Earth Day Activities

Teaching about the Earth and pollution does not need to be existential. I think it is enough to teach our students that they have an impact, however small, on the natural environment and our community.

I have some new products to help you celebrate Earth Day in your classroom! They are great for Grades 2 or 3. Combine your ELA goals with science!

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Here are more ideas for Earth Day!

Sun Prints

This is an easy one that can actually be done during recess on the playground. Have your students collect fallen items from nature, such as leaves and flowers. Once the special paper is exposed to light, it changes color to reveal the outline of the items placed on top. The kit comes with a special acrylic plate to help keep your items in place, but I did not find it necessary unless it was windy.

Fairy Houses

I like this project because kids love to be imaginative, but it does not require special materials or toys. Plus, as everything they create is natural, it does not harm the environment with waste. I recommend having your students create their own little fairy homes to create a large “village” with sticks, bark, and other found items.

If you are limited to your classroom space and cannot take them outside, I think this activity can also be done with collected materials on trays. You can compost the project when they are no longer interested.

Torn Paper Collage

Give each student a piece of paper with a circle outline, a small green paper, a small blue paper, and a small red paper. She had these cut for us from scrap construction paper. The kids ripped pieces of the blue and the green to make the Earth. They cut out a heart to glue on top.

Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are fun! Plus, there are so many ways to do them. This is one of my favorites. It uses a toilet paper roll, string or ribbon, and peanut butter. (Sun butter can replace the peanut butter for students with allergies.)

This Pretty Planet By: Tom Chapin and John Forster

Sing this song with your class.

This pretty planet spinning through space,
You're a garden, you're a harbor, you're a holy place, Golden sun going down, Gentle blue giant spin us around. All through the night, safe 'til the morning light.