The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County is introducing a new children’s program to its lineup of free educational programs during this school year.
In cooperation with the municipal separate storm sewer system coordinators throughout the county, the district will offer Pollution Tunnel, an interactive, fun learning experience to supplement classroom lessons in schools throughout Porter County. The program is appropriate for children in second and third grades and teaches them about water pollution.
“Introducing children to aspects of the environment while they are young helps them create a good foundation of knowledge they can build upon for the rest of their lives,” said Abe Paluch, educator for the district.
During the Pollution Tunnel program, children imagine themselves as water droplets that travel through sewer pipes into local water systems. Along the way, students pick up pieces of various pollutants that can contaminate lakes, streams and other bodies of water.
According to Paluch, the new program meets certain state social study standards.
“Second graders learn about being good citizens, and third graders learn how government works to provide clean drinking water and good health for its citizens,” he said. “They also learn about issues related to water quality in Northwest Indiana, the Great Lakes, and global problems, such as garbage patches in the oceans.”
Each year, Paluch reaches more than 6,500 children throughout Porter County with the district’s programs.
The district provides 10 other programs that are available for classrooms and after-school programs throughout Porter County: Edible Landfill; Wonderful Worms; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink; Water Watchers; Lovely Ladybugs; Dunes in My Backyard; Lesson of the Lorax; Pollution Town; Renewable Energy; and Garbology.
Descriptions of the programs as well as the state standards that they meet are available on the district’s website, www.ItMeansTheWorld.org. Programs are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis by contacting Paluch, 219-707-8278 or apaluch@ItMeansTheWorld.org.
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County is a government agency dedicated to improving the environment and quality of life for Porter County residents by providing convenient, voluntary waste reduction programs. The district promotes environmental stewardship among individuals and businesses through education programs, waste reduction services and other outreach programs.
