Earth Day Facts for Kids
It’s almost Earth Day which means it’s time to learn some Earth Day facts for kids. We will include historical facts, interesting facts, and lots of fun facts, so get ready to learn! Download a FREE packet at the bottom of this post. It includes the Earth Day facts for kids, a complex dot to dot, and a fun Earth Day maze.
Earth Day Facts for Kids – History of Earth Day
We have called Earth home for billions of years. Each year we celebrate Earth on Earth Day. Earth Day is on April 22nd and this year will be the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day.
The first Earth Day occurred on April 22nd, 1970 as led by peace activist John McConnell. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson made it the first official Earth Day by making it a national holiday. Since then, Earth Day has grown to become an annual event and worldwide environmental movement. Do you celebrate Earth Day? What are some of your favorite Earth Day activities?
Why Do We Celebrate Earth Day?
Earth day is a special day meant to celebrate and appreciate the earth, and to promote environmental awareness.
Fighting for environmental protection has been a large part of Earth Day celebrations for decades. Many activists, including college students, use the global stage to share their environmental concerns and fight for a healthier place. Many call for the reduction of fossil fuels to decrease pollution worldwide.
The air is so polluted that over 90 percent of the World’s population has been exposed to unhealthy air at some point in their lives. Not only are humans exposed to the dangers of pollutants, but animals are too. This can increase the number of endangered animals in the World. Do you know of any endangered species?
Earth Day Packet – Games, Coloring Pages and Puzzles
Earth Day Facts for Kids – The Oceans and Earth Day
Earth Day isn’t just about improving the air and the land around us, it has to do with oceans too! Oceans make up almost 70% of the earth’s surface and are home to millions of marine animals.
At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. That’s probably heavier than your house! This plastic pollution can be harmful to many animals in the ocean. They may eat the plastic or become entrapped in it, both of which can be life-threatening to many species.
Oil spills are also common in oceans and other water sources. Oil essentially poisons the water making it fatal to animals who swim in it.
Earth Day Facts for Kids – The Celebration of Earth Day
The first Earth Day celebration had just over 20 million participants. Last year over 50 million people participated in Earth Day celebrations. That’s lots of people!
Some of the largest Earth Day activities occur in cities such as San Francisco and New York City. Residents of New York City created the Union Square Fifth Avenue Earth Day poster that promotes recycling.
Many people use the celebration of Earth Day to raise awareness of environmental issues, climate change, and global warming. Earth day has helped to spawn many environmental laws, such as the clean air act and the endangered species act.
How Can You Celebrate Earth Day?
There are many ways kids can celebrate Earth Day too! You can do art projects, such as an Earth Day craft. Draw a picture, paint something, or for an added challenge, create your own Earth Day model. Earth Day projects are a great way for kids to get involved in the celebration of Earth Day. Try a water cycle science experiment to see how you can conserve water.
Planting trees or flowers is another way you can celebrate Earth Day. These fun activities can help preserve Earth as a healthy and beautiful planet!
Small changes in our daily lives can make a big difference. If everyone picks up just one piece of litter, that’s 7.9 billion pieces of litter gone. Think about if everyone picked up one piece of litter every day? That’s over 2 trillion pieces of litter gone in a year. Do you see how one small change can make a huge difference? So what are you waiting for? Go out there and start making changes today and help make every day Earth Day! Get more ideas to celebrate on April 22 here.
Earth Day Word Search Printable Poster
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FUN EARTH DAY FACTS FOR KIDS PACKET HERE
1. Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter and other announcements from Growing Play at the bottom of this post. If you already subscribe, just enter your email and you will get access to the freebie too!
2. Download the fun and FREE Earth Day printables!
3. Read the facts, connect the dots, and complete the maze. ALL FREE!
WANT MORE FUN FACTS FOR KIDS?
Check 100 fun facts for kids here and browse all the other topics at the bottom of the post.
