Today, April 20, 2011, is the one year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion – the worst oil disaster in America’s history. The explosion claimed the lives of thousands of animals and our more precious and delicate ecosystems were left with significant and lasting damage.
While devastating, this tragic event taught us an important lesson about the importance of environmental responsibility, and this anniversary offers a teachable moment to share with our students. As we approach Earth Day this Friday, April 22, we can remind our children of the earth’s valuable resources and the ways we can help the environment and animals around us every day.
“Pattie Pelican and The Gulf Oil Spill” is a new children’s book written by Lynda Deniger and illustrated by Paulette Ferguson. The book tells a factual story of the birds who were oiled, captured, cleaned and rehabilitated during the 2010 Gulf oil spill. The book can serve as a tool to help children understand the importance of environmental protection and preservation, as well as teach compassion and awareness. It can even spark a conversation about the science behind the tragedy’s complications to our waters, beaches and marshlands. When you order the book, 20% of your purchase will benefit the International Bird Rescue, an organization that rescued, rehabilitated and released more than 1,200 birds affected by the Gulf oil spill back into the wild.
This Earth Day, take time at home or in the classroom to discuss the environment and the ways students can go beyond reducing, reusing and recycling. Consider adopting a dolphin or sea turtle through a classroom fundraiser, or simply share an environmental lesson outdoors where your students can enjoy the nature around them. Who knows, you may even inspire the next John Muir or Wangari Maathai.
Learn tips for teaching children about environmental issues and environmental science at the resources below, and have a happy Earth Day!
Environmental Kids Club (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
Earth Day-Inspired Crafts, Activities and Recipes for Kids
National Wildlife Federation Activities & Resources for Kids
Defenders of Wildlife Adoption & Gift Center for Schools
Wendy Wegner is editor of educational content for 1 On 1 Academic Tutors in Los Angeles. Visit her on the Web at www.wendywegner.com.
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