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Observed each year on April 22nd, Earth Day celebrates Earth's life and beauty and Earth Day activities strive to educate and alert people about the need to preserve and renew the threatened ecological balances upon which all life on Earth depends. [included_menu4.htm]About the Resources Below...
What better
way to educate kids and adults
about the pressing needs of our planet than to plan some Earth Day
events of your own? Whether you're planning activities for your family, your
school, or a booth at a neighborhood event, we've got some great ideas for
discussion topics and activities! Below you will find our overview
of major Earth Day issues, plus crafts, activities, coloring pages,
online games, book recommendations, and lesson plans. As
usual Earth's Kids has sifted through hundreds of pages of material to
select and present those activities and ideas that we know kids and
educators will really enjoy and benefit from. Why do we do this?
Because we love to help you make a positive difference in the world! And we
know that you can do this best when you're free to use your
Note to parents at home: we hope you'll use the sections below to surf the web with your child. Discuss the different ideas together, decide on changes you could make as a family. And don't forget to plan how you will celebrate Earth Day! Also you will notice various black and white illustrations below. These are coloring pages! Click on them to jump to a printable coloring page for your younger children. Collect all the pages together and your child can color his own Earth Day book. Use the back side of the coloring page to write your ideas for changes you can make in your own home or to write poems or stories about nature. Spread the Word About Global Warming!
Scientists tell us that that the earth's global climate is warming at an unusual rate. Already we are seeing changes in rainfall patterns, ice pack thickness, summer heat levels, and hurricane activity. While some sources still claim that this is just a natural trend and nothing to be concerned about, most mainstream scientists agree that the problem is caused by the greenhouse affect. The greenhouse effect is caused by chemicals released into the air by air pollution. This is a serious problem, but one we can all do something about. To learn more about global warming and what we can all do to stop it, visit the Earth's Kids special feature on Global Warming.
We strongly urge all parents and educators to rent and watch... This riveting documentary is narrated by former U. S. Vice President Al Gore and uses striking graphs and photographs to lay out the all too clear evidence that "global warming" is a very real phenomenon -- one that cannot be confused with the natural temperature fluctuations of the past. While the information can be alarming, especially to those new to the situation, the positive solutions presented by Gore offer hope and inspiration. Suitable for middle school kids and older. Visit the film's official website for companion materials such as screensavers, email cards, fact sheets, and a guide for educators. Educate yourself and the start spreading the word. The folks in Washington D.C. are elected by us, so when they realize we all want them to do something they will. They know their jobs depend on it!
Trees give us oxygen to breathe. They clean our air and help slow global warming. They shade our homes and help shelter them from wind and rain. They cut down on soil erosion, preserving the good topsoil we need for farming and preventing landslides. They provide homes for birds and other animals. And they make our homes, schools, and neighborhoods more beautiful and enjoyable. Planting a tree is a great thing to do for yourself and for the earth. Purchase trees through the National Arbor Day Foundation
Heifer International allows you to buy trees and donate them to communities fighting deforestation in impoverished areas. Learn how to plant your own tree. Trees are Terrific... Travels with Pierre a nice interactive presentation on the many aspects of trees. For ages 4-8.
