Earth Day is coming soon, and many students were wondering how we would celebrate with cool Earth Day Activities. I want to share how to celebrate Earth Day, get your students outside, and, learn about all of the mysteries our Earth provides.
Earth Day Activities- Observation Walk
As a Natural Classroom Specialist you know I couldn’t let Earth Day go by without offering nature-based activities. There are still many options available to you to participate in nature-based learning while practicing social distancing. My favorite is to take an observation walk. Walk around your yard or neighborhood, and really notice the small things. Look for flowers that have bloomed, or will bloom soon. Check for insects that may be out and about. Collect small leaves perfect for patterning. As an added bonus, grab a piece of paper and a clipboard and record what you find. Start a spring nature journal with all of your observational drawings.
You can grab your free Nature scavenger hunt here: Nature Scavenger hunt
Another favorite Earth Day activity is to start a spring nature study. Learn about caterpillars, butterflies, ants, bees, and even worms and snails. Take this time to learn about all the cool creepy crawlies that your students are interested in. Typical school years may not allow extra time for a minibeast study, but now is the perfect time to embark on one. We have spent the month learning about honey bees, and the beneficial insects in our area. We also learned about rocks and gemstones. This study was sparked while on a walk around the schoolyard. We even discussed nontraditional insects like the praying mantis, after the children found an egg sack attached to the rose garden clippings.
Create Something
One additional favorite Earth Day activity is to create something from found, recycled, or repurposed items. Now, this activity can take on multiple forms and meanings depending on the age and interest level of the child. In one instance you could use natural items to create a beautiful sun-catcher or wind chime. Pine cones and sticks create a beautiful tinkling sound. Pressed flowers and dried leaves stuck to contact paper makes a stunning window decoration. Grab my favorite flower press kit here: Flower Press Kit
Another way to create something from nature is to bake or cook using your garden. Didn’t plant a garden? That’s OK, find a new recipe and create a delicious masterpiece together. Our classroom uses the bounty from a local lemon and orange tree to create delicious citrus bars. Definitely, something most students would not have typically tried. Everyone went home with the recipe and made more with their families.
Children also love creating using wood pieces, nuts, bolts, and wire castoffs. This is a perfect time to break out the real, tools, and make some cool sculptures, robots, or imagination-inspired inventions. Repurpose some existing items into a useful project. That is actually how our unused dog kennel and broken storage shed became a goat pen for the latest FFA project. But that’s a story for another time!
50 Earth Day Activities
If you are still looking for Earth Day activities to try with your children as Earth Day approaches go check out my Friend Sarah’s post. She chats about 50 activities to do with your child. And has a bonus section all about including nature-based learning in your day.
Outdoor Learning Master Class
I have been listening to my teacher friends, and they have been very vocal. The question everyone asks is how do I get my kids outside in intentional ways throughout the year? As a result, I created my Outdoor Learning Masterclass. A 3-hour in-depth dive into the world of outdoor classrooms. And the best part? Its included in the Natural Classroom Collection!
I know that while Earth Day is a time when we think about taking to the outdoors, we can successfully teach outside year-round with an actionable, achievable plan. And you know me- I’m showing you how to do it using what you already have.
I want you to have all the lessons and activity ideas you need at your fingertips, so I created inquiry-based science lessons for young children. You can learn more about the complete curriculum here: Inquiry-based Science Lessons
Until next time friends, Get Outside and Happy Learning,
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