What are some ideas or lessons you do with students for Earth Day or Arbor Day?

What are some other ways to engage students in an immersive experience? I’ve used mock crime scenes, but would like to expand to other experiences.

One of my favorite ways to engage students in critical thinking and error analysis is by doing an activity called "Agree or Disagree with Mrs. T." In these activity, I will give students a word problem and then I will solve it (usually wrong with the most common mistakes students make when solving that type of problem). Students have to read the problem, think about how they would solve it, and then look at how I solved it to decide whether they agree or disagree and why. Usually I'm wrong, BUT I have to be right sometimes or they'll just assume I'm wrong and disregard what I did. I have attached a sample so you can see their reflection piece. What are ways you help students catch mistakes?

I am the Kids Voting Representative for my county. Recently, I received a concern from a school that stated the hesitancy to participate because of the Presidential Election and the possible opinions that might come from home. I used this quote in my response,

Young people need to vote. They need to get out there. Every vote counts. Educate yourself too. Don't just vote. Know what you're voting for, and stand by that. Nikki Reed

I explained that it is important to teach students about the responsibility of voting and why people need to be informed. Everything should be based on facts and finding ways to vote FOR someone and not against someone. So much is based on attacking and name calling that it is starting to hurt the educational process. We have standards and statutes that must be addressed about government and voting. Being afraid to teach something is normal. Nevertheless, it still needs to be taught.

Field trips are a great experience for students to get out of the classroom and see the real world in action. When I am planning field trips, I refer to my standards and make sure the field trip reinforces what we are studying. I have used field trips as a pre event or past event. Both have their benefits. I normally have an activity that the students must accomplish so that it is not a "get out of school" trip. With that, I have "field trip" backpack that I have a folder of the important information, first aid kit, and other essentials that will help the trip run smoothly. I provide a bin for the students to place their lunches so there are no temptations to snack on the bus. In the bin I have a large trash bag. This is to make sure that we are clean and neat. I remind the students to make the lunch area nicer than when when we arrived.

When planning a field trip, make sure that you know which students have medical needs. This will also help with choosing a chaperone if needed. Be aware of special accommodations needed to allow all students to participate. Remember, have fun. Selfies with students are cherished memories.