Green Schools Quest

Annual project-based, student-driven challenge

 

The Green Schools Quest (GSQ) is an annual project-based challenge to PreK-12 schools to devise and implement no/low cost sustainability projects at their school over a six month period of time with the help of a community volunteer who serves as a Green Mentor. Schools document their impact, such as energy savings or increased biodiversity, during the project and submit their project’s process and impact for judging by an impartial panel at the conclusion. Cash Awards and trophies are presented to winning teams in Elementary, Middle and High School Divisions and five Spotlight Awards are presented across the age divisions. 

2023-2024 Focus of the Year: Biodiversity

Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life in one region—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Together, we can take action to create lasting solutions and protect the future of biodiversity.

2022-2023 GSQ Projects & Winners

More than 50 school participated in the 2022-2023 Green Schools Quest, each with a Green Mentor. View a sampling of their projects and learn about the Division and Spotlight Award winners!

Participate

 

Schools

To participate in the Green Schools Quest, your school must complete the online registration form. Registration opens annually in the Spring for the upcoming school year and closes on Sept 15. Each school forms a team of students to participate. This team can be a club, class, grade level, or the entire school.

Additionally, each school is required to have one faculty, staff, or parent from the school serve as their team’s sponsor. This sponsor works together with the Green Mentor and student team to identify, investigate, and implement the school’s selected project, and submit final results of their work at the conclusion in Mid-March.

Mentors

GSQ Mentors (Green Mentors) are volunteers from the Missouri Gateway Green Building Council and Missouri Environmental Education Association who have a passion for creating sustainable learning environments and working with schools. Mentors represent a broad range of professions and include architects, engineers, educators, community advocates, project managers, landscape architects, urban planners, sustainability coordinators, retired community members, and more. Green Mentors are paired with a school and commit 2-5 hours/month Oct-March providing guidance, resources, and encouragement as needed to assist students and their team sponsor as they plan and implement their chosen sustainability project.

Program Schedule


August 31 –
Deadline for mentors to register

September 15 – Deadline for schools to register

October through March – Participating schools work with their Green Mentors to engage in six-month-long sustainability projects or monthly sustainability challenges

March 15 – Final Submissions Due

AprilWinners announced at the MGGBC Annual Green Schools Event

MayAwards presented

Awards

Cash awards and trophies are presented to winning teams in Elementary, Middle and High School Divisions:

  • 1st place ($400)
  • 2nd place ($300)
  • 3rd place ($200)

Additionally, five Spotlight Awards are presented across the age divisions ($100 each):

  • Rookie of the Year
  • Sustainability Champion
  • Focus of the Year: Biodiversity (2023-2024)
  • Judges’ Choice
  • Innovation

Winners are determined by a panel of judges using this evaluation rubric.

Projects & Impact

Schools have participated since the program launched in 2013.

Student-driven sustainability projects have been implemented and documented.

Students and staff have directly participated in GSQ projects.

2022-2023 Winning Projects

Elementary

1st Place: The Greatest Show!

Bridgeway Elementary School (Pattonville)
K-Kids is a student service club for upper elementary students and is modeled and developed by Kiwanis International. Bridgeway has sponsored K-Kids Club for many years, but this year they added a Green Team component to it. Students continued to implement many service-oriented projects as in the past, but this year all of the projects included a sustainability focus, especially ways in which we can Reduce Waste in order to reduce Climate Change.

 

2nd Place: Gator Green Team

Green Pines Elementary School (Rockwood)
Having received warnings from their recycling provider stating contamination rates were too high, the 5th-grade students took charge of designing ways to improve responsible recycling practices. One highlight of their project involved recognizing classrooms that were responsibly recycling. Students designed and created trophies out of recycled materials such as bottles, to give out each week. As the weeks went on, more classes qualified to receive the responsible recycler awards and eventually all of the classrooms achieved a consistent 0% contamination.

3rd Place: Changing Patterns

Crestwood Elementary School (Lindbergh)
Recognizing that currently, there are no classes, programs, or resources that educate Crestwood students and families about climate change, the Environmental Club dove into the topic. They began by focusing several of their club meetings on learning more about climate change and it’s correlation with personal waste. Then, they shared their knowledge and inspired action through multiple activities that engaged families in waste reduction and repurposing.

Middle

1st Place: Keeping it Green

Brittany Woods Middle School (University City)
Students started a Green Classroom Certification program to cultivate school community awareness and behaviors around general wellbeing and greener behaviors. For the criteria, they turned to the START tool which is used in the Missouri Green Schools program to track sustainability efforts across a school’s campus, curriculum and culture, and identified practices that specifically involved students and teachers. By March, 19 classrooms were certified by 8th graders as group leaders accompanied by 6th grade sustainability students when making rounds to review and certify.

