Schandra Madha: From Compost to Community in Connecticut
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Videos
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Health, Career Skills
Authors: Project Drawdown
Location: North America, North America > United States, North America > United States > Connecticut
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video and discussion questions explore Schandra Madha's work with a community composting system and farm in New Haven, Connecticut, waste management challenges within the city, and why community engagement improves societal health and self-validation.
- Students will listen to Schandra's story and discuss mental health, identity, and creative solutions.
- Schandra is a role model for students from queer or Muslim backgrounds.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Schandra has an interesting background and story that will inspire students to persevere.
- In the interview, the two speakers thoughtfully discuss the concept of environmental justice.
Additional Prerequisites
- It may help students to understand how compost functions as a carbon sink and its other benefits.
- It may benefit students to understand the issues and challenges the LGBT+ community faces.
Differentiation
- This video can accompany a brainstorming session where students consider different ways to fight climate change at the community level.
- Teachers can use this video as a conceptual introduction to environmental justice.
- This resource can support research and a discussion where students consider composting in their community.
- This video can enhance a lesson on the need for city-supported composting efforts.
This resource from Project Drawdown provides a ~11-minute video about composting and how it has brought a community together. The video follows narrator Schandra Madha's personal story and efforts to bring composting to the community. Discussion questions and links to learn more and take action are also provided.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
