The TIES program includes:

• Field trips for science teachers and students.
  
  • One to two-hour programs use interactive displays, "sustainability stations" and a tour of the University's greenest building to demonstrate environmentalism in action.
  • Major themes introduced on the field trip include sustainability; reducing, reusing and recycling; and measuring an ecological footprint.
  • Field trips target students in grades 6-12. Younger groups can be accommodated upon request.
  • All educational aspects of the field trip were created to comply with State of Michigan Benchmarks and Grade Level Content Expectations.
• Guided building tours for businesses and community groups.
  
  • Tours are given by trained U-M Docents and highlight different sustainable features associated with green buildings.
  • Specific interests can be accommodated, and classroom space can be made available for additional discussions.

TIES provides individuals, school groups, businesses, and other organizations with the opportunity to learn about sustainability and green buildings. TIES can accommodate any interested audience - from leading a 45-minute tour for a small business to running a two-hour field trip for middle and high school students.

Field trip programs are composed of several activities and presentations, including:

• "Trash to Treasure" activity
• "Introduction to The Greening of Dana" presentation
• "The Great Green Adventure" tour
• "Sustainability Stations"
• "Green Futures" presentation

Field trip components were created to comply with State of Michigan Benchmarks and Grade Level Content Expectations.* Download a complete list of Benchmarks and GLCEs addressed in this program.

Program Fees

There is a per-student fee for the TIES program, which can be paid in advance or upon arrival at the Samuel T. Dana Building. Teachers and chaperones can attend the program at no cost. Program fees are used to offset printing costs and to support TIES docents.

TIES is seeking additional funding to support scholarships and bus subsidies. Please contact snre-ties@umich.edu to learn more about scholarship opportunities, or if you would like to make a donation to support this program.

Program Components

"Trash to Treasure" Activity
Students will identify main sources of waste generated by our everyday behaviors; describe how to reduce their waste; and practice proper trash disposal in this fun and interactive introduction. Students will sort mock trash items and identify those that can be recycled, reused or composted.   This activity introduces the concept of an "ecological footprint," and links the concepts of reducing, recycling and reusing to the Greening of Dana renovation.

"Introduction to the Greening of Dana" Presentation
A brief slideshow and oral presentation provides a history of the Dana Building, the School of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Greening of Dana renovation. The presentation highlights the renovation process, and how the Dana Building achieved a Gold LEED-rating.

"The Great Green Adventure" Tour
Students take a docent-led tour of the Gold LEED-rated Samuel T. Dana Building.  While on tour, students will identify sustainable features and materials used in green building and design; compare conventional and sustainable materials used in green buildings; and identify alternatives to new construction and traditional outward expansion.  The tour is organized around interactive displays throughout the building that encourage students to identify, interpret and analyze green building features while experiencing sustainability in practice.  Tour highlights include the composting toilets, radiant cooling system, native plant landscape, and so much more!

"Sustainability Stations"
Sustainability stations present hands-on activities that link the concept of sustainability to students' lives by presenting environmentally responsible options for everyday decisions.   Rotating through each station in small groups, students will complete an evaluation worksheet as they read and interact with the provided materials. Students will identify environmentally responsible behaviors in which they can participate, and give examples of how to reduce their ecological footprint. Station topics include: clothing and grocery bag materials; light bulb efficiency and effectiveness; food packaging and strategies to reduce lunch-time trash; costs associated with personal transportation and the transport of food; and environmental and health impacts of cleaning products.  Students will be encouraged to evaluate their preconceived knowledge of everyday lifestyle choices and behaviors.

"Green Futures" Presentation
A slideshow presentation and discussion provides students with an idea of what they can do if they are interested in the environment by highlighting college course tracks and careers related to the environment.

*NOTE: A committee of University of Michigan alumna who are specially trained in environmental education determined Michigan Benchmarks and GLCEs being met by the TIES program.