Ecology is defined as the scientific study of the distribution and abundance of living organisms; and how these properties are affected by interactions between the organisms and their environment. This study is accutely impacted by today's environmental concerns, such as global warming and pollution. Turn your unit on Ecological studies "green" by incorporating earth friendly ideas. Below you will find several lesson ideas, as well as resources to make your Ecology lessons earth friendly.

Mark you calendar for March 27th, 2010 at 8:30 pm. for a global Earth Hour celebration. Show your solidarity by turning off your lights for one hour, and join others across the nation. Children will be thrilled to participate in this global stand. There is an awesome website (see article's end) called "Earth Hour Kids" where your child can take a quiz on climate change issues, and learn more about how your family can go green.

For anyone Christian who does regular devotions, try incorporating your faith into the improvement of our planet. "I Love God's Green Earth: Devotions for Kids Who Want to Take Care of God's Creation" by Caroline Carroll is an excellent resource for bible studies and homeschool co-ops. With a God honored theme for our planet, this book is a glorious additon to a Christian homeschool program.

Create a "Nature's Blessings" journal with your child. Find time several days throughout the week to go on a Springtime nature walk together. Bring along a small notepad or journal to record all the blessings you see in nature. Maybe it is a nest of baby birds, or perhaps a pond with fish. Have your homeschooler note these things along the way, and then draw a picture of it in their journal when they get home. Your child can also write a sentnce about this blessing in nature, and how we can be sure to keep it healthy and safe in our world.

Brainstorm ways with your homeschooler that your family can recycle more effectively. Books like "Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids" by Gail Gibbons and "Journey for the Planet: A Kid's Five Week Adventure to Create an Earth-friendly Life" by David Gershon are both wonderful books to inspire your family to get greener.

Get scientific with your ecological study and learn about all of the aspects of this wide ranging topic. The website "Kids Do Ecology" offers lesson resources on many ecological topics ranging from Biomes to Marine Studies. Also check out the Kids Corner on Ecology.com for educational and informative games, videos and activity ideas.






https://www.earthhourkids.org/sur.html?enews=enews1003t