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EARTH DAY
Curriculum Overview
Earth Day is a special event research-based curriculum. Students view video interview segments with scientists who probe the heights of space and the depths of the oceans. These interviews serve as a springboard for their own research in various subject areas. A list of online resources is provided to support student research.
Viewing/Facilitation Strategies
- Introduce the Earth Day topic and video segments. Ask students to share their experiences and opinions related to Earth Day and activities they have participated in during previous Earth Day observances.
- View the video segments as a class, in small groups, or individually.
- Faciliate student selection of one of the research projects listed below which fits their interests and grade level.
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 nation's 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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