Frequently Asked Questions
What is Operation EarthWatch?
Operation EarthWatch (OpEW) is a free environmental action program for kindergarten and elementary-aged residents of the City of Falls Church, and all students attending Mount Daniel Elementary School, Oak Street Elementary School, and Saint James Catholic School (regardless of residential address).
The program was established in 1993 by the Education Task Group of the Environmental Sustainability Council (ESC), City of Falls Church. In 2018, The Village Preservation and Improvement Society partnered with the ESC to provide administrative support for the program.
OpEW is a wonderful way for elementary students and their families to learn about and promote environmental action at home and in the community! In this voluntary program, EarthWatchers run experiments, observe nature, participate in community events, conduct research, create art, and promote environmental action.
Each month (October - March), an activity sheet with a set of prompts on earth stewardship (waste reduction, recycling and reuse, energy , water conservation, wildlife and nature) is posted to the OpEW web site and other available communications. Students choose 3 or 4 activities to complete at library meetups (number based on grade level), or turn in via email.
Participation is open throughout the school year, and time commitment is about an hour per month. Completion of all 6 activity sheets by the first week of April will earn cool swag, a custom t-shirt, certificate, invitation to an end of year celebration, opportunity to march in the Falls Church City Memorial Day Parade, and recognition at a City Council meeting.
Who can participate in Operation EarthWatch?
All kindergarten and elementary-aged residents of the City of Falls Church, and all students attending Mount Daniel Elementary School, Oak Street Elementary School, and Saint James Catholic School (regardless of residential address) may participate.
How do I participate in Operation EarthWatch?
OpEW is a wonderful way for elementary students and their families to learn about and promote environmental action at home and in the community! In this voluntary program, EarthWatchers run experiments, observe nature, participate in community events, conduct research, create art, and promote environmental action.
Each month (October - March), an activity sheet with a set of prompts on earth stewardship (waste reduction, recycling and reuse, energy , water conservation, wildlife and nature) is posted to the OpEW web site and other available communications. Students choose 3 or 4 activities to complete at library meetups (number based on grade level), or turn in via email.
Participation is open throughout the school year, and time commitment is about an hour per month. Completion of all 6 activity sheets by the first week of April will earn cool swag, a custom t-shirt, certificate, invitation to an end of year celebration, opportunity to march in the Falls Church City Memorial Day Parade, and recognition at a City Council meeting.
I lost my activity sheet. How do I get another copy?
Activity sheets are available for download here.
I missed a month (or more). Can I catch up?
Yes! Participation is open throughout the school year. Complete all 6 activity sheets by the first week of April to earn cool swag, a custom t-shirt, certificate, invitation to an end of year celebration, opportunity to march in the Falls Church City Memorial Day Parade, and recognition at a City Council meeting. Download a copy of the missed sheet(s) from here, complete the activities, and submit via email to earthwatchcontact@gmail.com.
I just learned about the program but it started months ago – May I still participate?
If you are a kindergarten or elementary-aged resident of the City of Falls Church OR attending Mount Daniel Elementary School, Oak Street Elementary School or Saint James Catholic School (regardless of residential address), then YES! New EarthWatchers are always welcome!!!
What are the details for the t-shirt design competition?
On the December or January activity sheet, one of the activity choices will be to create a t-shirt design based on an environmental theme. Judges will vote on the winning design(s) from participants who choose to submit one. EarthWatchers who complete all 6 activity sheets will earn a custom t-shirt and have an opportunity to wear it in the Falls Church City Memorial Day parade!
Can I volunteer for Operation EarthWatch?
How do I become a sponsor of Operation EarthWatch?
Thank you for your interest in supporting this important and unique environmental education program. Please email earthwatchcontact@gmail.com to discuss sponsorship opportunities. General sponsorship information is available here.
The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please email earthwatchcontact@gmail.com.
Thank you for your interest and participation in Operation EarthWatch!