Earth Week 2024 - Activities for the classroom

As you may already know, we will be celebrating #EarthDay on April 22 this year. To inspire you, we've compiled some additional ideas and activities to engage your classroom in learning about our beautiful yet endangered planet.

E for Eat Local

Encourage students to explore the concept of food miles and the benefits of consuming locally sourced produce. Organize a farmers' market visit or invite a local farmer to speak to the class about sustainable agriculture practices. Plan a cooking session using locally grown ingredients and discuss the environmental impact of food transportation.

🌎 Live it Earth Farming and Food Security Program

🌎 Ready to use resource by BC Agriculture in the classroom foundation : Think global eat local

A for Advocate and Educate

Empower students to become environmental advocates by researching and presenting on pressing ecological issues. Organize a debate or a mock town hall meeting where students can voice their opinions on topics like climate change, wildlife conservation, or plastic pollution. Encourage them to brainstorm actionable solutions and strategies for raising awareness in their communities.

🌎 Resources provided by Earth Rangers : Here

R for Rock and Roll Your Way to School

Promote active transportation and reduce carbon emissions by organizing a "green commute" challenge. Encourage students to bike, walk, rollerblade, or skateboard to school for the week. Create a chart to track their progress and offer incentives for those who participate regularly. Discuss the environmental and health benefits of alternative transportation methods.

T for Tend to Your Garden

Engage students in hands-on learning by establishing a school garden or participating in community gardening initiatives. Teach them about the importance of native plants, pollinators, and organic gardening practices. Plan a tree-planting activity on school grounds or in partnership with local conservation organizations. Encourage students to take ownership of the garden by regularly tending to it and observing its impact on the environment.

🌎 See our previous article “Fun and easy veggies to grow with kids”

🌎 Ready to use resources : Classroom Pollinator Education Resources for Grades K-4

H for Hold Your Plastic

Challenge students to reduce their plastic consumption by implementing a zero-waste day, week, or month. Discuss the environmental consequences of single-use plastics and explore alternatives such as reusable bags, water bottles, and containers. Organize a waste audit to assess the amount of plastic generated by the school community and brainstorm ways to minimize waste. Invite guest speakers or watch documentaries that highlight the importance of plastic pollution reduction efforts.

🌎 Ready to use resources : Creating a Zero Waste Classroom

Earth Week is a great opportunity to train environmentally conscious citizens 🫶 Together, we can make a difference in creating a more sustainable future for all.