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Natural Awakenings Lehigh Valley

Think Earth Day Every Day

Mar 31, 2017 03:58PM ● By Sandra Murphy

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act, passed in December 2015 to take effect in the 2017-2018 school year, is the first law in U.S. history to include language that supports environmental education. Plans call for it to be integrated with current state standards, graduation requirements, teacher development and assessment, funding sources and policy action steps.

EducationWorld.com offers lesson plan ideas for students. For example, students from third grade through high school might collect their household junk mail and explore ways to reduce it. Those in kindergarten through eighth grade may create a binder of information on endangered species that includes maps, animal facts and threats to their survival, exploring causal interconnections throughout the planet. Students can also build a cafeteria compost pile or find ways to improve their school’s recycling program.

Kathleen Rogers, president of the nonprofit Earth Day Network, on EarthDayNetwork.org, says, “We need to promote environmental consciousness into our children’s curricula so they are able to analyze problems, think critically, balance needs and take informed action.”

Earth Day isn’t just one day. Aware citizens can take a rewarding action every day. Help Lehigh Valley celebrate and forward its progress toward sustainability at these local Earth Day 2017 events.

Bethlehem Food Co-Op

St. Francis Center for Renewal 395 Bridle Path Rd, Bethlehem
Artisans, food, education & fun.
Saturday, April 22 • 11am-4pm

BethlehemFood.coop

Jim Thorpe Earth Day

All over town
Saturday, April 22 • All Day

JimThorpeEarthDay.com

Northampton Community College

Monroe Campus
2411 Rt 715, Tannersville
Saturday, April 22 • 10am-3pm

Northampton.edu