Maker Comics: Live Sustainably!
Maker Comics Series
What’s inside...
Maker Comics: Live Sustainably! is a graphic novel that serves as a DIY guide for kids to undertake sustainability projects. After being caught vandalizing a sign, Isaac is tasked to work in a community garden under the guidance of Aurora. Throughout their time together, they work on various projects that help Isaac learn about the natural and human-built systems, the impact of human decisions on the planet, and ways to live more sustainably. The book provides instructions for eight different sustainability projects, encouraging kids to make better choices and actively engage in sustainable practices.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-13
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways we learned about in the book to help take care of our planet?
How do you feel about recycling and reusing items after reading this comic?
Can you think of a project we can start at home to live more sustainably, like any of the ideas in the book?
Why do you think it is important for everyone to think about sustainability?
What are some small changes we could make in our daily lives that would help the environment?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the importance of sustainability and ask for their opinions.
Connect the themes of the book with real-life situations that your child encounters, like recycling at home or at school.
Encourage your child to think creatively by brainstorming ways to implement sustainable practices from the book in your family’s routine.
Reinforce the message of the book by praising your child’s efforts and ideas about living sustainably.
Keep the discussion light and engaging, allowing your child to express their thoughts and ideas freely.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Recycling
Explanation: Through engaging comic strips, the book demonstrates different ways materials can be recycled, focusing on the reuse of household items.
Real-World Application: Children can start practicing recycling at home by separating waste and learning which materials are recyclable.
Example Lesson: Conservation of Water
Explanation: Characters in the comics discuss and implement various methods to conserve water, such as fixing leaks and using water-efficient fixtures.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to conserve water daily by turning off the tap while brushing their teeth and taking shorter showers.
Example Lesson: Growing Your Own Food
Explanation: The book shows the benefits of home gardening, including planting, nurturing, and harvesting one's own vegetables and fruits.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by helping in a family garden or even starting small with a few plants in containers.
Example Lesson: Reducing Energy Consumption
Explanation: It teaches readers about energy-saving habits like turning off lights when not in use and choosing energy-efficient appliances.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to always switch off lights when leaving a room and to use natural light during the day.
Example Lesson: Eco-friendly Transportation Choices
Explanation: The story promotes using bicycles and walking as alternatives to cars to reduce carbon footprints.
Real-World Application: Children can choose to ride bikes or walk for short trips instead of being driven by car.