By Tom Schardin, Staff Writer
The lights were off in all the classrooms at Eagle Junior High School on April 21. And the student drop-off area in front of the school was a “no-idle zone” all last week.
The two measures were part of a plan put together by ninth graders in Kerry Hoeschen’s earth science classes as they celebrated Earth Day by promoting conservation and awareness. The message was simple.
“Every little bit helps,” said ninth-grader John Holmstrom when it comes to taking care of the environment.
Every spring, Hoeschen challenges his students to come up with a school-wide project that is environmentally based. Last year, it was Ride Your Bike to School Day, along with an environmental fair.
“I really strive to give students the opportunity to learn in different ways, including making science personal and real,” said Hoeschen. “These are the types of things that kids will remember.”
The week also featured Earth Day trivia contests and environmental movies. On Friday, April 25, the week ends with some tree planting around the school.
Students also took part in a community recycling program after school. For three straight days, televisions, computers, scrap metal, water softeners, hot-water heaters, ovens, stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, furnaces and florescent bulbs were being collected for recycling or proper disposal with the help of Certified Appliance Recycling of Burnsville.
Hoeschen said he’s always trying to convince his students that taking care of their community first is the best way to create a bigger change.
“By decreasing our burning of fossil fuels, by recycling instead of filling our landfills, and by becoming aware of the issues facing them, hopefully students will think about their actions,” said Hoeschen. “If I can show them that their actions can make a difference on a small scale, if even for a short time, maybe they will see that if everyone did something similar, we could all make a difference.”
Ninth-grader Sharmila Ahmed said an important part of the week was to create awareness, not only amongst the student body, but with the staff and parents.
“We’re trying to encourage people to make small changes in the way they do things,” said Ahmed. “Everyone needs to do their part.”
Holmstrom said small changes include turning the thermostat down one degree in the winter months, making a conscience effort to recycle, being vigilant about turning lights off or using energy efficient light bulbs.
“The simple things are usually the ones that make the biggest difference,” said Holmstrom.
Hoeschen said there many aspects of the planning and implementation of the Earth Day Week projects that will help students build skills that will be useful later in life.
“This opportunity allows students to participate in something that makes a difference in their or community by taking part in real-world issues and authentic projects,” said Hoeschen. “The experiences they obtain in the planning and performing of these projects are ones that will remain with them for a long time after they leave Eagle Ridge.”