EarthDay
Earth Day honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the importance of long-term ecological sustainability and moving toward positive change for our planet.
To help teach students about Earth Day, Britannica’s Curriculum Expert Team has put together a few activities and resources.
Meet the Big Four Problems
Have students explore how human action has triggered a vast cascade of environmental problems that now threaten the continued ability of both natural and human systems to flourish. Next, have students explore ONE of the four major environmental problems that the site showcases and answer some thought-provoking questions.
Pollution
Pollution is one of the most serious problems facing the planet, but it may be one of the easiest to overcome. Learn about how humans cause, and can remedy, our pollution problems.
Water Crisis
This crisis poses the most immediate risk to human life and regional stability. Learn about the causes and effects of water scarcity at the global level, and about some of the strategies for addressing it.
Global Warming
The greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are changing the face of Earth. Explore the ways climate change is occurring and what we can do about it.
Biodiversity Loss
Nonhuman life on Earth is suffering greatly at human hands. Learn the major threats to biodiversity and what can be done to keep our organisms from being lost forever.
Here are some to get you started:
- Identify how the problem affects us today and throughout history.
- Identify the causes of this problem. Provide evidence to support your response.
- Identify the effects this problem has on you, your community and the world. Provide examples.
- Describe the solution to this problem or what is being done about it, e.g. public policies are in place.
Earth Day
Explore these articles in Britannica School that provide students with a glance at important events throughout history. They’ll also read more in depth about Earth Day, the annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the importance of long-term ecological sustainability.
Integrating Media Literacy into Earth Day
Use these questions to encourage students to use a critical lens when analyzing the media below:
- What do you wonder?
- Did anything surprise you? Explain
- What is the motivation behind this image/video?
- What problem exists?
- Who is affected in this video?
- What solutions are being offered to help this problem?
- Whose perspective is this from?
- What does this image/video communicate?
- How do you think this problem has evolved over time?
Earth Day—Resource Packs
Take advantage of Britannica School with these curated resource packs, that are filled with articles about global issues.
We hope you and your students enjoy these activities and resources, as you continue your journey of incorporating culture and history into your curriculum! Contact us at [email protected].
