People who made an impact
Rachel Carson - “A marine biologist and nature writer, Rachel Carson catalyzed the global environmental movement with her 1962 book Silent Spring. Outlining the dangers of chemical pesticides, the book led to a nationwide ban on DDT and other pesticides and sparked the movement that ultimately led to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)” - National Women’s History Museum.
Carson wasn’t born here in Maine, but this became her home, a place she loved fiercely and where she did much of her writing. Carson’s ashes are scattered along the Sheepscot River, and one of our most important wildlife refuges used for conservation, study, and enjoyment of the natural world bears her name.
Sarah Orne Jewett - Born and raised in South Berwick, where she lived until her death, “Sarah Orne Jewett was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet. Her work is celebrated for its insightful depictions of rural life in New England, particularly in the region of Maine where she lived and drew inspiration. She skillfully captured the essence of small-town communities, exploring themes of tradition, change, and the enduring power of human connection.
“Jewett’s writing is characterized by its clear prose, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of her characters. Her stories often featured strong female characters navigating the complexities of their social landscape. Jewett’s poetry, while less known than her prose, also showcased her talent for capturing the beauty and rhythms of the natural world. Her poetic voice is reflective and evocative, often imbued with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.” – All Poetry
Historical
Grades 4-8
The first official Earth Day was held April, 1970! Learn all about how this celebration of our natural world and the systems that sustain us began
Environmental Protection Agency
Grades PreK - 12
Learn about the involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency, and dig into the roots of Maine’s key roles!
Grades PreK - 12
Read about how our very own Sen. Ed Muskie was the driving force behind the the 1963 Clean Air Act, and the 1965 Water Quality Act – as well as the Clean Air Act of 1970!
Grades 7 - 12
See how Senator George J. Mitchell came to be known as “Maine’s Environmental Senator”
Grades Prek - 12
“Researchers believe that the earliest forms of poetry were sung and passed on as an oral history. The majority of early oral histories were told in a poetic notation, likely because the repetition would make it easier to remember. Poetry is old enough that we can’t determine when it began, not like we can with texts, though. Obsidian
Celebrating
Grades PreK - 12
Visit Poets.Org for all things related to National Poetry Month, including the Poem in Your Pocket, a Poem a Day, biographies of famous poets – and so, so much more.
Grades PreK - 12
Love national parks? There's a holiday for that! Join us for National Park Week, happening April 19 to April 27 to celebrate everything "parks." There are more than 400 national parks of different shapes, sizes, and kinds to experience. Also discover what the National Park Service does to preserve natural and cultural heritage and provide recreational opportunities in communities across the country—and even the world!
Grades PreK - 12
Visitors can expect a day filled with knowledgeable speakers, interesting workshops, tasty food, and foot-tapping music.
Celebrate Earth Day with Maine Audubon
Grades PreK - 12
Maine Audubon is hosting community events that focus on Earth Day from April 18th to the 26th.
Learn More
Grades PreK - 12
Books of all types for readers of all ages exploring, celebrating, and paying homage to Earth Day and Poetry Month.
Brought to you by the Office of Teaching and Learning's Interdisciplinary Instruction Team
Contact
Kathy Bertini
Interdisciplinary Instruction Coordinator
Phone: 207-816-0294
Email: kathy.bertini@maine.gov