Gomi On Earth

Language:

English, Japanese

Grade/Age:

Primary (5-11), Middle (12-14), Secondary (15-18)

Subject:

Creative & Language Arts, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), Social Studies

Global Goals:

6: Clean Water & Sanitation; 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; 14: Life Below Water

Dates:

September 2024 – July 2025

Facilitator(s):

Kathy Bosiak kbosiak@lincoln.k12.nc.us
Mai Okada mokada011@gmail.com
Eriko Katsumata katsumata@aoyamagakuin.jp

Project Description:

GOMI is the Japanese word for garbage. This project is about the long journey of GOMI on EARTH and what we can do about it! You are GOMI detectives in Part I. You will visualize and illustrate what GOMI is about when you follow its long journey to final destination on EARTH. You investigate and face the World GOMI Reality in Part II. You are GOMI activists at Part III, where you care about GOMI and reach your creative GOMI solutions. You can participate in Part I ~ Part III freely based on your class time and students’ ages. In addition, you have ‘Mottainai’ program facilitated by Aoyama Gakuin University students, which invites you to learn and experience Mottainai culture in Japan.

When is the project most active?

May, July, October, December, February. The period of most activity depends on the school since each school progresses at it’s own pace.

Length of time to complete project:

Combined time: 2 60-minute blocks and 2-3 weeks outside of class time. 4-8 weeks with the ZOOM workshop.

Instructional time required for project:

1-2 hours per week

Facilitator country:

Japan

Project Phases:

Part 1 GOMI- Detectives ( Locally and Regionally focused ) 1 hour x 2

Part 2 World GOMI Reality ( Globally focused ) 1 hour x 2

Part 3 You are GOMI Activists 1hour x 2
Mottainai Workshop by ZOOM 1 hour x 2 days

By learning about the GOMI issue from both local and global perspectives, students become interested in global social issues, think about what we should do for earth and are empowered to take action themselves.