Do you know that this Thursday is Earth Day? Because we call the Earth home and rely on it for all of our basic needs, it is important to protect Earth’s resources. You can probably think of some ways that we can create a sustainable world (reduce, reuse, recycle, for example), but have you ever considered additional ways that we can protect living organisms and their ecosystems?

Today you will examine ways to protect Earth’s biodiversity by creating your own miniature ecosystem using resources found around your home and school.

Step 1: This week marks the 71st Earth Day! But how did Earth Day get started? Watch this for a brief history of the creation of Earth and its mission.

Step 2:  Now that you know the history of Earth Day, it’s time to consider the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Listen to this catchy song about the 3 R’s. 

Step 3: Our world is full of diversity that Earth Day strives to protect. Our global biodiversity gives us unique plants and animals in different regions. Explore some of the fascinating plant and animal life in their habitats here.

Step 4: As you think about biodiversity and the climate, learn a little more about ecosystems here. With the basic knowledge about ecosystems, it’s time to reuse some items to create your own. Use either a glass bowl or plastic bottle to create your own ecosystem and record your findings.

Step 5: Be sure to share your ecosystem and findings on social media using #MakerMondayTN and #LearningInPlaceTN!

Additional Resources:

Teacher Toolkit for Earth Day

Climate Change and Ecosystems

There is a lot more that you can do to protect the planet outside of working to ensure biodiversity and the protection of Earth’s ecosystems. Other important ways for you to become involved are to consider how you can reduce pollution, act as a responsible consumer of what you eat, and by promoting the development of affordable and clean renewable energy sources.

Today you will investigate ways that you can inspire change in your local community and around the world by creating an action plan for protecting the Earth.

Step 1: Tomorrow is Earth Day and we want to explore ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. To begin, let’s hear from the Kid Conservationist!

Step 2: Have you ever wondered how you can get involved with conservation and helping the Earth? Make a list of ways you might help reduce, reuse, and recycle in your community. Then check this list to see if there are any new ideas you didn’t think of.   

Step 3: With new ideas about conservation, how might you enact change in your communities: school, social, home? Advocacy is a great way to start change at any age! Explore more about advocacy here.

Step 4: Advocacy can take many forms: starting a club, writing to a representative, and education are just a few ways to begin. But advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated. Start today by using your creative energy to create your own Earth Day Window Sign. 

Step 5: Share your ideas about environmental awareness and what you have learned today on social media using #WonderWednesdayTN and #LearningInPlaceTN!

Additional Resources:

How to Save Our Planet

Earth Day Song

As you may have learned from the Earth Day action plan that you created on Wednesday, there are numerous ways to become involved in ensuring the wellbeing of the Earth. You may have identified careers such as geoscientists, environmental engineers, atmospheric scientists, and hydrologists as having a direct influence on the protection of the Earth.

Today you will explore different careers related to preserving the Earth and its resources and hopefully find ways that you can become more involved as a student.

Step 1: Geoscientists explore the history of the planet and its biospheres. They get into nature to better understand how the things function. Find out more here.

Step 2: Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering and many sciences to develop solutions to environmental problems. Find out more about this hands on field here and here.  

Step 3: Have you ever watched the news and wondered what it would be like to be a weather person?  Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate and include the field of meteorology. Find out more about this ever changing field here and here. You might even find a job with NASA. 

Step 4: Hydrology is the study of water and hydrologists are scientists who study water. Since water makes up over 70% of the Earth, this vital job helps us keep that water clean and safe. Learn more here. 

Step 5: Ask a family member to share something you learned about environmental careers and why you might be interested in one of the areas as a career using #FutureFridayTN and #LearningInPlaceTN!

Additional Resources:

List of Environmental Careers

Video of Environmental Careers