April 22 – Let’s Celebrate Earth Day
Today, April 22, we celebrate Earth Day, a special day dedicated to appreciating and raising awareness about our planet’s natural environment. It’s a day to reflect on our planet’s beauty and the importance of keeping it healthy for generations to come. You can check out all of the Fact of the Day for kids here.
FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT EARTH DAY
- Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, and was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson to promote ecology and raise awareness of concerns about the rapidly deteriorating environment.
- The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
- Over 1 billion people across more than 190 countries now participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest civic observance in the world.
- Earth Day 2020 marked the 50th anniversary, which was celebrated with a digital event due to the global pandemic, emphasizing the adaptability and resilience of environmental movements.
- Many schools and communities plant trees on Earth Day, symbolizing growth, hope, and the natural world.
Earth Day Packet – Games, Coloring Pages and Puzzles
ACTIVITY IDEAS TO CELEBRATE APRIL 22
Celebrate Earth Day in your classroom with fun and meaningful activities that emphasize the importance of taking care of our planet. Here are some great ways to get involved:
- Try this Earth Day Maze.
- Organize a local clean-up with your class at a nearby park or schoolyard.
- Create posters about recycling and conservation to display around your school.
- Start a classroom garden to understand the importance of plants in our ecosystem.
- Learn about endangered species and create a class presentation on ways to protect them.
- Write letters to local representatives advocating for environmental policies.
- Check out these additional Earth Day Facts for Kids with free printable
- Try this fun Earth Day word search.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT FOR APRIL 22
As you participate in Earth Day activities, consider the impact you can make. Here are some thoughtful questions to explore:
- How does recycling help our planet?
- What are some small changes we can make at home to help the environment?
- Why is it important to save endangered species?
- What can you do to help reduce air pollution?
- How do plants and trees contribute to the health of our planet?
Earth Day Word Search Printable Poster
WOULD YOU RATHER QUESTIONS ABOUT EARTH DAY
Here are five questions to spark conversation. Would you rather…
- Plant 100 trees or clean up a local beach?
- Have a day without electricity or a month without buying anything new?
- Give up meat for a week or give up your car for a month?
- Volunteer at an animal rescue center or plant a community garden?
- Use only reusable bags or never use plastic straws again?
MORE FUN STUFF
Here are more fun ideas to help keep the kids entertained:
