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I’m one of these people who believes that every day should be Mother’s Day or Teacher Appreciation Day or Earth Day. But these annual celebrations serve a purpose. They remind us that we need to stop and think about Mom or your teacher or the Earth.
As a teacher, part of my responsibility is to teach the truth. I believe in Science. Scientists are trained, dedicated people who care deeply about the world. I know them. They do not make things up. One sign I saw online from the March for Science said, “Sometimes the truth is inconvenient.” That does not mean that it is to be denied or disregarded.
In my area of the Earth, wetlands are disappearing at a rate of a football field an hour according to the US Geological Survey. Because of science, data, environmental agencies, and yes, federal funding, this trend is turning toward the positive. When we pay attention, change can happen for the better. We need our wetlands.
In Louisiana, wetlands have come into the limelight. Educational programs help teach our students about their own home. Education about the environment can begin in your own backyard.
Next week I am taking a student to meet with a water testing chemist just down the street from our school. A few months ago, my students met with a naturalist about an oak tree in our area. They learned about the importance of preserving our oaks.
I did not join the local March for Science, but I am being intentional about how and what I teach my students. They are the future stewards of our Earth. It is our responsibility to make them care.
I am writing poetry every day for National Poetry Month. Today I wrote an ode to the Earth. I used pictures from my files to create an Animoto video.
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Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, the video is outstanding. I love your words and photos paired with the music in that way. You make me want to give that a try!
You are so wise. Earth Day IS an everyday issue. We must consider our effect on Earth every single day of our lives!
Wonderful video…and wonderful for your students and all of us that you are modeling/teaching caring for our earth. That’s an astounding rate of loss of wetlands. Every child should learn the importance of wetlands, especially when they have seen first-hand the havoc of flooding.
You may not have Marched for Science but you create a lasting Mood for Science with this poem. the images & the music, Margaret. I specially love the idea of the eyes and the stars. You are lifting up Mother Earth all the time with your mentorship for your lucky students & in your poems & your daily choices. How can we not want to do better, after watching this?
p.s. I love the citrus flowers – lemon? orange? tangerine?
I think the ones you are referring to are jasmine blossoms. I looked at the video again and saw some need for revision. Yikes! Thanks!
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Margaret, your inspired thoughts are blended so well with the music and images. I did notice that some of your words appear very lightly on the screen so when you revise I know that you will want to make those brighter so everyone can enjoy every word of your ode. Would you consider placing this video in Springsations? I think it is a message for everyone to see. Thanks for providing the spark to create a dedication to the earth.
Beautiful tribute to Earth Day Margaret! I loved the music too!