I used to work at a school that was walking distance from a beach. There, Earth Day was Oceans Week, and it was always a memorable event. Now I work at a school, like many of us, in the midst of sidewalk litter and views of factories. Regardless of your school’s setting, Earth Day in the classroom can be an opportunity to discuss litter, and also to promote social justice. In particular, Earth Day activities for students are is a great time to center change-makers, understand the impact of mismanagement on marginalized communities, and reflect on indigenous stewardship. Here’s how to do that without endless prep.
Understand the Impact of Mismanagement on Marginalized Communities
Environmental issues like pollution, climate change, and deforestation have a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. For example, the Flint water crisis, where thousands of residents were exposed to lead-contaminated water, was a result of mismanagement of the environment. The situation in Flint is not an isolated case; many other marginalized communities face similar challenges.
These injustices are harmful, but offer impactful opportunities for critical literacy. As a teacher, you can highlight these environmental injustices. For example, you can discuss the causes and effects of the Flint water crisis, the impact of pollution on low-income neighborhoods, or the effects of climate change on indigenous communities. You can also encourage students to take action by writing letters to policymakers or participating in environmental campaigns. While email is convenient, I find students are more into the activity when they get to write on actual stationary, even if they didn’t start that way.
Center Change-Makers
Celebrating Earth Day in the classroom as a social justice issue also involves centering change-makers who are working to protect the environment. These individuals and organizations can serve as role models and inspire students to take action. They also help remind students that everyday people can be change-makers.
As educators, we can incorporate the stories of change-makers in our lessons. For example, we can discuss the work of Ladonna Brave Bull, a Standing Rock Sioux tribal historian who helped lead the movement against the Dakota Access Pipeline. You can also discuss the work of Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist who inspired the youth-led climate strikes. These stories can inspire students to take action and create change in their communities. For a no-prep option, printable Earth Day activity, try these informational passages about five different women who’ve stood up for the Earth.
Reflect on Indigenous Stewardship
One essential step in celebrating Earth Day in the classroom as a social justice issue is reflecting on indigenous stewardship. Many indigenous communities have been caretakers of the land for generations, passing on traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices. Acknowledging and learning from these practices can help us understand how to live in harmony with nature today.
In the classroom, you can use or create activities that incorporate indigenous perspectives. For example, you can invite an indigenous elder to talk about their connection to the land and traditional ecological practices. You might give students meaningful informational text practice with differentiated passages about Indigenous stewardship. You can also show videos or documentaries about indigenous communities’ efforts to protect their environment and promote sustainable practices.
Celebrating Earth Day in the classroom is not only about planting trees or recycling; it is about recognizing the intersectionality of environmental issues with social justice. Earth Day is an opportunity to connect issues of humanity to issues of the environment. By doing so, you can empower our students to take action and create a more sustainable and just world.
