The Sustainable School

A look back in time helps a sixth-grade class envision a greener, more sustainable future.

When construction at Birch Elementary uncovers a time capsule buried by the school’s sixth-grade class in 1900 – the year the school was built! – Mr. Marons’s current sixth-grade class is fascinated to discover letters from the students among the artifacts inside. Each of the letters describes the marvels of innovation in the new building in one of four categories – electricity, plumbing, building or transportation. These letters inspire an intriguing science assignment for the students: Come up with a prediction, related to one of the categories, for how the school will become more energy efficient by 2100!

Award-winning nonfiction author Erica Fyvie uses stories from the past to pique readers’ interest in the importance of living sustainably. Her innovative cross-curricular approach combines science, technology and history, while also examining the human aspects of innovation. The four predictions presented by the students cover everything from new power sources and water conservation practices to energy-efficient construction and zero-fuel modes of transportation. Award-winning illustrator Scot Ritchie’s comics-style illustrations, with sepia tones used for the scenes in 1900, provide a creative, engaging, highly visual way of exploring these topics. The book includes sidebars throughout that describe real-life examples of famous time capsules, plus tips on how to create a personal, family or classroom time capsule. A glossary, suggested resources and an index are also included.