| Shell Sponsors Environmental Program for Third Graders
Third grade students in Deer Park recently welcomed a new classmate, who goes by the moniker Shellican the Pelican, when a pilot environmental program by the same name was launched that links a creative curriculum with real-world application.
The Shellican the Pelican program was conceptualized and funded by Shell, and co-developed by educators from Deer Park ISD and University of Houston. It meets the Texas Educational Knowledge Standards preparing students for their fifth grade standardized tests.
In 2001, Shell Deer Park Chemical Plant employees began writing a six-week module complete with laboratory exercises devoted to math and science instruction using environmental examples for elementary school students. The idea of providing a resource for teachers as well as an exciting and innovative learning experience for the students inspired the project.
The Shell staffers partnered with two district science teachers to further develop Shellican the Pelican and his environmental team: Breezy the Butterfly (air), Fish Tale (water), E. Worm (land) and Sir Waste-A-Lot who is a good example of what NOT to do regarding refuse disposal. An associate professor at the University of Houston refined the classroom materials to incorporate the desired educational attributes of engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration and evaluation.
Deer Park third-grade students were introduced to Shellican at the beginning of the 2002-03 school year by writing a limerick fulfilling a Texas Educational Knowledge Standard in English. The students’ limericks were judged and the winner’s limerick was used for the tag of the Shellican beanie toy. The actual classroom module began in April 2003.
The program’s “final exam” requires the students to perform a skit using paper puppets to portray what they learned about the environment. The puppets were provided in the student workbooks and consisted of the curriculum’s characters. Shellican beanie figures were presented to the students upon their completion of the six-week program.
Although initially a local pilot initiative, Shellican the Pelican has the potential of being adopted throughout Texas schools, underscoring Shell’s commitment to educational excellence and emphasizing the importance of the role people play in protecting the environment.
Shell Oil Company Foundation provided funding through the recommendation of Fran Keeth, president and CEO, Shell Chemical LP.
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