 

2nd Place: Turn Your Key – Be Idle Free

Sunrise R-9 School
This year, Sunrise is focused on climate action and improving air quality. Their goal was to bring awareness to drivers within their community and spread the word to the outer community as well. They believe that the voice of the community is powerful in inspiring environmental change, and empowering students to amplify their voice within the community is a meaningful way to create lasting change. They installed a purple air monitor and initiated a no idling campaign.

3rd Place: Outdoor Transformation

Northeast Middle School (Parkway)
60 7th grade scholars participated in a Project Based Learning unit focusing on improving their outdoor learning space. Students were challenged with the driving question, “How might we transform our outdoor space to protect plant and animal life?” They used tools such as the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, the National Wildlife Federation’s Schoolyard Audit, and a pyramid of thinking to narrow down their visions. Groups of students then went on to write grant proposals for their ideas and winning groups will lead teams to complete the projects this spring.

High

1st Place: Spreading Our Roots

Ladue Horton Watkins High School
Students revitalized their greenhouse, continued honeysuckle hacks, and established connections with other schools throughout their district as well as community organizations who could provide expertise and volunteers. The school has a green roof which was neglected during the pandemic. Rather than relative a monoculture of sedum, students planted a diverse mixture of many Missouri native glade plants that attract native pollinators. Teachers are encouraged to bring their students to the greenhouse or the roof as means of unwinding and de-stressing.

2nd Place: Always Moving Towards More

St. Joseph’s Academy
The Earth Angels environmental club members grew to almost 50 members which allowed the team to explore multiple member interests including reinstating composting and reusable silverware, expanding their garden to include food crops, waste reduction and repurposing, air quality monitoring and more. They made curricular connections with several students pursuing environmental focuses for their independent research projects including studying the effect of pristine prairie vs construction sites on plant growth Are meal-kit freeze pack fluids toxic to plant growth? And Does the school’s compost soil improve plant growth?

3rd Place: Kids Who Grow Greens Eat Greens

Central High School (Springfield)
Central High piloted a program with United Community Change to help connect people from marginalized communities to their land and community. They worked together to support students in growing microgreens for consumption in their school cafeteria. UCC will lead workshops to help the students learn how to grow their own food, including lessons on soil building, sustainable watering techniques, organic pest control and plant feeding, harvesting, sanitation, as well as marketing and customer service skills.

Spotlight Awards

Rookie of the Year: Althoff Catholic School (Belleville IL), “It's Hot in here! We can't Focus!”

Althoff students investigated heat island on their campus and immediately jumped into action to change directions by implementing green spaces. Through research, it was found that green spaces are much cooler and provide students with a better learning environment to support cognitive trajectory.

Sustainability Champion: The College School, “Greening, Growing, and Composting!”

Students aimed to improve indoor air quality. Efforts included monitoring CO2 and bringing plants into classrooms. To make significant improvements in air quality, the plant initiative was abandoned  in lieu of building a Corsi-Rosenthal box, a box fan fitted with HEPA air filters that circulated and cleaned the air in middle school classrooms.

Focus of the Year - Climate Action: Holy Redeemer for “Refresh! Reduce!”

The team’s focus was to REFRESH and REMIND friends to: Recycle Right, Compost Correctly, Reduce Single Use Waste, and Pack a Waste Free Lunch. Efforts included fun how-to videos, trash audits, waste-free bake sale, New Year’s resolutions tied to their goals, and more! During one meeting, a plan was created to make use of the waste; chip bags, pouches, and other pieces of single-use trash from the trash audit to create a rainbow. It showcases the many “rainbow” of opportunities students can take to reduce waste in their community.

Judges' Choice: Central High School (Springfield), “Kids Who Grow Greens Eat Greens”

Central High piloted a program with United Community Change to help connect people from marginalized communities to their land and community. They worked together to support students in growing microgreens for consumption in their school cafeteria. UCC will lead workshops to help the students learn how to grow their own food, including lessons on soil building, sustainable watering techniques, organic pest control and plant feeding, harvesting, sanitation, as well as marketing and customer service skills.

Judges' Choice - Honorable Mention: Visitation Academy, “Grounding 4 Life”

Through this year’s project titled “Grounding 4 Life,” 5th graders selected a project aimed at storing energy in the body through Grounding, the process by which we connect to the Earth’s electrical properties. Through science experiments, skits, surveys, creating a website, and a trip to the State Capital, students shared about why it is good to step outside barefoot and on the ground.

Innovation: Maplewood Richmond Heights Middle School, “Transplantational Railroad - Plants in Classrooms”

Students worked to improve indoor air quality and increase aesthetics by providing plants for every classroom in the middle and high school. They created lessons, wrote a children’s book, grew over 100 plants, made pots and saucers, produced an original music video, and went on a field trip to Missouri S&T to tour a green roof!

