Boards Can Use Earth Day for ‘Teachable Moments’

Boards Can Use Earth Day for
‘Teachable Moments’

School districts and school boards may be thinking ahead to Earth Day 2008, the national celebration designed to foster an awareness of the earth’s environment.

For many educators, Earth Day presents unique “teachable moments” to students, particularly in the areas of science and math. There are several useful resources that school districts can utilize for ideas, support and information about celebrating Earth Day.

Wednesday, April 22 is Earth Day, but the focus on the environment lasts all week. Some towns will have activities on the weekend before or after Earth Day. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has begun to post Earth Day activities on its Web site—and the list is expected to expand considerably as April 22 approaches. School officials can obtain numerous ideas from the "Earth Day" section of department’s Web site.

Another valuable resource is the Earth Day Network, a site created by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970.

Education officials who want their district to “walk the walk” may consider reviewing their own recycling and environmental programs and policies. For example, paper comprises 60 percent of a school’s waste stream, so recycling paper is a logical place to start when implementing school recycling programs. According to the Resourceful Schools Project, every ton of paper recycled saves 17 trees, 6,953 gallons of water, 587 pounds of air pollution, 3.06 cubic yards of landfill space and 4,077 kilowatt hours of energy.

NJSBA’s sample policies on environmental education are located at file code 6142.11. NJSBA’s Policy Clearinghouse also has information and sample resolutions from other school districts, which the association can e-mail to school boards.

School boards that have a policy on recycling or environmental protection are invited to e-mail a copy of the policy to David Bosted, policy consultant for NJSBA. The Association will add it to the clearing house so that it may be shared with other districts that are looking to craft effective policies.