Second-grader Mylie Hak rips tissue paper Friday to make a stained glass Earth for an Earth Day project.

Students at Evans City Elementary School explored different ways to appreciate and help the planet Friday in an early celebration of Earth Day.

In Jordan DiBucci's class they made “stained glass” Earths using wax paper, tissue paper and glue. In Katie Rosatelli's class they made posters with cutouts of their hands and “a promise to the Earth on how to take care of it,” Rosatelli said.

The students rotated between the five second grade classrooms at Evans City, which includes teachers DiBucci, Rosatelli, Mary Rose Paterson, Beth Benson and Kate Kummer, to participate in different Earth Day-themed projects. Students learned about paper recycling, the Amazon rain forest deforestation, air pollution and more.

DiBucci said as students went to the different classes, they began to make connections between the lessons.

Second graders Landon Haas, Travis Ridenour and Jacob Dewitt said picking up trash from the ground and in waterways is one thing people can do help the environment. Landon said leading by example is a good way to effect change.

“If there's someone who doesn't throw their trash away and they see you picking up trash, they might stop doing it,” Landon said.

DiBucci also suggested other small things to make a difference, like recycling or turning off the water while you brush your teeth. Former students now in fifth grade have told DiBucci they still remember the Earth Day lessons she taught several years ago.

“If you teach them young, it really sticks with them,” she said. “Young kids really take what you say and take it to heart.”