Emma, 1997. Photo by Amanda Trimmer

Earth Day began as a teaching exercise, and environmental education is still a main goal of the day.

At no time is that more important than now, when schools are closed and not just Earth Day but all education has gone to the virtual realm. The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators has created Teaching EE at Home which includes some of the same resources listed below (before the COVID-19 outbreak) and some great additional ones. 

Incorporate the environmental education movement into your home-based curriculum and fulfill the mission that began 50 years ago.

​Reading is always a great way to kickstart a love for the outdoors and our Reading List is a great way to kickstart the kickstart; an educator-specific reading list appears below. Check it out, and if we have forgotten your absolute favorite, send us an update on the sign-in form.

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In addition, Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) and the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources created Art in the Parks and My DCNR Ranger (in English and Spanish). These are available for download at no cost on the PPFF website, along with some other freebies at About Us/Publications. 

Here are a few earth science programs perfect for introducing an Earth Day theme to the classroom:

• Project Wet: Water Education for Teachers. And we mean “teachers” in the broadest sense of the word. Our curriculum materials are designed for educators of all kinds—from classroom teachers and informal educators like scout troop leaders and nature center interpreters to parents and other family members. Free digital lessons have been added.
• Project WILD: Project WILD's mission is to help students learn how to think, not what to think, about wildlife and the environment. All curriculum materials are backed by sound educational practices and theory, and represent the work of many professionals within the fields of education and natural resource management from across the country.
• Project Learning Tree: Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.
• A collaboration among all THREE of these award-winning resources is Teaching About Climate Change: Water, Trees and Wildlife. 
  

Some other fun and informative resources to check out:

• Do you REALLY know how to wash your hands thoroughly? Not just singing a song for 30 seconds but really getting them clean? Watch this YouTube video and find out just how wrong you've been!
• Penn State Extension is offering free online courses through the end of April. Check out  what is available at the Extension website.
• The North American Association for Environmental Education has gathered a comprehensive list of "virtual field trips" for everything from zoos, to museums, to national parks. 
• Keep PA Beautiful has prepared a five-volume activity resource called "Open Your Eyes to Litter" in both Spanish and English about the dangers and cost of litter.