GSQ Resources

A handful of key resources for the Green Schools Quest are highlighted here. Visit our Resources page to access the full library of resources that support the entire suite of Show-Me Green Schools programs.

GSQ Welcome Letter

Outlines noteworthy items for 2023-2024 and includes links to resources all on one page you can bookmark and keep handy.

GSQ Program Introduction

Video orientation for schools and mentors.

2023-2024 Focus of the Year: Biodiversity

Each year, a particular theme is designated as the Focus of the Year. Themes are selected to reflect current issues both locally and globally. Schools have the option of following this particular focus to qualify for an additional award. Schools are not penalized if they do not pursue a project related to the Focus of the Year.

Examples of Past GSQ Projects

View video compilations, written summaries, interviews and final project submission materials highlighting past Green Schools Quest participants’ projects.

Project Idea Lists

We have two lists of ways to green your school that can help your team to generate ideas: Project Ideas organized by START Metric and our 101+ Ways to Green Your School.

Green Mentor Checklist

Mentor-oriented checklist of actions for Getting Started and best practices for Ongoing tasks throughout the Quest.

School Lead Checklist

Mentor-oriented checklist of actions for Getting Started and best practices for Ongoing tasks throughout the Quest.

Ways for Mentors to Engage

Each school, project, team, and mentor is unique – so the support that a Green Mentor provides varies. We recommend that the School Lead and Mentor review the ideas listed here and mutually determine the best form of support that the mentor can provide this year.

Evaluation Rubric

Used by the judges when reviewing submissions.

Final Submission Materials

View outline of all materials due March 15 here, including Final Submission Form, 5 minute max digital presentation, 1-2 page written report, self-assessment (optional, worth 5 points), and photo releases.

Photo Releases

A photo release must be submitted for every student that appears in the images included in the monthly submission forms. Two options are available: an Individual Photo Release Form to be signed by each student’s parent/guardian, or a Certificate of School Official Photo Release upon which a school official certifies that the school/district has secured and has on file all appropriate image release and permission agreements and consents from parents/guardians of school children who appear in images shared by the school.

Missouri Green Schools Baseline Self-Assessment

In an effort to encourage holistic integration of school sustainability practices and better connect the Green Schools Quest with it’s sister program, Missouri Green Schools (MGS), the MGS Baseline Self-Assessment has been introduced as a new tool. This assessment takes about 30 minutes to complete and earns schools in the Traditional track 5 points or schools in the Adapted track a bonus raffle entry. The completed self-assessment may be emailed to info@showmegreenschools.org or directly uploaded into the final submission form. View a PDF here (click here to create an editable copy)

Rainbow of Sustainability

The Rainbow of Sustainability is a framework for integrating sustainability principles into students’ learning and Green Schools Quest projects. It includes seven sustainability principles: Importance of Place, Interconnectedness, Respect for Limits, Systems Thinking, Cycles, Social Justice, Global Citizenship. Green Schools Quest participants earn extra points for integrating at least two principles into their projects, as outlined in the evaluation rubric! Click here to view a presentation on how to apply the Rainbow of Sustainability tool.

Show-Me Green Schools Partner Network

The Show-Me Green Schools Partner Network consists of nonprofit and for-profit organizations and programs that can help a school advance in one or more of the green schools pillars. Learn more about the Partner Network here!  Access a searchable directory of partners and their services here. If you have resources to share, take our partner survey and become part of the Network.

Questions?

Check out our FAQs below. For additional questions, contact us.

