A Trip Around the World Without Leaving Home

Earth Day is everyday at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site!

 

Continents around the world are facing environmental problems, and it may seem as if there’s little a child can do to help.

That’s simply not true.
Children can make a difference.
You can be an Earth Hero!

 

In this activity, you will "travel" to all seven continents to learn about challenges facing the Earth from all over the globe. You will get the chance to compare each challenge to a historical example from Martin Van Buren's time, and then complete an activity to learn how you can help keep our Earth healthy and clean.

To begin, please:

• Download and print your Earth Hero Passport Book and staple the pages together to create a booklet. Make sure to add your photo and decorate stamps for each continent! You will need some extra paper, glue or tape, and crayons.
• Have an adult read this letter about the development of the program.
• Start your trip around the world with the instructions below!

 

The world is separated into seven continents. Think of like the way a large book is separated into chapters.

The continents are:

North America

Africa

Antarctica

Asia

Australia

Europe

South America


We all know the world is too large for a person to visit a continent without leaving home, but by completing the activities you can learn a little about each continent and an environmental challenge they face. As you "travel," keep in mind that although some of these challenges are greater in certain places, they each effect people, animals, and plants all around the world.

 

Are you ready to become an Earth Hero?

Don’t forget to make yourself a cape and an Earth hero mask. Have a grown-up take a photo of you in your Earth Hero uniform, post it, and tag our Facebook or Instagram page!

 

Begin with North America. The path you take to visit the other six ‘continents ‘ is up to you.

Use the passport book as a travel guide, and be sure to draw a passport sticker for each continent visited.

The idea is to make it a ‘round the world journey without leaving home.

Enjoy, and Bon Voyage!