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EARTH DAY
Video Springboards from the Gallery of Achievement
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View the following video interview segments by the first man in space, Alan Shephard Jr. and undersea explorer, Dr. Sylvia Earle. Consider how their comments relate to Earth Day. Both scientists have a deep love and respect for our planet. After viewing and discussing these video segments, select an Earth Day research project that fits your grade level and environmental interests.
Alan Shephard Jr.
First American in Space
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Seeing the earth, even though it is four times as large as the moon, but still it looks fragile. Still, it looks small. You think it's pretty big when you're back there among your friends and it's 25,000 miles around, and so on. But from that distance you realize it is, in fact, fragile. It is, in fact, a small part only of our solar system, much less the rest of the universe.
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[ Interview ] Alan Shepard |
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Sylvia Earle, Ph.D.
Undersea Explorer
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I grew up more or less fearless with respect to all sorts of things -- spiders, squirrels, birds, mammals -- because of the gentleness that both my father and my mother and my family in general expressed toward our fellow citizens on the planet. That empathy for living things became naturally expanded as I grew up into a study of living things. I became a biologist just following my heart, I suppose. I couldn't imagine wanting to do anything else.
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[ Interview ] Sylvia Earle |
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Early on, there was an opportunity, because of the neighboring woods, to explore quite a lot on my own, and I did. I would just spend a lot of time out in the nearby woods, and feel such sympathy, such I feel so sorry for those who don't have an opportunity in their early years to go out on their own. Sometimes with others, but really by yourself, to go out and just see what's going on. Find out what's under that bush, or what is around the other side of that tree. And not feel afraid. Quite the contrary. I almost can't stand not knowing.
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[ Interview ] Sylvia Earle |
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They say that in some countries such as Peru, they worship the sun because they only see it when the fog breaks, and they see the sun. I didn't exactly worship the ocean, but I really regarded it as a very special opportunity. I can remember, as we traveled across the pine barrens, we came to the sand dunes along the shore, before we could see or hear the ocean, I could smell it. And then hear it. And then finally, there it was, this great incredible expanse. And I can still feel that leap of enthusiasm, and real joy, at the prospect of finally getting out to the beach, and running around.
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[ Interview ] Sylvia Earle |
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Environmental Heroes
Both astronaut Alan Shephard Jr. and Sylvia Earle can be described as environmental heroes. Their work in space and in undersea exploration has made a difference in how we understand our planet and the need to take good care of it. The father of Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson, another environmental hero, was recently given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton to recognize his heroic efforts to take care of the earth and its natural resources. Conduct research about other people who could be considered environmental heroes like Rachel Carson, the author Silent Spring or Mardy Murie who loved the Alaskan wilderness so much that she spent her entire life trying to protect it. Write a profile of the environmental warrior who inspires you. Donšt forget to consider environmental heroes from your local area!
Environmental Postcard Project
Use your art, photography and writing skills to create an Earth Day postcard to send to a friend, family member, or community leader. It can be an online postcard to send electronically or a print postcard to put in the mailbox. Dr. Sylvia Earle talked about her love of living things. Use the postcard to celebrate your own special love of the earth and the living things that make it their home. Consider using your postcard to remind people of the things that can be done to celebrate Earth Day and make a difference to our environment.
Arbor Day and Earth Day
On April 22, 1882 Arbor Day was declared a legal holiday in Nebraska. In the years following, almost every state has celebrated Arbor Day by planting trees. It is no accident that when Gaylord Nelson picked a date to celebrate Earth Day, he picked April 22nd. Research the role of Arbor Day in the history of the United States and its environmental impact. Why was it important to plant trees? Why is it important to plant trees today? How has Earth Day continued the legacy begun by Midwest pioneers? Create a script for a short reading or play about the connection between Arbor Day and Earth Day.
Protecting the Earth
Astronaut Alan Shephard talks about the experience of looking at earth from space. He describes his sense of wonder and also his understanding that our planet earth is "fragile." Think about what that term means. How is the earth fragile or vulnerable? What makes it strong and healthy? What weakens it? The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 to initiate a national environmental movement to protect our fragile earth. Research the things that are currently happening which affect the health of our planet. Develop a list of the five most important issues or problems that our nation should address in order to protect the earth. Explain why you selected these particular five problems as the most critical to the environment.
Environmental Timeline Project:
Earth Day began in 1970. It would certainly be an important event to include on an environmental timeline. Another important date on that timeline might be 1872, the year Yellowstone became the nationšs first national park. Research the important events that have shaped the environmental movement of the United States. Include events in your local area. In honor of Earth Day, use graphics, photos, and text to develop a multimedia environmental timeline presentation highlighting 10-20 key events that have made a critical difference.
Letter to the Earth
For Dr. Sylvia Earle, the oceans and the living things within them are her greatest interest. Her love for oceanic exploration is tied to her appreciation of the Earth and her belief that we need to conserve its resources. Visit the Gallery of Science and read her entire interview. If she were going to write a thank you letter to the Earth, what might it say? What would you say in such a letter? What special things about the natural world are important to you? What gets your interest and curiosity and respect? Volcanic mountains? Birds of prey? Deep forests? Bear? Write your own Earth Day thank you letter and share it with a friend.
Earth Day 1970 The Legacy Today
In 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin proclaimed April 22nd to be "Earth Day," he helped give birth to a historic movement. The teach-in and Earth Day demonstration of 1970 became the largest organized demonstration in our nationšs history. More than 20 million people participated in the first Earth Day which gave rise to the modern environmental movement. Conduct research about the beginnings of Earth Day. Create a web site design with content text that describes the importance of Earth Day and profiles the key environmental groups that emerged from this national environmental movement. Outline some steps that the current generation of young people can take to build on the 1970s Earth Day legacy and protect our planet.
Earth Day Debate: The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
There are many environmental issues that divide our country. One of these is the proposed oil drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Many people believe that we need the oil from this area to meet our energy needs and to cut down on the United Statešs dependence on foreign oil. Others believe that the negative environmental impact on the wild animals, birds, and landscape in this pristine area would be devastating. Carefully research both sides of this issue. Imagine that you are in an Earth Day debate about whether or not to drill in the Arctic. Which position would you take? Why? Write a debate script or essay to present and support your major points.
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