Students show off their environmental class projects, activities and events
BALTIMORE (April 3, 2009) - Maryland students are busy planting trees, working on storm water projects, learning about environmental crime, and creating science projects as part of a month-long celebration of the environment.
In recognition of Environmental Education Month, Governor Martin O'Malley has proclaimed April as Environmental Education Month throughout the state of Maryland, "to urge all Marylanders to take this opportunity to review past environmental accomplishments, conduct special environmental activities and events, and plan future activities that will continue to bring high-quality environmental education programs to all of Maryland."
"I'm thrilled that Governor O'Malley is celebrating Environmental Education Month by reminding us of our fundamental responsibilities and promoting the innovative, hands-on environmental education taking place in our schools," said Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. "It's critical not only that we educate students about Maryland's unique natural resources, but that we instill in children a desire to protect them. It's wonderful that students of all ages across Maryland are learning to use our natural resources wisely. We are all stewards of the environment; we all must nurture and sustain it."
Environmental Education embraces appreciation of the natural world, knowledge of science, geography, history, economics and government, understanding of the wise use of the world's and Maryland's natural resources, and the development of skills necessary to participate responsibly in environmental decision-making and problem-solving.
Throughout the state, students are investigating local, state, regional, national and global environmental issues, surrounding air, water and soil quality, human health, biodiversity; the Chesapeake Bay watershed; habitat protection and restoration; land use; energy; waste management; environmental health and justice; sustainable development; global warming; and ozone depletion.
Additional information can be found at the following websites:
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http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/... (MSDE)
- www.maeoe.org (MAEOE/Green Schools)
- http://www.chesapeakebaytrust.org (Funding for Maryland projects)
- www.earthday.gov/classroom.htm (U.S. Government)
- http://www.eeweek.org (National Environmental Education Week)
- http://meetthegreens.pbskids.org (Meet the Greens, PBS)
Source: Maryland State Dept. of Education