Jo Ann Emerson Recognizes Woodland 4th Grade Students as they "Go Green" for Earth Day

Fourth graders in Ms. Schlief's elementary classroom celebrated Earth Day in a myriad of ways. Student teacher, Mrs. Emily Schmitz, created an Earth Day Unit. Our State Representative, Jo Ann Emerson, recognized them for their efforts to promote environmental awareness right here in Southeast Missouri. The students began the unit by learning about the first Earth Day. They discussed features of the Earth and how some, many years ago, believed the Earth was flat. To help the students understand these concepts they decorated their own Earth using spherical shaped styrofoam balls. The class continued their education about Earth Day by talking about many ways they could help "save our Earth." The students read articles about other elementary students, across the nation, and how they made a difference on Earth Day. As a class, they brainstormed ways they could help their local community. Since Woodland Elementary classrooms already recycle, the students were challenged to continue this activity at home. With many brainstormed ideas and having the privilege of learning in an eMINTS classroom the students put their ideas to use. The class created a slideshow presentation using Microsoft Power Point about the ways to help "Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle." In conclusion to the Earth Day Unit the each student planted individual plants that they were able to take home and watch as they grow.