Earth Day is the perfect time to introduce your students to important environmental issues. The success of the first Earth Day was due in large part to the participation of students across the nation. How much do you know about the first Earth Day -- April 22, 1970?

Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day, hoping that it would inspire public demonstration and bring environmental issues to the national political agenda. Up until that point, the people were becoming concerned with the environment, but politicians were less so. The date, April 22nd, was selected because it was before summer break for students in grades K - 12 and before exams on college campuses. Senator Nelson believed that the support of students was critical to the success of demonstrations for the environment.

In speaking about that first Earth Day, Senator Nelson said that "Earth Day worked because of the spontaneous response at the grassroots level. We had neither the time nor resources to organize 20 million demonstrators and the thousands of schools and local communities that participated. That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself."

Find out how your class can make a difference this Earth Day.

Tell us what your class is doing to celebrate Earth Day. Send stories and photos of your Earth Day activities to education@ra.org.

It's easy to recognize the red-eyed tree frog. Its distinctive bulging eyes are thought to be a defense mechanism called "startle coloration." When red-eyed tree frogs close their eyes to sleep during the day, their green eyelids help them blend in with their leafy environment. If a predator were to disturb them, the frogs would open their eyes and startle it. This would buy them a few precious seconds to hop away.

Red-eyed tree frogs can be found clinging to branches, tree trunks and even underneath tree leaves from Central America to Southern Mexico. These vibrantly colored frogs are an important rainforest species because they are considered to be an "indicator species." This means that if there is something affecting the health of the entire rainforest, red-eyed tree frogs are among the first species to be affected. As a result, they help scientists discover problems in rainforest ecosystems. Deforestation is a great threat to this important species. As rainforests shrink, red-eyed tree frogs have a harder time finding a place to call home.

Discover other interesting facts about the red-eyed tree frog.

Download a new coloring page and give the red-eyed tree frog its bright and vivid colors.

April is National Poetry Month and what better way to celebrate than to help your class create poetry about their natural surroundings?

Have your students explore the area surrounding their school and draw a map describing their observations of the plants, animals, landscapes, smells and sounds of the environment. After discussing the observations with the entire class, have each student return to a place that interested them outside the building and write a short "impression poem" capturing how they experience that place.

Explore other activities that connect students to the environment.

With the belief that every young person can make a difference, Youth Venture provides seed grants to young people, ages 12 to 20, with a project idea that can have a positive affect in their community. Venture teams must submit an application and budget proposal. In addition, each team must have the support of an Ally, a responsible adult who can offer expertise and guidance to the team.

The Angels in Action Award Program recognizes young people, ages 8-18, who have performed exemplary acts of service to benefit their community, a charity or cause. One outstanding project will receive $15,000 for "Program of the Year," grand prize winners will receive $10,000, and first prize winners will be awarded $1,000. The deadline for nominations is October 1, 2006.

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