Planet protectors: in celebration of Earth Day, museum scientist and Science World readers share their plans to help the planet

April 22 is Earth Day--a good time to reflect on the health of the planet. What environmental issues do you think are most pressing? In the October 8, 2007, issue of Science World, we asked you to go online and vote in Science Explorations' "Kids' Environmental Report Card." And vote you did! As the graphs on these pages show, you are concerned about the environment, and you are eager to make the world a better place (for more results, visit www.scholastic.com/reportcard).

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So, what are you going to do to help the planet this Earth Day? For inspiration, check out the work that scientists at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City are doing. For these researchers, every day is Earth Day.

Then, check out the winners of the youinnovate21 ... It's Your Environment challenge, which also appeared in Science World's October 8 issue. This contest asked you to come up with ways to solve an environmental problem. We're proud to present the winners and runners-up.

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Scientist: KATE HOLMES

What is your current research?

Countries are beginning to realize that their marine resources, such as the fish that people eat or the ecosystems people like to explore, are being depleted or damaged. The Bahamas, a country made up of many small tropical islands, has been establishing a large network of Marine Protected Areas that cover coral reefs, sea-grass beds, estuaries, and mangrove forests. In these protected areas, certain activities, such as fishing, are banned so sea life can flourish. I am studying how to set up these areas in ways that best protect the organisms living inside them--and improve fishing and tourism opportunities for the people who live nearby.

What can kids do to protect ocean life?

Never throw trash in the ocean. Sea life can get tangled up in plastics and die. You can help by reducing your use of plastics. For instance, when you buy something at a store, ask yourself if you really need a plastic bag for carrying your purchase home. Also, cut up the plastic holders that keep six packs of soda cans together. They can end up in the ocean and strangle sea life. For more ways to protect ocean life, Holmes suggests visiting www.amnh.org/ology/marinebiology/stufftodolhelp_main.html.

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Scientist: CHANDA BENNETT

What is your current research?

I study the impact of growing cities on the animal species that live in them. My main focus is bats. Scientists know that bats are a very important part. of our environment; many of the bats that live in the U.S. eat tons of insects, some of which are pests to people, other animals, and farm crops. However, we don't know much about the bats that live in urban areas. I am studying the different types of bats that roost and hunt for food in parks throughout New York City. The information I collect will be compared with the data on bats that live just outside the city, so we can better understand the habitats of these important animals.

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What can kids do to protect bats and other wildlife?

You can install a bat house to attract bats to your yard, or install a bird-house to attract songbirds, which are in decline. The first step to protecting wildlife is to learn more about it. City and state parks can help you observe wildlife by teaching you where and when to look for various species.

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Scientist: MINCH DUC LE

What is your current research?

I study populations of turtles around the world. People all over the globe, particularly in China and other Asian countries, buy and sell turtles illegally--primarily for food and medicinal uses. This has had a negative impact on various turtle species. Many scientists believe that the current level of turtle trade poses a much larger threat to the survival of these populations than does the destruction and modification of turtles' natural habitats.

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What can kids do to protect these endangered species?

Never remove a turtle from the wild. Move a turtle only if it is in danger, such as if it is crossing a road, but don't bring it home. Inform yourself and others about endangered turtle species. Don't buy objects made from tortoiseshells, like some eyeglass frames or combs. And remember: Even small things you do toward stopping illegal wildlife trade can have a big impact on the survival of these species.

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check it out

The Hall of Biodiversity at the American Museum of Natural History addresses one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: the need to protect natural systems and the diversity of all forms of life with which we share planet Earth. A central feature of the Hall is a spectacular diorama of the Dzanga-Sangha Rain Forest, one of the most biodiversity-rich ecosystems anywhere, The diorama includes more than 160 species of flora and fauna. To learn more, ask your teacher or visit: www.amnh.org.

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