School communities across the United States and in San Mateo County are participating in Earth Week activities for Earth Week (April 20 - 24). April 22nd, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, which began with 20 million people in the U.S. in 1970, and has grown to be the largest secular global observance. This year the goal is 1 billion people worldwide participating online with events such as Earth Day Live, Earth Day Network live streams, and other at-home action and advocacy activities.
The theme of this year's Earth Day is Climate Action. Students and educators across San Mateo County are looking to both celebrate Earth Day and raise awareness of climate change. A few examples include:
- San Carlos School District (SCSD), where they have been keeping a focus on sustainability and offering an optional Sustainability Class through Google Classroom once a week for all K-8 students. On Earth Day, SCSD will be hosting a webinar for students participating in the Sustainability Class and opening it up for all students to participate.
- Environmental Education Providers (Community Based Partners) across San Mateo County are participating in Earth Week (National Environmental Education Week) by offering a ton of virtual learning, hands-on activities, and storytime resources. Check out resources by grade level (K-5) on the ELSI Distance Learning Website.
The Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Initiative at the San Mateo County Office of Education has curated resources for how to participate in Earth Day events online or through at-home research, science, advocacy, or art projects. We hope everyone can take time out every day, especially on Wednesday, April 22nd, to participate in the global environmental movement.
SMCOE Website Resources
Annual Earth Awareness Days. This page provides an annual calendar of environmental and social justice awareness days, resources for Earth Day (week/month), and other global events such as Earth Hour and Earth Overshoot Day.