What is Earth Day?

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to....

-understand and describe some general narratives and practices surrounding Earth Day.

-reflect on the significance of Earth Day for communities who celebrate.

With a partner, discuss what you know or think you know about Earth Day. Prepare to share with the class.

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Think-Pair-Share

In every country around the world, the daily acts of humans impact the health of our planet. Earth Day offers us a chance to learn more about the environment and to take action to protect and restore precious natural resources.

April 22: Earth Day

In 1962, Rachel Carson, a marine biologist, environmentalist, and writer, wrote Silent Spring. This book created awareness and concern for the impact pollution was having on living organisms and the environment and sold over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Pre-Earth Day Influence

This idea for a national day about the environment started with Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin senator and environmentalist, who saw the impact of the 1969 oil spill in California. He called for a "national teach-in on the environment."

Earth Day-An Idea

On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans united for the health of the planet. Earth Week 1970 was supported by politicians and people from all parts of the country. This led to the creation of environmental laws, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. The laws help protect animals, plants, and people from disease and death caused by pollution.

Earth Day 1970

Earth Day is now celebrated each year on April 22. It is a global education, celebration, and action. Activities include picking up litter, planting trees, and setting up recycling stations. Some organizations meet to discuss ways to protect endangered animals and plants.

Many improvements have been made but we face new challenges.

April 22 Earth Day

Should we learn about the environmental issues that do not directly affect us? In other words, should we care about the entire planet or just our immediate surroundings?

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Class
Discussion

With a partner, discuss the imagery used in this video campaign. Did it get its message across clearly? Why or Why not?

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Think-Pair-Share