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University of Maine at Fort Kent

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Enrollment & Advancement Center • University of Maine at Fort Kent • 23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME 04743

UMFK to host annual "Earth Day - Every Day"

April 11, 2016

Note: this is an archived news release. As such, the information provided may no longer apply.

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The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host its annual “Earth Day - Every Day,” on Friday, April 15 at the Sports Center from 12:30 to 2:10 p.m.

Approximately 40 first graders from the Fort Kent Elementary School will attend sessions geared to teaching topics in ecology, environmental science, forestry, and biology.

Kids will hear a half-an-hour presentation by Richard Martin of the Maine Forest Services and have the opportunity to meet Smokey the Bear.

Leslie Kelly, Associate Dean of Information Services, and Dr. Doris Metz, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, work together to organize and plan the event. UMFK students enrolled in EDU 214 Classroom Communication and student club members of Educate ME will lead the activity centers.

Organizers will set up activity stations to explore worms; learn the basic concepts of recycling; discover the impact of water pollution; learn how to create a bird feeder and each student will receive a bound birder's notebook to encourage bird watching; identify trees; observe animal tracks; learn about different sources of energy and make a paper pinwheel to demonstrate how wind energy works; and explore Earth's composition by making art using sponges and finger paint.

“UMFK education students enjoy directing activities with the first graders as they explore the importance of Earth Day and learn how to care for the environment. For some education students, this is their first exposure to teaching in a more formal situation, while for others, this is the culminating activity prior to student teaching,” said Dr. Metz.

This is a win-win-win situation for all involved: it's a wonderful opportunity for students learning to become teachers, there are plenty of engaging activities for the first graders, and Earth gains more active citizens to help care for her,” added Dr. Metz.