| April 22, 2010, marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The result of extensive grassroots activism, the first Earth Day involved millions of students and community members in peaceful demonstrations to promote environmental reform. While much progress has been made over the past forty years, many challenges remain. Thousands of Peace Corps Volunteers around the world are helping to promote environmental education and awareness of sustainable practices, and working to address environmental issues such as conservation and natural resource management. On World Wise Schools’ new Global Issues Investigations page, explore three WebQuests that focus on the importance of natural resources for the health and well-being of communities. In these web-based simulations, students learn about problems related to soil, water, and environmental health, and work collaboratively to develop solutions following the model of Peace Corps Volunteers. Students will explore essential concepts in science and social studies, and use technology and language arts skills throughout the problem-based tasks. As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22 and Global Youth Service Day on April 23-25, consider using a World Wise Schools resource to bring a powerful story of environmental action into your classroom, or to inspire a service learning project with an environmental focus. It’s also a great time to use Speakers Match to invite a returned Peace Corps Volunteer to share his/her stories about environmental issues and culture. If you would like to share your Earth Day story with us, please email wwsinfo@peacecorps.gov. |
| Q: How is your community celebrating Earth Day or Global Youth Service Day? Are you working on any projects to promote Earth Day or Global Youth Service Day? A: For Earth Day, the children at my primary school cleaned the school building and around the school yard. They polished, and shined and picked up trash. There was also a group that dug holes for the planting of trees, provided by the Macedonian Government. Judith Hayek, Education Peace Corps Volunteer, Macedonia More responses |
Across the country, schools are “going green” to conserve resources, develop sustainable practices, and improve health. Learn more about green school projects at the Earth Day Network. |
Eradicating Guinea Worm Disease
Students gather information about the causes and effects of Guinea worm disease, a waterborne illness affecting several countries in Africa. Students take on the roles of Peace Corps Volunteers, applying knowledge of the Guinea worm life cycle to create a plan for eradicating the disease.
Students gather information about the causes and effects of Guinea worm disease, a waterborne illness affecting several countries in Africa. Students take on the roles of Peace Corps Volunteers, applying knowledge of the Guinea worm life cycle to create a plan for eradicating the disease.
The Growing Challenge in Senegal
Explore the issue of soil fertility and its impact on agriculture. Working in teams, students investigate challenges that farmers in Senegal are facing, and work together to design an optimal crop rotation in declining soil conditions.
Water, Sanitation & Health
Investigate how water sanitation issues contribute to problems related to health, nutrition, education, and economics. After conducting research, teams will prepare a presentation for a mock “World Water Summit” meeting of the United Nations.
| What happens to your Correspondence Match partnership now that the end of the school year is fast approaching? For most of you, nothing will change; the matches are designed to last the volunteer’s entire service, usually two years. We recommend that you stay in touch with your Volunteer over the summer, just to keep your correspondence active and ready to start again in earnest when the new school year starts.
If you know that your Volunteer is ending Peace Corps service over the summer and you would like a new Volunteer, please let us know by sending an email. This will allow us to place your name on the teacher waiting list as soon as possible. Not participating in Correspondence Match yet? Now is the best time to get enrolled in the program for the upcoming school year and avoid the September rush. |
| Peace Corps on YouTube Watch videos of Peace Corps Volunteers' environmental projects in action, including a stream clean-up project that Volunteer Sarah Myers organized with her community in Moldova. |
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| Environmental Protection Agency Sign up for a daily Green Tip from the Environmental Protection Agency, via podcast or email. The EPA also provides a number of Earth Day lesson plans. |
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Earth Day Network Watch video clips from PBS’ American Experience film, Earth Days, about the history of the environmental movement. |
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| Global Youth Service Day Find suggestions for service learning activities that focus on environmental issues. |
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