Environmental Science Students' Earth Day Activities

4/27/2020

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, environmental science instructor Lauren Murphy gave her students a week’s worth of assignments focused on getting them outside and thinking of ways to help the planet.

“The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and is credited with launching the modern environmental movement,” explained Murphy, whose Earth Day assignments included:

Meatless Monday — Murphy encouraged students to try eating vegetarian/vegan meals for the day, as well as researching how eating vegetarian/vegan foods is good for the planet.
Trashy Tuesday — She asked students to take a walk in their neighborhood (social distancing, of course) and pick up trash along the way. She then challenged them to create their own home compost bin.
EARTH DAY — Murphy asked students to visit their favorite outdoor space and/or watch a nature documentary and reflect on our planet. Her students were invited to watch “Films for the Forest” with the school’s Green Goblins environmental club members.
Thoughtful Thursday — She challenged students to create a unique piece of art using only recycled and/or natural materials. As an alternative, they could plant a tree or some flowering plants to attract bees, start a garden, or hang a bird feeder.
Field Day Friday — Murphy asked students to discover what organisms live in their own backyard by identifying at least five plants and/or animals that live near their home and then catalog their findings.

Murphy’s students rose to the occasion, snapping pictures throughout the week and sharing their activities with classmates. One student picked up trash outside her family’s apartment in downtown Taipei. Another started a home garden with the help of her family. Another student started a home composting project. One Spartan even made a toy robot from old plastic cups and bottles.

Murphy believes their hard work and thoughtful reflections are important aspects of enhancing their understanding of our world. “Hopefully everyone who participates will be more conscious of their surroundings — paying more attention to the food they eat, the natural beauty around them, the resources they use and, ultimately, how everything is connected,” she explained. “If they can be more aware, then they will be able to implement small changes in their everyday life.”

As an environmental science teacher, marine biologist and all-around nature lover, Murphy believes even big changes can begin with just one person. “If everyone thought they couldn’t make a difference, then nothing would ever change,” she said. “It is imperative that everyone do what they can. Hopefully those actions will inspire others to follow.

“I think it is important to take note of what resources we have, while we still have them,” Murphy added. “Earth Day only comes once a year, but I hope that throughout the week students will see how they can celebrate our planet every day of the year. By taking time to reflect on how they can be good stewards of the planet, they will be able to find ways of preserving it for generations to come.”

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