Patchwork Designs, Inc > Planet Protection PATCH PROGRAM

PLANET PROTECTION PATCH PROGRAM

All levels need to only complete 3 requirements

The following requirements should be chosen according to the age level of the participant. The requirements can be worked on as a group or individually. Each requirement can be completed at home, in school, or with specific groups.

YOU HAVE ONE OF TWO OPTIONS TO COMPLETE THIS PROGRAM.

OPTION ONE: Choose any THREE activities under one catergory (requirement) to complete.

OPTION TWO: Choose 3 of the following requirements to earn this patch.

1. CONSERVE-Conservation is when you use just what you need and don't over use. Play in the sprinkler when you are watering the yard or wash the car with a bucket of water instead of running the hose constantly. Some other examples include: placing mulch around the trees and bushes, turning off water while brushing teeth, turning lights off when you are not using them, eating your leftovers from meals, OR fixing a leaky faucets. http://www.epa.gov/region5/publications/happy/happy.pdf

2. POLLUTION- Litter is one of the main causes of pollution on our planet. It affects animals, humans, and plants. The chemicals located in aersol products break up the ozone layer of our environment. This will create ultraviolet waves to be closer to earth. Choose a way to prevent pollution on our planet. Examples include: water clean-up, carpooling to school, not using aerosol products, OR land clean-up.

3. ADOPT-Participate in an adopt a tree or highway program. Find one of these programs in your local town or park. Otherwise you can adopt a tree in your back yard or woods. Learn more about your tree and give it a name. Create leaf rubbings or a drawing of the tree. Make sure you take care of your tree or highway. http://www.sciencespot.net/Media/adopttree2.pdf

4. RECYCLE- We need to recycle our products so we can cut down on the amount of trash in the landfills and the price of products we use daily. If you already recycle then you are already one step closer to protecting our planet. Examples include: recycle at school or home, create a craft from a recycled product, give your clothes away to a thrift shop, donate magazines to schools or retired facilities, buy recycled items, OR collect recycled material for a cause.

5. GROW- Plant a tree, flower, or plant. Choose an activity to complete that helps the earth grow. Some examples include: Helping in a garden, landscaping at schools or churches, spreading mulch to keep the ground moisturized, or plant flowers in flower pots as a gift.

6. CREATE--- Create a craft or activity representing planet protection, earth day, or using recycled materials. Examples include: Reuse egg cartons, margarine containers, glass jars, paper plates, pet rocks, wind socks and much more.

7. CELEBRATE--- Earth day is on April 22nd . Many communities and groups use this day to clean the outdoors, plant trees, recycle and teach others about keeping the planet healthy. Contact your local grocer to see if you can decorate paper bags with Earth day decorations and donate them back to use the month of April, participate in Earth Day, an Earth Day activity, or celebrate another event representing the preservation of our planet. http://www.earthdaybags.org/

8. ENVIRONMENT- Complete an activity that protects our environment. Choose any activity that you would like to participate in or create. This could be teaching others about the water cycle, protecting animals, oil spills, learning about an estuary and the animals, seashore clean-up, wetlands, and much more.

9. ANIMALS- Animals depend on our air, water, and plants to survive on the planet. Learn more about a food chain, endangered species, or an animal that relies on the environment to survive. List the animals and where they reside.

10. ECOLOGY- Learn how organisms relate to each other in their environment. It is important to protect the earth from pollution and erosion. Choose one area to study. Sit down in front of it and observe the area. Make a list of 3 plants, trees, or flowers and 2 animals or insects in the environment. For extra, sketch the area you are observing. Example of areas to study are: ponds, rivers, lakes, wetlands, forest or park.

11. TEACH ME- Attend an event, facility, or learn about protecting your planet at school. You may be able to accomplish all three requirements if you conduct several activities at these events or conduct an extensive study on protecting our planet.

12. CAREERS- Learn about careers in assisting the environment or protecting the planet. Are there any careers you would like to do? Some examples include: scientists, pet care, geoscience, botanist, or park ranger.