Earth Day is a special day that is celebrated every April 22nd to remind us of the importance of taking care of our planet. It’s a day when people all over the world come together to raise awareness about environmental issues and learn how they can help make a positive impact. For young students, it’s a great time to learn about Earth Day and how we can help keep our planet healthy.
To help students learn about environmental stewardship in the classroom, there are many activities that teachers can do with their students. From planting a tree to making a recycling bin, these activities teach children the importance of taking care of the Earth and how they can make a difference.
ThinkFives wants to provide teachers with the resources to take a closer look at what Earth Day is, why we celebrate it, and some fun activities that students can do in their class to celebrate Earth Day.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is a special day that is celebrated every year to remind us to take care of our planet. It’s a day to show how much we care about the Earth and to learn about how we can help keep it healthy. On Earth Day, we can do things like planting trees, picking up trash, and recycling to show our love for the Earth.
Why do we celebrate Earth Day?
We celebrate Earth Day because we want to remind ourselves and others how important it is to take care of our planet. The Earth gives us so much, like fresh air to breathe, clean water to drink, and healthy food to eat. We want to make sure that the Earth stays healthy and clean so that we can keep living here and enjoying all of these things. By celebrating Earth Day, we can show that we care about the Earth and want to protect it for future generations.
What is the history of Earth Day?
Earth Day started in 1970 when a man named Senator Gaylord Nelson wanted to make sure people knew how important it is to take care of the Earth. He wanted to remind everyone that we all live here together and we need to work together to make the Earth a better place. On the first Earth Day, millions of people across the United States came together to celebrate the Earth and raise awareness about environmental issues. Since then, Earth Day has become a global event that is celebrated by people all over the world.
What are a few Activities I can do in class?
- Plant a tree or flower: Students can plant a tree or flower in a pot or outside in the schoolyard to help the Earth. They can also learn about how plants grow and what they need to survive.
- Make a recycling bin: Students can create their own recycling bin by decorating a cardboard box and collecting recyclable items from around the classroom. This activity can teach students about the importance of reducing waste and how to recycle properly.
- Take a nature walk: Students can go on a nature walk and observe different plants, animals, and insects. They can learn about the different parts of nature and how they all work together to create a healthy environment.
- Make Earth Day posters: Students can create posters about Earth Day and the importance of taking care of the Earth. They can display the posters around the classroom or in the school hallway to remind others to care for the planet.
- Read a book about Earth Day: Teachers can read books about Earth Day and the environment to help students understand why it’s important to take care of the Earth. This activity can help students learn about the different ways they can help protect the Earth and make a positive impact
What are some fun facts I can share with students?
Here are 10 fun facts about Earth Day formatted as questions for challenging younger children.
- What is Earth Day?
A. A day when we celebrate the Earth and learn how to take care of it
B. A day when we celebrate outer space
C. A day when we celebrate winter weather - When is Earth Day celebrated?
A. April 22nd
B. May 1st
C. June 1st - Who started Earth Day?
A. Senator Gaylord Nelson
B. President Abraham Lincoln
C. Martin Luther King Jr. - Why is Earth Day important?
A. It reminds us to take care of the Earth so it stays healthy and clean
B. It reminds us to play video games all day
C. It reminds us to eat lots of candy - What can we do on Earth Day?
A. Plant a tree, recycle, and save energy
B. Watch TV all day, eat junk food, and play video games
C. Go shopping, drive a car, and use lots of water - What is recycling?
A. A way to turn old things into new things
B. A way to throw things in the trash
C. A way to make things dirty - What is composting?
A. A way to turn food scraps and yard waste into soil
B. A way to throw away plastic bottles
C. A way to take a nap - Why is it important to reduce waste?
A. Because too much waste can hurt the Earth
B. Because too little waste can hurt the Earth
C. Because waste is fun - What is pollution?
A. When bad stuff gets into the air or water and makes things dirty
B. When people talk too loudly
C. When people smile too much - What is the point of Earth Day?
A. To remind us to take care of the Earth so it stays healthy and clean
B. To remind us to play video games all day
C. To remind us to eat lots of candy
Do you have suggestions to share with other teachers about Earth Day?
Although it’s a Saturday this year, I love having quick facts I can share with my students. 🌎
Love these quick facts!!! 🌲💡