Earth Day is this Saturday, April 22! You can use this day as motivation to plan activities for your classroom or school that draw attention to the environment and the world around us.
The holiday began in 1970 when Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson rallied students to raise public awareness about the effects of air and water pollution. He chose the date April 22 because it was between spring break and final exams. Twenty million people from across the country demonstrated for a healthier planet – leading to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts.
There are tons of age-appropriate activities you can do with your students to bring awareness to this day. Here are some of our favorite.
Younger Kids (K-4th grade)
Middle Kids (5th – 8th grades)
Older Kids (9th – 12th grades)
“Nature’s beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude.” Louie Schwartzberg
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” Frank Lloyd Wright
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet…Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.” Anne Frank
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