Every April 22, communities across the country observe Earth Day. Bringing Earth Day into the classroom allows students to explore the purpose and significance of the holiday and raises their awareness of environmental issues. Through writing assignments, students research deeper into the topic and then show their understanding in the final essay. Because Earth Day encompasses a wide variety of environmental activities and issues, from recycling to pollution to energy conservation, your essay topics can be as diverse as your classroom. Waste-- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2008 the average American tossed more than 4 pounds of waste into the garbage every day (see Reference 1). In honor of Earth Day, have students research ways to reduce that number. Topics can include basic facts about recycling and ideas for repurposing still-usable items. Younger students can write about their own experiences with recycling, and older elementary students can research and document the recycling program in their town as well as the environmental and financial repercussion of recycling. Energy Conservation-- Along with raising awareness of the physical waste piling up in landfills, Earth Day activities raise awareness of wasted energy, whether in the home or on the road. Although the EPA found that “in 2008, Americans saved more than $19 billion and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million cars through choices they made with energy-saving measures and energy-efficient homes,” American continue to improve energy-use efficiency (see Reference 2). Have students research and write about ways to reduce electricity in the home and gas on the road. Does using a clothesline instead of a dryer make a difference? Which is more energy efficient: driving, riding a bike or riding a bus to school? No Matches Found. Please try your search again. Pollution-- One of the environmental problems that prompted the founding of Earth Day was the amount of pollution spewing into the air, water and ground without any laws or regulations to prevent long-term damage. Current laws regulate emissions from factories and vehicles, the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers that can pollute the waterways, and the disposal of hazardous materials like batteries and electronics. Although this topic may seem advanced for elementary students, the children can still write about the effects of different types of pollution, including tossing that gum wrapper on the ground. History-- Some students may never have heard of Earth Day or the EPA before coming to your classroom. Some may be unclear about what Earth Day is all about, and they may not know that the first Earth Day celebration took place in 1970. Provide background information and have students write about the history of Earth Day, including when and why it began and how Earth Day has caused positive changes in America over the years. Older students can write about the creation of the EPA and what the agency oversees. Also, students can share their past experiences participating in Earth Day activities such as a park cleanup or building a compost pile.