Earlier this summer I had the pleasure of speaking to a class of fifth-grade students at P.S. 9 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan about the benefits and beauty of green roofs. My RAND colleague, Project Associate Tom Russack, whose daughter Nicole was in the class, was also more than happy to participate. Our presentation was given on behalf of the RAND Gives Back charitable giving and volunteer program, and it was part of the school’s annual fund-raising benefit, which funds assistant teachers, field trips, and art, music, and language programs.
RAND Project Associate Yessica Marinez gives fifth-grade students at P.S. 9 in Manhattan a hands-on experience with a green roof.
Several days before our presentation, Prides Corner Farms (which supplied the trays for the green roof installation RAND administered at the Fashion Institute of Technology) delivered a portion of a green roof to Elizabeth Pena’s class. The section of roofing—called a pre-vegetated modular tray—was of the sedum grass variety, a popular choice for green roofs. Ms. Pena handed out copies of RAND’s Green Roof Fact Sheet so the students could familiarize themselves with the topic before our visit.
I’m happy to report that on the day of our presentation, Ms. Pena’s students were bursting with curiosity about the green roof trays in their classroom, and they had plenty of questions—and answers. When asked what are some of the benefits of a green roof, they rattled off: “Protects the roof!” “Cools the air around the building!” “Reduces water runoff after rainstorms!” “Extra insulation for the building!” And more than a few “Looks pretty!” They obviously had read our fact sheet!
Thaddeus the Slug, discovered nestled in the sedum, was a big hit!
After the presentation, the students got a hands-on examination of the sedum tray. They felt the vegetation and removed some of the soil and spread it out on paper. We discussed the different layers in a green roof, how they are installed, and how green roofs are maintained. The students were elated to find the green roof did indeed support life when they discovered a slug, which they named Thaddeus, nestled in the vegetation. They then rolled up RAND drawings and put a handful of soil inside with sedum on top to create their own little green roof snow cones!
Next the students divided into groups and were given large sheets of paper. After showing them examples of green roof plans, we encouraged the students to design their very own green roofs. Among the imaginative creations were animal enclosures, ponds, half-pipes, and swing sets. Some of the designs even included legends, keys, pathways, and designated sections. Ms. Pena may have more than a few future architects in her class!
Using RAND drawings, students created green roof snow cones!
Ms. Pena, Tom, and I were delighted to see the students’ enthusiasm not only about green roofs, but also the design, aesthetics, and science behind them. The sedum trays have since been installed in the schoolyard, where the school and the students are maintaining them. No doubt they will serve as a valuable resource and topic of discussion for future classes. We have high hopes P.S. 9 students will carry the torch for sustainability, and with their excitement and education they will one day help change the city—and even the world—one green roof at a time.
