With over 35 kids ready at the starting line, we raced into our workshop with presenters Solar 1 to make solar race cars. But before the checkered flag came down, Margaret of Solar 1 reminded the kids of the importance of renewable energy. A few smart Green Apple Kids were quick with answers, advising their peers that we currently use way to much fossil fuels (from energy sources that cannot be refilled once the needle hits E).
But that was enough talking about renewable energy, next the kids built cars that used one of its most abundant resources... the sun. They put wheels, cogs, motor and solar panel together after decorating the chassis of the car in a green theme. The mini-mechanics that completed their cars quickly went on to constructed sundials from construction paper and a bit of help from their attentive parents.
A big thanks to all the understanding parents who attended this, our largest workshop to date.
Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun, Please shine down on me...
“Bicycle! Bicycle! Bicycle! I want to ride my bicycle.” And ride they did. First the Green Apple Kids rode indoors – a treat facilitated by the fact that the library loaned us their large auditorium room for this workshop – then they had a blast riding outdoors on an unusually warm March afternoon. But first Will, of NYCBikes, instructed kids and parents on a bit of Bike 101.
After introducing himself, Will read the book 'Duck On A Bike' to a humored audience. He then ran through important tips for kids. “The most important part of a bike is not on the bike, it’s your…” asked Will. To which the Green Apple Kids responded, “Hemet!” Will also had tips for parents, “Keep tiny fingers away from the gears,” (see pic below) and “Always keep tires properly inflated."
After instruction on how to remove, mend and inflate an inner tube, Will introduced the Green Apple Kids to his favorite childhood bike accessory: the safety flag. Safety flags are especially important in metropolitan neighborhoods where kids share play space with busy motorists. The Green Apple Kids, grouped at a long communal table, got the chance to create their very own flags using recycled fabric (triangles cut from old canvas totes and t-shirts), bamboo stakes and crushed bits of unused crayons.
After creating their playful, but practical flags, there was only one logical thing left to do… Have a bike parade! Check out photos and bike parade video below. And also remember, biking is not only fun, it’s a mode of transportation that is healthy for both you and the planet.
To work in collaboration with parents to empower all children and families, by providing opportunities of enriched learning that promote environmental consciousness, and cultivate lifelong positive attitudes, and behaviors toward the natural world.
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