Earth Day is on April 22nd. It is such a great time to introduce to our students the concepts of recycling, pollution, planting, and reusing. Looking for meaningful Earth Day activities to try with your students? I have 7 fun and engaging activities that will get you on your way to celebrating Earth Day. Come check them out!
1. Earth Day Art & Writing Activity
This simple yet cute activity is the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day. You can use tear art, watercolors, oil pastels, or even crayons! There are two different templates to choose from and once the project is complete it can even be used as a bulletin board! To challenge your students even more they can write about Earth Day or ways to protect the Earth.
2. Shape Friend Earth Day Craft
This Earth Day activity will teach your students about shape attributes and geometry while also tying into Earth Day. This hands-on craft can be used for bulletin boards, windows, or in the hallway to brighten up your classroom! Your students can complete this activity independently or with a partner. The resource includes:
- Shape attributes chart
- Headings so that students can easily retrieve the pieces they need
- Shape template/pattern
- Writing paper
- Classroom sample
If you are looking for other Earth Day ideas check out one of my past blogs and you can get an Earth Day FREEBIE!
3. Memory Book for April
This Memory Book includes art, writing, and a craft for April. It's perfect if you are looking for a simple yet meaningful Earth Day activity. The activities can be completed in small group, whole group, or independently. Here is what is included for Earth Day:
- Quickdraw: Let's Protect the Earth
- 3 versions of April reflection writing
- 3 versions of, “I protect the Earth Writing”
- Earth Day Craft
4. Make Signs
Sometimes we need a reminder to help us change our habits. I loved brainstorming with my students about ways we could take care of the environment both at school and at home. My students loved creating signs that helped encourage others to change their habits. For example, turning off the lights when leaving the room.
5. Plant a Tree
This year, The Canopy Project has set an ambitious goal of planting 10,000,000 trees for the year 2022. Not only do trees act as carbon sinks but they also provide vital habitat for animals! I am a big nature person so I was very passionate about teaching my students ways we could take care of the Earth. Planting trees is showing that you are taking part in this bigger goal.
6. Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
This activity is the perfect opportunity to take your class outdoors. To make it easy create a list of things for them to do or spot as they walk including:
- Spotting animals (birds, squirrels, lizards, etc)
- Collecting litter and recycling (make sure your students are wearing gloves)
- Drawing pictures of flowers and plants
As an extension activity, students can write about their findings or you can have a class discussion!
7. Recycling STEM Activity
Not only does this activity allow your students to learn about recycling but they also get a chance to use their creative skills! The best part is you can use almost anything for this STEM activity including water bottles, cardboard tubes, boxes, or newspapers. Your students get to become engineers and create their very own recycling project!
Even though Earth Day is on April 22nd I believe celebrating the Earth should be every day! How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day with your students? What activities do you plan to do in your classroom? Comment below and share!
