Yesterday, October 6th, was the third annual 4-H National Youth Science Day. Millions of kids all over the nation became scientists and learned about carbon dioxide and ways in which we, as a nation, can reduce our impact on the environment. Want to join in on the environmental fun? Learn about and play the 4-H Eco Challenge!

The National 4-H Council has partnered with IBM to create the 4-H Eco Challenge: an interactive online game that enables kids of all ages to explore the different ways they can help reduce the carbon footprints of their homes, neighborhoods, and communities.

The game takes you through three different levels. Within each level you are given three elements of everyday life that produce high levels of carbon dioxide, such as hot water in your home, grocery shopping in your neighborhood, or transportation in your community. For each element, you are provided with three options of things you can do to reduce the CO2 emissions within that element. As you choose an option for each element, you rack up points depending upon how influential your choice will be on reducing your carbon emissions. The options provided range from easy tasks such as using CFL light bulbs to more complex challenges such as convincing local commuters to carpool.

The 4-H Eco Challenge is not only fun, but educational as well. It gives kids simple and accessible options for creating a more sustainable lifestyle for themselves and their communities. Play it with your kids today!