Who was Rachel Carson?
In a nutshell — my hero!
Rachel Carson is the American marine biologist, author, and conservationist whose book, Silent Spring, is credited with advancing the environmentalism movement.
After World War II, the world went crazy over chemicals. Industries and governments believed that humans could tame and control nature through the use of synthetic chemicals. People believed that DDT was a miracle and it was severely overused.
Rachel Carson, who had already wrote several biology and naturalist books and conservation pamphlets for the US government, decided to write Silent Spring to expose the dangers of widespread DDT usage. In Silent Spring, Rachel Carson dared to ask the hard questions about whether and why humans had the right to control nature; to decide who lives or dies, to poison or to destroy non-human life.
Chemical companies sought to discredit her as a Communist or hysterical woman with an affinity for cats.
Her tenacity helped in shaping a growing environmental consciousness.
The Clean Air Act became law in 1963.
In late 1969, President Richard Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act, regarded as the most important piece of national environmental legislation.
Her efforts sparked the movement leading to the establishment of Earth Day.
Learning Resources
What kind of Mom who studies the environment be if I didn’t turn this into an opportunity to teach the kids about Rachel Carson and her contributions to the Environmental Movement? Especially on Earth Day?!
Rachel Carson colouring sheet
I will be adding this into Teghan’s learning activities for Earth Day.
Rachel Carson learning unit on Brain Pop
Geared towards upper elementary kids.
Rachel Carson facts and worksheet bundle on kidskonnect
Another one for upper elementary kids.
With a basic membership, you can download the sample. It’s only $5-ish USD a month, but we already have a few subscriptions for learning resources.
The kids love watching The Who Was Show on Netflix, so I was thrilled when I found the book on Rachel Carson. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to get it for a while due to it not being considered essential.
Do you know this book?
I once, by chance, picked up a kids book at the library.
It seemed to be older, maybe from the 90’s.
The story is an allegory to Silent Spring and even mentions the book and the dangers of DDT after the story.
The story involves a kingdom that prides itself on their gardens and flowers. They didn’t really have much of a bug problem, but a wizard showed up and convinced the king to use his magic powder. People started getting covered in spots and sores, people were getting sick and even the wizard got sick. In the end, the princess convinces everyone to stop using the powder and people get better.
It was about two years ago.
The librarians have no idea, book store employees aren’t able to help me.
I’ve asked other parents and even university professors.
Have you by chance read this book?
Let me know in the comments.
Happy 50th Earth Day!
[Narwhal + Moon] 