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On April 22, 2020, our world celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, an annual event meant to bring people together from across the world in protest, solidarity, and conversation about how we can collectively fight for a sustainable and just world. In...
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On April 22, 2020, our world celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, an annual event meant to bring people together from across the world in protest, solidarity, and conversation about how we can collectively fight for a sustainable and just world. In this Teach-Out, you will explore the origins of Earth Day 1970 with student activists from Environmental Action for Survival (ENACT), an environmental student group from the University of Michigan, whose efforts led to a massive “Teach-In on the Environment” which drew tens of thousands of people. This was just one of many teach-in events that took place in 1970 and kicked-off Earth Day as we know it. 50 years later, you are invited to this “Teach-Out” to engage in an intergenerational and interdisciplinary conversion about what sustainability means across different sectors, disciplines, and lived experiences. You will explore themes including global sustainability efforts, climate change, environmental justice, and more, to inspire you to take action on Earth Day and beyond. Together, we will collectively develop visions for a sustainable, just, and peaceful world. Here is a preview of some of the people in this Teach-Out: - Matt Lassiter, Professor of History & Urban and Regional Planning - David Allen, Art Hanson, Elizabeth Kingwell, and George Coling - Members of Environmental Action for Survival (ENACT) - Neda Masoud, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering - Jonathan Overpeck, Dean, School for Environment and Sustainability - Michaela Zint, Professor and Associate Dean, School for Environment and Sustainability - Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra, Carillonist & Carillon Instructor And many others!
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Presents insights and challenges on the environmental movement and its impact on global issues, enhancing understanding
Integrates intergenerational perspectives on environmental sustainability, fostering dialogue between different generations
Combines theoretical knowledge with historical context, providing a comprehensive view of Earth Day's origins and its subsequent evolution
Facilitated by renowned experts and environmental activists, ensuring credibility and depth in the discussions
Multiple esteemed instructors from various disciplines offer diverse perspectives on environmental sustainability

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Reviews summary

Teach-out offers interdisciplinary sustainability exploration

This course is a teach-out event that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day that provides an interdisciplinary look at sustainability with guest speakers and opportunities to reflect on climate change, environmental justice, and more.
Looks at sustainability from different perspectives.
"This “Teach-Out” ... engage in an intergenerational and interdisciplinary conversion about what sustainability means across different sectors, disciplines, and lived experiences."
Features guest speakers with expertise in sustainability.
"Here is a preview of some of the people in this Teach-Out:..."
One learner reported issues with course completion and receiving a certificate after course completion.
"Not satisfied with this point."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Earth Day at 50 Teach-Out with these activities:
Read Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Familiarizes learners with the origins and impacts of the environmental movement
View The Edge of the Sea on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first three chapters
  • Summarize the main arguments presented in these chapters
Watch documentaries on environmental issues
Provides learners with insights into real-world environmental challenges
Browse courses on Environmental Issues
Show steps
  • Search for documentaries on topics related to the course
  • Watch the documentaries and take notes
Create a timeline of environmental events
Helps learners visualize and understand the evolution of environmental issues
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on key environmental events
  • Organize the events chronologically
  • Create a visual representation of the timeline
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Identify environmental impact categories
Sharpens learners' understanding of how human activities affect the environment
Browse courses on Environmental Impact
Show steps
  • Review the different environmental impact categories
  • Practice identifying these categories in real-world examples
Participate in online discussion forums
Fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among learners
Show steps
  • Join the course discussion forums
  • Read and respond to forum posts
Participate in local environmental cleanup events
Provides learners with hands-on experience in environmental conservation
Browse courses on Environmental Activism
Show steps
  • Find a local environmental cleanup event
  • Register to participate
  • Attend the event and contribute to the cleanup
Design a sustainable living space
Challenges learners to apply their knowledge of sustainability to practical solutions
Browse courses on Sustainable Architecture
Show steps
  • Research sustainable building materials and design techniques
  • Design a floor plan for a sustainable living space
  • Create a presentation or model to showcase the design

