22 Days 'Til the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day: Saving Birds from Oil Spills

Young Voices for the Planet is a film series that aims to share the success stories of the youth who are working to limit the negative effects of climate change. The goal is to address communities and society as a whole to make a difference for the planet. ​

This film flies into a young girl's passion for birds. When 11-year-old, Olivia, discovered that the BP Oil spill severely injured thousands of birds, she came up with a creative idea to raise $200,000 for bird-rescue efforts. Aside from this, Olivia takes her journey even further by confronting congressmen and the Secretary of the Interior with a special message that was able to reach millions of people worldwide. Find out how Olivia saved thousands of birds in the video below!

The Role of Entrepreneurial Thinking

Olivia's success was possible because of her ability to use entrepreneurial thinking.​ Her creative idea of making art for people who donate was unique and effective! Here's how you can turn this into a fun and engaging lesson on entrepreneurial thinking. 

Ask your students these questions:

• What problem did Olivia want to solve?
• What effect did the issue have on the world?
• What strategy worked for Olivia? 
• How would you solve this problem and raise money like she did?

Use the last question to get your students to brainstorm ways they can save the birds. They could start a program at their school to raise money or maybe start a bake sale. Allow them to use entrepreneurial thinking and come up with ways that are out of the ordinary.

You could also make this a lesson about the Sustainable Development Goals. In the film, Olivia is most concerned with goal #15 Life on Land. 

For additional resources on teaching sustainability to your students, visit our page full of multiple resources here. Follow us on social media for updates, tips, facts, and more! Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram all @usfstavros.