Borton Primary celebrates Earth Day with fun activities

He was one of 450 students from Borton and Holladay Intermediate Magnet School who celebrated Earth Day on Thursday, learning about wildlife, plants and solar energy among other things.

"It's like a celebration of the Earth," Luis said. "We live in it and we have to take care of it because if not, we won't have fruit or vegetables or water."

The festivities were put on by parent volunteers at no cost to the school, 700 E. 22nd St. They were held at the Borton Environmental Learning Lab - a desert habitat on school grounds that is used weekly as an outdoor classroom.

At one station, oatmeal cookies were baking in a sun oven and a solar panel was powering a light bulb. At another, students got their hands dirty making adobe bricks.

Luis' favorite activity was learning about plants from across the world that were similar to ones that can be found in the Southern Arizona desert. However, he did seem thoroughly impressed at the reptile station where he got the chance to hold a snake.

This is the third year that parents have put on an Earth Day celebration, said Rebecca Ballenger who helped organize the event.

"When we bring the kids out here, the different learning environment appeals to children with different learning styles," she said. "It also complements the curriculum in the classroom."

Connie Holiman, a Borton parent, appreciated all of the volunteer work put forth.

"This is a great way to open their minds," she said. "The kids don't even know they are learning."

But they are, said Borton Interim Principal Carolyn Eldridge.

"Children are marvelous teachers to their parents. They'll be quick to tell you that something should go into recycling rather than the trash," she said.

On StarNet: For an interactive presentation on refuse and recycling go to azstarnet.com/multimedia

Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at 573-4175 or ahuicochea@azstarnet.com.