Earth Week Ways to Honor Earth Week

Ways to Honor Earth Week

Earth Week is a good time to take time out from your usual activities to appreciate our very special planet. Open a window or step outside to enjoy the earth, the sky, the water, the weather, and (perhaps) the sunshine. You may have heard people refer to our Earth as a “big blue marble.” It certainly does look blue from outer space because over 70%--almost ¾-- of the earth is covered by water. It also looks like a marble because it is so small in relation to the vast universe that surrounds us.


This week our guest teacher and MOTAL board member, Eva Postma, chose activities to share with our Museum of Teaching and Learning audience.

I have selected two activities that I think are both fun and creative as well as educational. Both are from one of my favorite sites, CuriOdyssey.org. Complete directions may be found there. Remember, young children need adult supervision to be safe!
1. How to Create Art from Natural Objects
This is an artistic project designed to help us observe and appreciate the natural environment. Using only materials that you see on the ground from a living plant, rocks, etc., your family member can create ephemeral works of art that are meant to be washed or blown away by the weather. All you will need is your creativity and a camera, a drawing, or your memory to make a record of the interesting results.

2.  How to Make a Solar Oven (link)
This oven is designed to collect heat energy from sunlight. This is a way to capture sunlight and use it in a non-polluting way to warm your food.  
You will need:
Cardboard box. A shoebox or pizza box would be fine.
Black paper or markers
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Newspapers or packing paper
Sharp scissors
Again, please go to the website https://curiodyssey.org/ for construction directions.