At YCIS Qingdao, Earth Day has become one of the most important days on our yearly calendar. Though activities vary each year, they always revolve around teaching students sustainable practices to help ensure our planet’s healthy future.

Before this year’s Earth Day activities, Primary students spent weeks bringing in used cardboard and plastics from home, without knowing what they would be used for. On the day, Primary teachers announced that the materials would be recycled and used for a marble run. Students were deeply engaged in the activity, each trying to make the most elaborate design, and then excited as they watched the marbles twist, turn and race through their recycled creations.

Secondary students meanwhile gathered in the meeting hall on the 5th floor, where used cardboard and plastic were collected for them to recycle and use for theatre props. At the end of the semester, Secondary students will perform scenes from classic English theatre for the entire school. The recycled materials will be used for stage decoration and props.

At the end of the day, students were able to look at used materials in a new light. What they had originally viewed as “trash” was now seen to have many uses if reused. And the earth will benefit from their creativity.