Let's Celebrate Earth Day! (Ages 7-10)

Students will travel back in time to 1970, deemed a turning point in history for the environment, thanks to the efforts of Gaylord Nelson, a United States senator from Wisconsin.  We will discuss the history, purpose and importance of Earth Day - April 22, and will celebrate the 50th anniversary!  We will explore what was happening at the time and what led to this activism to protect the earth.  Students will be introduced to issues of the time, such as oil leaks in rivers and oceans, the bald eagle population decline, pollution and littering and the beginning of recycling.  Through art, students will create signs with important messages from the first Earth Day gathering, followed by a discussion on what may still apply today. 

Students will identify the top 3 things that are important to them and will write on a pledge to the Earth, and include an action plan on what the student can do to help continue the Earth Day movement everyday.  The class will be concluded with a cheer to celebrate the earth!