The Green Generation -- Issue 16 -- April 18-24, 2009

This week's standards:
Students understand properties of Earth materials. (Science: Earth and Space Science) Students understand changes in the Earth and sky. (Science: Earth and Space Science)

Activities:
1. Draw a large circle on a piece of paper. Divide the circle into three equal sections. In one section, paste newspaper words and pictures that show how we use water for fun. In the second section, paste words/pictures that show how we use water in our everyday life. In the third section, paste words/pictures that show how water is used to help things grow.

2. With a friend, go through the newspaper and use a green marker to circle any ads for products that say they are "green." They may say that they save energy, reduce pollution or are recyclable. Which of the ads show things you and your family use?

3. Make a paper quilt by drawing large boxes on a piece of paper. Inside each box, paste a newspaper picture of something that helps us save water.

4. Start an "Earth Day Scrapbook" by cutting out stories about the environment and environmentally friendly products or activities. You might want to divide your scrapbook into sections such as "Water Issues," "Pollution" and "Green Building Ideas." Paste newspaper stories in your scrapbook. Collect stories even after Earth Day is over.

5. Do a water-use audit for your family. Make a list of all the different ways you and your family use water at home. Now check with individual family members to see how they use water. Put a star next to the item if your family is using water carefully. Put a circle next to the item if your family is not being careful with water. Talk to your family about the circled items. Discuss ways to conserve water in your home.

(standards by Dr. Sherrye D. Garrett, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)