Our Turn
By Liz Sweet
NCSS science teacher
Environmental education and science have always been a passion of mine, and that is one of the many reasons I became a science teacher. I get to incorporate my passions into my classroom, and this includes getting students involved in the Sustainability Northwoods Earth Day Fair. This is my second year teaching at NCSS as well as the second year that I have gotten students involved in the fair. As the Student Participation Coordinator for the Sustainability Northwoods Group, I have been able to involve multiple schools from the Minocqua and Rhinelander School Districts.
The Sustainability Northwoods Group is dedicated to helping educate the community on different environmentally conscious alternatives in the Northwoods and keeping our earth healthy. This is a great learning experience for students! By participating in the fair, students get the opportunity to research various topics related to sustainability, the environment, Earth Day, and so on. After completing their research students create some type of product: an experiment, a website, a poster, or a mode. Students attend the fair during the school day and are expected to share their research and knowledge with community members as well as make connections while exploring the fair. Last year students created projects on invasive species, geotropism, photosynthesis, the history of Earth Day, mining issues, and the start of the Environmental Protection Agency. This year we are looking at projects on composting, endangered species, forest fire effects, organic foods, aquaponics, recycling/recycled art, and sustainable energy.

The theme this year is “Food for Thought and Action.” The fair will highlight sustainable farmers, gardeners, food purveyors, among others. This year’s Earth Day Fair will be held on April 22 at the Newbold Town Hall from noon-7:30 p.m. Students will be presenting their projects from noon-2:45 p.m. If you are interested in participating/registering or looking for a fun learning experience, please check out the website for more information: http://sustainabilitynwoods.wix.com/earthdayfair