This short documentary shows initiatives kids take to transform bare pavement into dream schoolyards. Some grow trees for shade, and vegetables for a food bank. Others build a greenhouse or a rooftop garden, while others yet construct a courtyard pond as an outdoor classroom and refuge for wildlife.
A Crack in the Pavement is a two-part video set that shows children, teachers and parents how they can work together to 'green' their school grounds and make positive changes in their communities.
Ages 8 to 14
Study Guide - Guide 1
Geography - Environmental Issues
Science - Environmental Science
Science - Life Systems/Ecology
Social Studies - Environmental Challenges
Pre-viewing: Ask students to brainstorm about what changes they would like to see in their schoolyard. How can we make these changes? How would we pay for the supplies required? Post-viewing: Discuss the mural painted on the walls around the school. What is a naturalization project, and what are its benefits? Discuss the idea of one million kids growing one million trees. What life skills are students learning? How would students define “the perfect school?”