Why participate in the Green Schools Quest?
  • The Green Schools Quest’s structure, resources, community connections and friendly competition (including opportunities to win cash awards and trophies!) support student-driven sustainability action at local schools.
  • Healthier, sustainable learning and teaching environments are created through collaborative work by students, teachers, and Mentors.
  • Schools receive support and guidance from a Green Mentor and connect students to green building careers.
  • School and Mentor participants connect with a network of fellow green schools champions to share resources, learn about best practices, and address challenges in undertaking school sustainability initiatives.
  • Schools earn recognition for green schools work through an annual celebration and opportunities to win cash awards and trophies. 
  • Green Schools Quest projects promote environmental stewardship in our communities, improve learning and teaching environments, encourage students to think creatively about sustainability, conserve our natural resources which can result in lower school operating costs, energize sustainable curriculum in local school systems, and engage the community in helping students to green their schools.
What is the annual timeline of the Green Schools Quest?
  • Spring: School and mentor registration opens.
  • August 31: Mentor registration due.
  • September 15: School registration due.
  • October through mid-March: Participating schools work with their Green Mentors to plan and implement sustainability projects at their schools. Projects are intended to be no or low-cost and must be NEW initiatives or major expansions of existing initiatives.
  • March 15: Final Submission materials due. Submissions are then reviewed by a panel of judges and Division (elementary, middle, high) and Spotlight Award winners are determined.
  • April: Winners are announced at the Annual Green Schools Event.
  • May: Awards are presented to winning schools.
What schools participate in the Green Schools Quest?
Who are the Green Schools Quest mentors?
  • Green Schools Quest Mentors (Green Mentors) are volunteers from the Missouri Gateway Green Building Council and Missouri Environmental Education Association that have sustainability expertise. Schools are matched with Green Mentors to help them identify, investigate, and implement a no- to low-cost sustainability project.
  • Mentors represent a broad range of professions and include architects, engineers, educators, project managers, landscape architects, urban planners, sustainability coordinators, retired community members, and more. 
  • Click here to view the list of 2023-2024 Green Schools Quest participants.
What are the Green Mentor responsibilities?
  • Mentors should have a passion for creating sustainable learning environments and working with schools.
  • Fill out the Mentor Registration Form (Opens in Spring and closes Aug 31 each year.)
  • Participate in a Green Schools Quest Orientation.
  • Commit 2-5 hours of working with your assigned school each month from October through March. Green Mentors interact and communicate with schools by phone, email, video conferencing, and in-person meetings (as health and safety guidelines allow.)
  • Provide guidance, resources, and encouragement as needed to assist students and their team sponsor as they plan and implement their chosen sustainability project.
  • Participate in Mentor Meet-Ups and Connect on the Quest activities if available.
  • Assist with documentation and preparation of final submission.
  • Attend the Annual Green Schools Event if available.
  • Submit two quick, online progress surveys.
  • Be an active member of Missouri Gateway Green Building Council and/or Missouri Environmental Education Association.
How do I become a Green Mentor?
  • Complete the Mentor Registration Form. Once we receive your registration form, our staff will follow-up with additional details and to confirm your participation. Before applying, please review the Green Mentor responsibilities above.
What resources are available for schools and mentors participating in the 2023-2024 Green Schools Quest?
  • Program resources are outlined in the “Resources” section above. The annual Welcome Letter also includes an outline of and links to all of the program resources for participants.
     
What is included in the final submission for the Green Schools Quest?
  • Green Schools Quest participating schools submit a Final Submission Form which collects basic school/project information and impact stats, a short written report, a 5-minute maximum digital presentation to share results of the project, not limited to photos, drawings, videos or other media. Photo releases are also required. All final submission materials are outlined here.
  • These materials will help us celebrate and highlight your school’s accomplishments at the Annual Green Schools Event, and to determine award winners.
What is the 2023-2024 Focus of the Year?
  • The 2023-2024 theme is Biodiversity. This document introduces the theme and highlights three key areas for taking meaningful climate action: Saving Resources, Transforming Landscapes, and Inspiring Communities.
  • Each year, a “Focus of the Year” theme for the Green Schools Quest is designated as an OPTIONAL area of focus for participants who would like to be considered for the “Focus of the Year” Spotlight Award. Themes are selected to reflect current issues both locally and globally.
  • To be considered for the Focus of the Year award, schools must submit 150 words or less describing how their project relates to current Focus of the Year in their Final Submission materials.
What awards are presented, and how are they determined?
  • Cash awards and trophies are presented to winning teams in Elementary, Middle and High School Divisions: 1st place ($400), 2nd place ($300), 3rd place ($200)
  • Additionally, five Spotlight Awards are presented across the age divisions: Rookie of the Year, Sustainability Champion, Focus of the Year, Judges’ Choice, and Innovation. Spotlight Awardees receive a $100 cash award.
  • Winners are determined by a panel of judges using this evaluation rubric.
What is the Rainbow of Sustainability?
What impact is the Green Schools Quest having?
  • While the immediate impact of these projects may result in energy/water savings, cleaner air, and healthier learning environments, Missouri Gateway Green Building Council hopes that the Green Schools Quest will also strengthen relationships between schools and the community, create a lasting awareness of the importance of green schools, and catalyze a movement that fosters an attitude to appreciate and model sustainable practices.
  • Since the program launched in 2013: 194 schools have participated (many for multiple years), 469 projects have been embarked upon, and more than 300 projects have been completed (final submissions received.) According to schools’ final submission reports, over 29,000 students and staff have directly participated and nearly 240,000 additional students, staff and community members have been impacted by the projects.
  • Check out these examples of past GSQ projects for a sampling of videos, written summaries and interviews that showcase Green Schools Quest projects and impacts.
  • Click here to view a map of past school participants.