Exploring current issues in the classroom

This feature was developed by Resources for Rethinking to connect students to some of the efforts being made to solve important problems that are affecting our planet. Hot Topics are published during the school year to coincide with the timing of national and international campaigns taking place to raise awareness of these key issues.

Each Hot Topic edition includes links to classroom materials from the Resources for Rethinking database that will encourage students and teachers to explore the environmental, economic and social dimensions of these issues and to take action in support of the larger campaign.

Hot Topics Calendar
UN International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer September 16
Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup September 15-23, 2012
World Food Day October 16
Waste Reduction Week October 15-21, 2012
World Fisheries Day November 21
Buy Nothing Day November 23, 2012
COP 18: UN Climate Change Conference November 26 - December 7, 2012
World Wetlands Day February 2
Word Day of Social Justice February 20
World Water Day March 22
Earth Hour March 23, 2013
Earth Day April 22
International Day for Biological Diversity May 22
Canadian Enviroment Week June 2-8, 2013
National Aboriginal Day June 21, 2013

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations in 1972 to encourage global action on behalf of the environment.  A primary objective of this event is to personalize environmental issues and help people realize not only their responsibility, but also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable development. Canadian Environment Week is held annually during the first week of June to coincide with World Environment Day (June 5) .  In addition to marking World Environment Day, this week-long celebration includes Clean Air Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8).  In keeping with the UN's designation of 2013 as the 'International Year of Water Cooperation', the theme of Canadian Environment Week is Water: Working Together.

Canadian Environment Week provides many wonderful opportunities for teachers and students to investigate a range of important environmental issues and bring about positive changes within their own communities.

Why Participate in Canadian Environment Week?

• Canadian Environment Week activities will focus attention on important issues related to our environment and our quality of life.

• Canadian Environment Week can provide students with meaningful opportunities to make a difference in their community.

• Participation in Canadian Environment Week activities can demonstrate the importance of individual efforts in caring for the environment.

• Canadian Environment Week can provide an opportunity to recognize our shortcomings and celebrate our achievements in protecting the environment.

Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to participate in the Canadian Environment Week.  Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.

For more information and activities to support this special week, be sure to check:

• Canadian Environment Week at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/sce-cew

• World Environment Day at: http://www.unep.org/wed/

• World Oceans Day at: http://worldoceansday.org/

National Aboriginal Day was first proclaimed in 1996 by then Governor General Romeo LeBlanc to honour the unique heritage and outstanding contributions of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. In consultation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations, June 21 was selected because of the significance of the summer solstice in Aboriginal culture and tradition. June 21st marks the official start of Celebrate Canada which in addition to National Aboriginal Day, includes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and Canada Day (July 1).

National Aboriginal Day provides all Canadians with an excellent opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal culture and to learn more about the many achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in fields as diverse as agriculture, the environment, business and the arts.

Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to participate in National Aboriginal Day. Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources for exploring Aboriginal perspectives on a number of themes and issues related to sustainable development.

Featured Resource:

LSF is pleased to recommend its newest resource, "Protecting Our Sacred Water". Produced in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, this guide helps teachers bring FNMI knowledge and culture into their classrooms and provides ways to incorporate traditional FNMI knowledge into the implementation of a water action project

For more information on this day, please visit the Aboriginal Affairs website.