Ecology Honor

Nature Study

Requirements

1. Research the place where you live, and share your discoveries at the Club meeting:
   • The causes of environmental pollution, how and why they arose;
   • Explain ways to avoid them;
   • Explain the process of water in nature and how its contamination can be prevented.
   • What are the dangers of poor air quality.

   Answer: 1) The causes of pollution: trash thrown in the wrong place, smoke from cars and factories, and sewage that goes into the rivers. It came about because many people started using and throwing away too many things carelessly. 2) To prevent it: throw trash in the bin, recycle, save water and electricity, and don't pollute the rivers. 3) Rainwater flows into the rivers and seas, turns into vapor with the sun, forms clouds, and rains again (the water cycle); to keep it from getting polluted, we don't throw trash or sewage into the water. 4) Dirty air (with smoke) is harmful: it causes coughing, trouble breathing, and lung diseases. — Taking care of the air, the water, and the trash makes the place where we live healthier for everyone.

2. Name three animals that are in danger of extinction and explain the reasons.

   Answer: Three animals in danger in Brazil: 1) the jaguar, 2) the golden lion tamarin, and 3) the Brazilian three-banded armadillo. They are disappearing because the forests where they live are being cut down, and because of hunting and pollution, which take away their home and their food. — When people destroy the forest and hunt the animals, they are left without a home and without food and can disappear.

3. Name three birds that are in danger of extinction and explain how you can help protect them.

   Answer: Three threatened birds in Brazil: 1) the hyacinth macaw, 2) the toucan, and 3) the harpy eagle. We can help like this: not buying birds caught in the wild, not destroying the trees where they build their nests, taking care of the forests, and telling other people that these birds need to be protected. — Preserving the trees and not caging the birds helps them live free and have babies.

4. Study the trees that are in danger of extinction in your City or State. Plant or care for a tree.

   Answer: With an adult: 1) Research (online or with a teacher) which trees are threatened in your region, such as the brazilwood, the ipe, or the araucaria. 2) Choose a seedling or a tree that is already planted to care for. 3) If you are going to plant it, dig a hole, place the seedling, cover it with soil, and water it. 4) Take care of it by watering and pulling out the weeds around it over the next few weeks. — Planting and caring for a tree helps nature and teaches us to protect God's creation.

5. Take part in one of the following community activities to help clean up the environment:
   • Cleaning up a public place;
   • Planting trees in a public place;
   • Nature preservation campaign.

   Answer: With your Club and an adult, choose ONE activity: 1) Clean up a square or street by picking up the trash with gloves and bags. 2) Plant seedlings in a public place with the help of the city or the church. 3) Make a campaign (posters or conversations) teaching people to take care of nature. Afterward, tell the others at the meeting how it went. — Taking part in a community action shows in practice how we take care of the place where we live.

6. Repeat Genesis 1:26. Explain our role in protecting wildlife.

   Answer: Genesis 1:26 says that God created humans in His image and gave them care over the fish, the birds, and the animals of the earth. This means that God gave us the task of taking good care of the animals and of nature, and not of mistreating them — we are like guardians of God's creation. — God entrusted nature to our care, so protecting the animals is obeying Him.

7. With your group, help pick up papers thrown in the square or on the street in front of your church or your school.

   Answer: With the group and an adult: 1) Wear gloves and bring a trash bag. 2) Walk together through the square or street picking up the papers and trash on the ground. 3) Put everything in a trash can or separate what can be recycled. 4) Wash your hands well at the end. — Picking up the trash makes the place beautiful and shows love for the church, the school, and the community.

8. Help collect papers, cans or other recyclable materials.

   Answer: With an adult: 1) Separate the recyclables into groups: paper, cans (metal), plastic, and glass. 2) Put each type in the right trash bin or in separate bags. 3) Take the recyclables to a collection point or give them to someone who recycles. This way the material becomes new things instead of becoming trash. — Recycling reuses materials and helps keep nature clean.