Earth Day Canada
April 1, 2014 — Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970 and has gained momentum over the last 44 years to become a global community calling for governments around the world to recognize environmental issues and pass legislation that will promote a clean environment.
In addition to the PSAs, by clicking on the “Teacher” tab, you will be taken to a large database of lesson plans and activities through EcoKids.
The EcoKids site includes lesson plans for K-8 in both English and French. These include BLM & links to overall and specific curriculum expectations. These lessons could easily be used in secondary classes, where appropriate, to meet expectations in the ecology or climate change units in grades 9 & 10 science (SNC1, SNC2), or environmental science course (SVN3).
The lessons range from short introductory hooks aimed at activating students' prior knowledge to multi-period projects that cover a broader concept in greater detail. Lessons, worksheets, blackline masters and all related information are downloadable in pdf format. They are searchable by grade level, language, and subject area.
In addition to the K-8 Resources available, there are also a variety of ESL & FSL Lessons designed for students who are learning the language.
The “Activities” section includes games or projects that can be carried out by students at school or at home to improve their knowledge of environmental issues.
In the “Graphic Organizers” section, teachers can download a variety of graphic organizers to be used for any topic they choose. The short description explains how each organizer can be used in the classroom.
The “Literacy Resources” section includes several versions of printable flash cards that can be used to form compound words, using prefixes and suffixes, and recognizing homophones to help students build literacy skills.
The “Word Games” and “Puzzles & Games” sections include a variety of different challenges that will help to consolidate vocabulary and concepts dealing with environmental studies. The “Tips & Facts” section includes ideas to implement environmental activities into everyday life. There are also a wide variety of “Colouring Sheets” that could be used as a visual tool for students who are unfamiliar with different types of wildlife.
Overall this is a great resource for teachers who are looking for new ideas to promote environmental awareness and activism in their classrooms.