There are many who consider the oceans the largest driving force that makes life possible on Earth. To begin with they cover 70% of the Earth's surface and, according to some scientists, they still contain the majority of living things. And the oceans are a vital part of the water cycle that brings rain to our crops and forests and drinking water to our cities. Just as importantly the ocean also produces much of the oxygen upon which all human beings, and animals, depend. And the oceans provide fish and shellfish and other vital resources as well as jobs for millions. In fact in the United States alone, 1 out of 6 jobs is marine related. But right now, a variety of crises threaten our oceans. Pollution, over fishing, and global warming are the chief threats. Right now, pollution is poisoning people and animals with toxic levels of mercury and other chemicals that humans have released into the ocean food webs. And global warming is changing the temperature of the seas, causing some animals to die off because the tiny organisms on which they depend can't survive these small changes of climate. Some species of dolphins are thought to be beaching themselves in response to changing temperatures. In other cases, toxic micro organisms that thrive in the warming waters are multiplying, poisoning humans, fish, and marine mammals alike. And over all these concerns looms the growing problem of overfishing, the capture of so many fish that there are not enough left to spawn sufficient new fish. Over fishing is creating an alarming downward spiral that is already causing fishing industries in many parts of the world to crash. The end result: not enough fish and shellfish to feed humans or the other creatures that depend upon them -- creatures like whales, seals, sea lions, dolphins, birds, and of course polar bears (already in danger from disappearing polar ice). But it's not too late to reverse these problems! We can work together with scientists, activists, and government leaders to create strategies that resolve the threats to our oceans and marine life -- now. To become part of the solution, Visit the Earth's Kids Marine Science Page or just follow the links below, to learn what you can do to learn, to educate others, and to make your voice heard!
Learn more about the ocean and it's creatures
Many animals on our Earth are in danger of becoming extinct due to climate change, habitat destruction, and because of being killed by human poachers. We can help endangered animals by supporting habitat preservation and measures to halt global warming, and by refusing to buy products made from endangered animals (fur coats, ivory trinkets, etc.). But we can also help by donating to groups who are working on behalf of these animals. One fun way to donate is to "adopt" an animal! Click on one of the links below to find out what you need to do to adopt an animal of that type. The animal won't come to your home, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your donated money will help it and others like it to thrive and, hopefully, bring forth another generation.
Install a water-saving shower head (you'll use about 1/3 as much water). Fix leaky faucets! Install a low flush toilet or just install a special floater on the mechanism in the tank that restricts tank refill to a lower level (saves water with each flush). Another option is to simply place a brick in the toilet tank, to raise the water level and decrease tank volume. Wash only full loads of clothes. And don't wash your clothes unless they actually need it (not if you just wore them for an hour or two). Water your yard at night, or very early in the morning, so the water doesn't just evaporate away in the sun.
Learn lots more about how to conserve water at home (pdf) in this printable booklet!
Electricity is produced primarily by power plants that burn fossil fuels like coal or petroleum. So the more electricity we use, the more Co2 is released into the atmosphere, causing pollution and... global warming. Also, digging or drilling for fossil fuels destroys threatens wild animals and fish and their habitats. So turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room or don't really need them on. Avoid using electric space heaters. Put outside spotlights on motion detectors, so they turn on as needed rather than staying on all the time. Replace energy guzzling appliances, like that old refrigerator, with ones that are energy efficient (look for the star rating sticker). And change your light bulbs to high efficiency fluorescents. Kids, watch this movie at Brain Pop to learn more about electricity!
Over use of pesticide is becoming a big problem. Scientists are even worrying that we might have future food shortages because so many bees and other pollinating insects have been killed off because of routine pesticide use on farms and in backyards. As early as 1996 the U.S. Department of Agriculture was reporting the death of as much as 90% of the honey bees in some areas. Wild bees and other pollinators, like butterflies, are also affected. So take this day to learn and talk about all the useful jobs that insects do in our world. Then discuss other ways to handle the problems with bugs that often cause us to reach for the insecticide.
Never use herbicides or pesticides (pull out the weeds from around your home and learn about natural and chemical-free pest control). Try to plant native shrubs and trees instead of fussy, water guzzling plants adapted to grow somewhere else.
Use organic fertilizers whenever possible. Manufacturing non-organic fertilizer creates a shocking amount of toxic waste.
Clean and Beautify
Pick up litter Fix-up something old instead of throwing it away. Spend some time doing yard work (think about how wonderful it is to enjoy blue sky, birds singing, green leaves and grass, fresh air) Make something nice to help local wildlife (a bird house, a bird feeder, a peanut butter and birdseed pinecone feeder, etc.) Get together with other kids and adults to organize a big clean up project. It could be at your local park or playground, your school, a local business, or even someone's home. Don't forget to discuss how to keep things looking nice there in the years to come. Figure out how much garbage your family throws out!
