As we approach Earth Day, it’s important to reflect on the significance of this holiday and how we can incorporate it into our teaching.
In school, we have a unique opportunity to teach our students about the environment, the impact of human activities on our planet, and the importance of taking care of our natural resources and delicate ecosystems. By incorporating environmental education into our teaching, we can inspire the next generation to become responsible and conscious stewards of the Earth.
There are many other ways that we can teach our students about the environment, such as exploring local habitats, conducting waste audits, creating green spaces, and learning about renewable energy sources. By providing students with these opportunities to engage with the environment, we can foster a sense of curiosity and wonder about the natural world, as well as a desire to take action to protect it.
If you are still looking for Earth Day activities, here is a round-up of lesson plans created by BetterLesson master teachers, complete with standards alignment and suggestions for differentiation.
Survival of the Fittest: Exploring Basic Needs
Grade Level: Lower Elementary
Big Idea: Why is it important for animals to have the right place to live?
Get Slimed, Break Bones, and Blow Up
Grade Level: Lower Elementary
Big Idea: What are some of the cool ways animals protect themselves?
Water Use Around the World
Grade Level: Upper Elementary
Big Idea: In learning about liters as a unit of measurement, we can learn about water usage and lifestyles around the world.
That’s not a plant! It’s a weed!
Grade Level: Upper Elementary
Big Idea: Learn about plant parts and how they help them survive in their environment
Life in the Big City: Can the mountain lion survive?
Grade Level: Middle School
Big idea: Humans have had an impact on the lives of animals and their habitats. What has been done to change this and can we do more?
Discovering Solar Energy
Grade Level: Middle School
Big idea: Can solar energy be THE energy for our future? Explore this authentic question with your class as you dive into the world of renewable energy.
As we celebrate Earth Day, these lessons can help us reflect on the importance of our one planet and the role that each of us plays in preserving the environment. By instilling these values in our students, we can help to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
