposed dumping tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, at these same high altitudes, to turn the sky white and reflect quantities of solar radiation back to outer space.  Now, by default through nature’s actions, we are experiencing these same outcomes.

The cost of this wildfire event, to the ecosystem, is an increase in the tonnage of carbon dioxide gas spewing into the atmosphere from the burning of trees, the loss of vegetation sequestering carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and the reduced cooling effect these lost trees would have had upon terrestrial surface of our planet.

The deluge of smoke produced from the burning of the Boreal forests is a direct consequence of climate change and it is fueled by continued heating of Earth’s atmosphere. The proposed sulfur dioxide global experiment was intended to reduce the impact of climate change on the planet.  Nature’s actions like this burning of trees add to this crisis even as humans continually plan to resolve this problem by extraordinary means.  

If this is a race for the survival of the human species on Earth, with human effort trying to exceed nature’s consequences, then humans at this juncture are losing.

This afternoon I sat near a public pool and viewed another summer ritual, people swimming together in celebration of summer vacation. The sky is not as majestic blue as it once was, but people continue to live their lives.  The science tells us that we can expect that the number of wildfires, world-wide, to increase by factors of 4 times to 16 times as the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere pushes past a 2-degree Celsius increase heading to a 3-degree Celsius increase by the end of the century.

Today is now a historic inflection point, which is laid bare against an intensely red colored setting sun. It is a turning point where we live now on a planet that will no longer tolerate species that are excessively extractive of resources without showing regenerative efforts and that over consume well beyond any reasonable level of sustainability.

Maybe the consistent smoke clouded skies, this summer, will be a reminder to people, like when they write on posted notes, to make an engagement that is critical. You are telling yourself not to forget and do not just blow this off.  The consequences of not responding to this problem, with urgency, will only magnify the Earthly consequences we face from here on.

 

 

 

 

 

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT SCHOOL

It was Kindergarteners’ that voiced the most emotion as we rallied-up after the Earth Day parade.  Chanting “Save the Planet” repeatedly as the voice of optimism amongst this future generation that will be most impacted by the rath of climate change.

It was the crescendo of a most exciting day at St. Thomas the Apostle School with students participating in multitude of activities and experiences that send the message loud and clear to save the planet!  Kindergarteners, caught up in the moment, sent the message to older generations to act now and help preserve and protect our life-giving ecosystem.

A play, presented to address the melting of artic habitat, Bingo games emphasizing environmental stewardship and the making of wind energy products and science experiment displays became the trappings of an extraordinary Earth Day celebration and advocation.

Students in Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science worked the entire year on Earth Stewardship Projects that encompass regenerative agriculture, Green Infrastructure, experimental growth of organic crops and green energy alternatives to fossil fuels.

The foundation of the middle school science curriculum is grounded in environmental stewardship and personal value of being committed to and being held account for the well-being of others. The urgency of the environmental and social issues that will face this generation is taxing.  Taxing on educators working to prepare students for the reality of environmental change and taxing on learners wanting to be successful and prosperous in their lives.

The cry of Kindergarteners, from the rear of this generation, is a cry for unity and collaboration needed for success during trying times.  Emotions are first to be expressed and then not far behind comes intellectual understanding.  The marriage of these human traits will be the salvation of this generation as they forge a world that will support equity among everyone.

Students must be given opportunities to express themselves in ways that can be heard dealing with important real-world issues that impact their lives.  Abilities and skills can only be extended by implementing investigation and actions.  "Saving the Planet" is one of those urgent actions needed to help hone their talents.

 

                23^rd Year into the 21^st Century

 

Inspiration can be found in big and small measures throughout educational processes in schools.  These measures evolve from dynamic curriculum, motivating leadership and innovative thinking by teachers and school administrators.  This is aspirational thinking determined to create a safe environment, prosperous future and a fulfilling livelihood for everyone in our society.

Modeling resilience and fortitude by teachers to help students achieve goals and objectives, is a measure of inspiration that is part of the education process.  Educators bring forth learning opportunities, in the classroom, that lead to accomplishments in the real-world. It develops personal attributes like confidence, empathy and a sense of worth, while sustaining long-term educational gains.

Collaborative and cooperative learning opportunities provide another measure of inspiration as students access advanced world-wide digital platforms to communicate with peers and utilize interactive online software resources. The goal is to gather data, analyze experimental results and present conclusions or discoveries.

 It is the hallmark of 21^st century education to push the envelope of achievement by integrating a wealth of knowledge, online, and utilize this sophisticated scientific analysis to manage projects, develop experimentation, quantify outcomes and communicate results to international audiences.

Large measures of inspiration are based upon working toward achieving large goals. These goals are reached by experiencing learning opportunities in schools that provide challenges to solve real-world problems like climate change, desertification, availability of fresh water and food security into the future. Efforts by students to address these critical issues, while learning critical life experiences, is the foundation of 21^st century education.

Teachers and administrators that address inspirational measures in school classrooms acknowledge the need for developing critical thinking skills in all students.  These are developed skills and abilities that dictate success into the future for everyone. Analyzing data, questioning outcomes, recognizing problems and formulating solutions are the learned critical thinking skills that students must cognitively develop.  Group collaborative effort is the essential pedagogy needed in the classroom, and it is curriculum that delivers the means for students to become involved in this dynamic 21st century learning process.

I am looking forward to this inspirational and dynamic new year in our school!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!