Earth Day

Earth Day’s message of conserving resources and protecting our environment is particularly timely this year as scientists report increased global warming, Californians grapple with an energy crisis and oil drilling is proposed in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about the history of Earth Day, April 22, and find out what you can do to help the environment through these direct links on The Times Launch Point Web site: https://www.latimes.com/launchpoint

Level 1

Kids Domain Earth Day: What is the difference between reusing and recycling? Find out how you can celebrate Earth Day every day through helpful tips and activities and learn about the environment through online games and crafts.

https://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/earthday/

Yahooligans: Celebrate Earth Day! Remember Dr. Seuss’ Lorax, who spoke for the trees? Play a game in which you replant the Truffula forest, find out simple ways to help conserve resources, read news articles about Earth Day celebrations and learn more about the environment and endangered species.

https://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/Yahooligans/Earth_day

U.S. EPA Explorers’ Club: Have fun learning about the environment through activities and games that teach you about recycling, global warming, pollution and endangered plants and animals. Learn what you can do to protect the environment and read about kids who have been honored for their environmental efforts.

https://www.epa.gov/kids/

Level 2

The Wilderness Society: Earth Day 2001: On April 20, 1970, 20 million people took part in an Earth Day celebration and teach-in organized by Sen. Gaylord Nelson. Hear messages from this Earth Day organizer, visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge where oil drilling is being proposed, and read about Rachel Carson, who warned about the dangers of pollution in her 1962 book, “Silent Spring.”

https://www.earthday.wilderness.org

Earth Day Network: According to the American Almanac, Americans account for only 5% of the world’s population but use 26% of the world’s energy. Learn about energy efficiency, discover tips that save energy and money, find out how you can write letters to urge action and read about Earth Day activities and news from all over the world.

https://www.earthday.net/

Earth Force: Youth for a Change: Read about the successful efforts of students nationwide to improve their communities, ranging from cleaning up litter and urging water conservation to protecting burrowing owls and planting butterfly gardens.

https://www.earthforce.org/

Level 3

U.S. EPA: Earth Day 2001: Learn about Earth Day and the Environmental Protection Agency, access extensive resources on topics from ecosystems to environmental careers, and find out how citizens can take an active role in environmental issues.

https://www.epa.gov/earthday/

Environmental News Network: Earth Day: Learn about the history of the environmental movement and how the first Earth Day resulted in new legislation such as the federal Clean Air and Clean Water acts. Stay informed about environmental news and legislation, learn about topics ranging from alternative energy sources and genetically modified foods, and find out about the Earth Day Energy Fast.

https://enn.com/indepth/earthday/index.asp

Earth Day in Your Neighborhood: Whether you are interesting in planting trees, setting up a compost demonstration or sharing energy-saving tips, find out how you can organize your own neighborhood Earth Day event. Learn about resources that can help make your event a success.

https://www.allspecies.org/neigh/block.htm

EXPLORER’S QUEST

The answer to this Internet quiz can be found in the sites at right.

What U.S. president established the Environmental Protection Agency after the first Earth Day?

Clue: See U.S. EPA: Earth Day 2001

Find What You Need to Know: Have a project on California history? Need help doing a math problem? Launch Point covers more than 150 topics for getting your schoolwork done. Go to https://www.latimes.com/launchpoint/ for the full list of subjects and direct links to the best Internet sites.

Answer to last week’s Quest: The word umpire comes from the Old French words “non” and “pair” meaning “not a peer.”

Launch Point is produced by the UC Irvine department of education, which reviews each site for appropriateness and quality. Even so, parents should supervise their children’s use of the Internet. This column was designed by Nicole Werther, Michelle Diehl, Samantha Smrekar and Anna Manring.