The great thing is, you can go for a walk around the block, or in the local park -- or really go for it and plan a trip into a state park. Take the whole family and carpool it. That way, you're not wasting gasoline. If you have young kids along, you will probably have to remind them to stay on the trails that are already created. Tell them that tromping off path may seem more exciting, but it stomps down the little plants trying to grow. And if we all did that... Also, remind kids to be considerate of all wildlife, and to leave things as they were when they arrived. As the saying goes: take only pictures and leave only footprints. Try to look on this as an opportunity to discuss the different ways that humans can affect nature. Expeditions like this make a much more lasting impression than a plain discussion delivered at home. Naturally if you visit a gift shop, please purchase environmentally friendly souvenirs only. (You can ask where it came from and how it was made.)
If you live in central California.... check out our tips and picks for Places To Go with Kids!
Learn to meditate! Did you know: meditation isn't just some hooky "new age" kind of thing -- nor is it just something for people from the exotic orient. In fact, meditation has been practiced in some form or another in just about every religion on Earth! Christian Catholics count the beads on their rosary, Jewish people silently repeat the "shemoneh esrei" prayer, Muslims practice tafakkur (contemplation on the universe), mystical Sufis perform a whirling meditative dance, Zen Buddhists count their breaths as they breathe in and out-- and these are but a few out of hundreds of examples!
Become An Environmental Activist or Educator!
There are all kinds of ways to become an environmental activist, from casually talking to friends at work or school, to volunteering your time with an environmental organization or sending a modest donation to a group who's doing great things. There are even great ways to make a difference by signing online petitions or sending some ready-made email to important politicians.
Do Your Part to Reduce Pollution
Spread the Word!
You can also send an Arbor Day card, encouraging them to "think green" and plant a tree. Be sure to tell your friends to visit www.earthskids.com to check out all the great suggestions for celebrating Earth Day -- and for making the planet a healthier, safer place.
Read
Please note that Teachers.net has an Earth Day discussion board where folks are posting ideas. Be sure to give it a look after you have browsed the ideas below. Feel free to email any further news or ideas to us. Challenges!
Arts & Crafts
More Coloring
Online Games & Activities
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ON THIS PAGE The Very First Earth Day Celebration
MORE Fun &
Learning
Kids Can...
Giving Service
Taking a Stand
Against
Taking A Spiritual
Empowering Children
Parents
Guidance
&
Positive Discipline
Sensory Materials
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time for teaching,
creating, and making the world a better place. Enjoy!
Growing something in the garden is
a great way to feel closer to nature, and a fun way to grow your own
organic fruits and vegetables! It can also be good exercise.
But there are a few things to keep in mind: 
But
it doesn't matter what your
spiritual tradition is -- or if you have one. All you
really have to
do is be caring enough to sit down, quiet down, and practice tuning
into your inner nature in a
way that allows your own deepest inspiration to come forth.
You can use a traditional technique that makes sense to you (many
people like some form of breath counting, although others like to
just sit quietly in nature) or you can develop your own practice.
One person we know recites the ABC song at a slow pace-- breathe in
"A", breathe out "B", and so on. Whatever works
to quiet your mind and let go of the usual chatter!
Have
a Fruits & Vegetables Appreciation Feast
have
a sampling feast! Talk about the foods, where they come from
and what they do for your body, and what it takes to produce them --
and most of all, how glad you are for them. 
You don't
have to become a vegetarian to help out in this area. Just cut
back a bit and try new things. The simple truth is that a
plant-based diet requires much less energy, land, and other
resources to produce the same protein and calories a diet based
heavily on animal products. So just like we've figured
out it's a bad idea to live on fast food value meals all the
time, now it's time to pay attention to how much healthier we'd be
if we were eating more fresh fruits and veggies and more wholesome complex
carbohydrates. It helps our bodies, our pocket books,
and the planet. Everybody wins!
