Many adults have taken up the cause of saving the environment with the knowledge that the children of today are the ones who will inherit whatever is left behind. With that in mind, it's undoubtedly important to educate today's children about environmental concerns and what they can do to carry on the task of Earth's conservation. The perfect opportunity for this sort of education is coming up: Earth Day 2010 is this April 22nd.
Teachers can use the following guide to plan fun and educational Earth Day activities that will resonate with children for all the right reasons.
Choose the Right Activities
Choosing age-appropriate, hands-on activities will help get children involved and enthusiastic, while teaching them to care for the planet on which they live. Some good activity ideas are:
- Build a Terrarium: Making terrariums is a great way to get kids out of the classroom and let them appreciate the outside world. Students may make their own terrariums, or share a terrarium between small groups. Each student or group will need a small, clear container of sturdy glass or plastic in which to build, which may be obtained inexpensively from a dollar store. While they are planning their terrariums, students should be taught how to take from nature correctly and respectfully: never take more than a few leaves from any one tree or shrub, for example.
- Make Recycled Paper: The process of making paper is fun and engaging, and teaching students to recycle their own paper should end with good results. Kids will need used paper - shredded colored paper may be used too, for more exciting results - a container for mixing the pulp, and a screen for spreading, flattening and drying their paper.
- Hold Conservation Contests: Nothing encourages participation quite like the promise of candy or other treats, so holding competitions can make for effective Earth Day activities. Try holding a contest where students bring cans, bottles or paper products to school to be recycled. Children may be split into groups to compete against each other, or the class as a whole can work toward goals (for example, if the class collectively brings 100 cans, everyone gets cupcakes; if they bring 500 cans, the class gets a fish tank; and so on).
Making Plans for Earth Day
Once an activity has been chosen, the most important thing is to make sure that all the necessary items are procured and ready to go. As long as sufficient materials are secured for the entire class to participate, the activity should go smoothly and provide plenty of opportunity to teach on Earth-related topics.
It's easy to blend a fun, hands-on Earth Day activity into the class schedule. Choosing the right activity and getting everyone involved is sure to result in an entertaining and educational time for everyone.
A teacher might also consider joining forces with other classes or involving parents and entire families of the students to make it a true family affair and meaningful community Earth Day 2010 event.