Career center

Learners who complete Earth Day at 50 Teach-Out will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants provide expert guidance to businesses, governments, and individuals on environmental issues. They help organizations comply with environmental regulations, reduce their environmental impact, and develop sustainable practices. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental science and sustainability, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of the environmental movement, the key principles of ecology, and the challenges and opportunities associated with creating a more sustainable world.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and the importance of protecting it. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, nature centers, and museums. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Environmental Educator. You will learn about the history of environmental education, the different approaches to teaching about the environment, and the challenges and opportunities facing environmental education today.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers represent clients in cases involving environmental law. They help clients comply with environmental regulations, protect their rights, and hold polluters accountable. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental law and policy, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of environmental law, the key principles of environmental law, and the challenges and opportunities facing environmental lawyers today.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and the impact of human activities on the environment. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental science, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of environmental science, the key principles of ecology, and the challenges and opportunities facing environmental scientists today.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts develop and evaluate environmental policies. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental policy, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of environmental policy, the different approaches to environmental policy-making, and the challenges and opportunities facing environmental policy analysts today.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you build a foundation in sustainability, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of the sustainability movement, the key principles of sustainability, and the challenges and opportunities facing sustainability managers today.
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts study climate change and its impacts. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course can help you build a foundation in climate change science and policy, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of climate change science, the key principles of climate change, and the challenges and opportunities facing climate change analysts today.
Conservation Biologist
Conservation Biologists study the conservation of biodiversity. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. This course can help you build a foundation in conservation biology, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of conservation biology, the key principles of conservation biology, and the challenges and opportunities facing conservation biologists today.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental engineering, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of environmental engineering, the key principles of environmental engineering, and the challenges and opportunities facing environmental engineers today.
Environmental Economist
Environmental Economists study the economics of environmental issues. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental economics, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of environmental economics, the key principles of environmental economics, and the challenges and opportunities facing environmental economists today.
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Health Specialists study the impact of environmental factors on human health. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental health, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of environmental health, the key principles of environmental health, and the challenges and opportunities facing environmental health specialists today.
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planners develop plans for the use and management of land and other natural resources. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental planning, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn about the history of environmental planning, the key principles of environmental planning, and the challenges and opportunities facing environmental planners today.

Reading list

We've selected 21 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Earth Day at 50 Teach-Out.
This classic work of environmental literature helped to raise awareness about the dangers of pesticides and other pollutants. It powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and human health.
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Provides a firsthand account of the events leading up to the first Earth Day in 1970. It valuable resource for understanding the origins of the environmental movement and the role that Earth Day has played in raising awareness about environmental issues.
A comprehensive guide to climate solutions, "Drawdown" presents 100 practical and scalable actions that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals and organizations seeking to make a positive impact on the environment.
Explores the impact of human activity on the environment and argues that we are entering a new era in which the natural world is no longer separate from the human world.
Examines the history of mass extinctions and argues that we are currently in the midst of the sixth mass extinction. It sobering reminder of the fragility of life on Earth.
Provides a chilling look at the potential consequences of climate change. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing our planet.
Presents a detailed plan for reversing global warming. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about the solutions to climate change.
Studies the collapse of past civilizations and argues that we can learn from their mistakes. It provides valuable insights into the challenges facing our own society.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of nine people whose lives are interconnected by trees. It powerful and moving exploration of the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Explores the traditional ecological knowledge of Native Americans and argues that we can learn from their wisdom to live more sustainably.
Explores the reasons why people disagree about climate change. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the challenges of communicating about climate change.
Also known as the Brundtland Report, "Our Common Future" landmark document that introduced the concept of sustainable development. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social issues and provides a framework for achieving a sustainable future.
An incisive analysis of the interplay between climate change and capitalism, "This Changes Everything" argues that the pursuit of endless economic growth is incompatible with environmental sustainability. It offers a call to action for systemic change and a just transition to a sustainable economy.
A collection of essays that examines the power of hope in the face of adversity, "Hope in the Dark" offers inspiration and guidance for those working towards environmental justice and sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of resilience, collaboration, and collective action.
A comprehensive overview of environmental justice issues, this book explores the disproportionate impact of environmental pollution and degradation on marginalized communities. It examines the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to environmental injustices and advocates for equitable solutions.
A narrative exploration of the Anthropocene, "The World We Made" examines the profound ways in which human activity has shaped the planet. It provides a unique perspective on the environmental challenges we face and the need for collective action to create a sustainable future.
An anthology of essays by women climate leaders, "All We Can Save" amplifies diverse voices and perspectives on the climate crisis. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of environmental activism and offers inspiration for collective action.

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