Children are the future, and helping them learn how to care for the world is so important. There are so many engaging Earth Day activities for upper elementary students that you can implement in your classroom to help them understand the problems our planet is facing.
Taking time to explore these issues, learn about possible solutions, and problem solve together can make a meaningful impact. Here are a few engaging Earth Day activities for 4th and 5th graders.
1. Share a Read Aloud
Reading a picture book is a fun, engaging, and impactful Earth Day activity to start off your unit. It provides a shared moment that opens up dialogue among students.
Earth Day read alouds can focus on the beauty of our world, the problems it is facing, or people who have started movements to make a difference in keeping our planet healthy.
2. Share Videos
You can provide students with some background knowledge by sharing Earth Day videos with them.
BrainPop has a video on climate change that you can share with students if you or your school has a subscription.
SciShow Kids has a 20-minute video that covers many of the topics often discussed around Earth Day, including habitats, endangered animals, the effects of pollution, what happens to garbage, and more.
TED-Ed has a video that explains what happens to plastic bottles when they are thrown away.
NFSA Films has a video that shows how students in a school in Australia can change the world in just a few minutes each day. It’s a fun and clever way to show elementary students how small actions can make a big impact.
At the end of the video, they ask, “What can your class do?” It’s a great way to lead into starting something at school that can have a positive impact on the environment.
3. Research
Provide students with an opportunity to dig a little deeper and complete group or independent
Earth Day research. This helps them better understand the problems our world is facing and the impact of those issues. It also encourages them to think about actions they can take in their everyday lives to make a positive difference.
The research does not have to be complicated. It can be as simple as exploring the types of pollution our world is facing, which can easily be done in one class period.
4. Vocabulary
Introduce students to Earth Day vocabulary they may come across as they continue to read, research, and learn about environmental issues.
This can be done in a daily format by introducing one word each day during the week of Earth Day. It can also be taught as a whole-group lesson at the start of the week or before students begin their research.
5. Project
Teaching students to think outside the box is a valuable skill. Showing them that reusing and repurposing materials can support both creative and critical thinking also helps them see how they can make a positive impact on the world. It teaches them that old items can be made new again when used for a different purpose.
These skills can be fostered through an Earth Day project that encourages students to use old materials to create something new.
Start by having students think of items that are usually placed in the recycling bin, such as paper, boxes, and egg cartons. Then have them brainstorm other ways those items could be used, such as crafts, décor, or their favorite—games.
Next, have students create something using reusable items from their home.
Try coming up with a theme for the projects. Some ideas are:
- Make bookmarks out of cereal boxes and donate them to other classrooms as an act of kindness.
- Create a game and then host a classroom carnival day.
- Make math manipulatives that can be used during a lesson.
6. Complete an Earth Day Research Project
If you are looking for an easier and more structured way to bring research into your classroom, a What is Earth Day research project is a great option. It gives students the opportunity to explore important facts while staying organized and focused.
This type of activity guides students through key information such as what Earth Day is, when it began, why it was created, and how people celebrate it today. It also encourages students to think about real-world problems and possible solutions.
After completing their research, students can apply their learning by creating a poster that highlights the most important information. This adds a creative element while reinforcing comprehension.
Using a structured research project like this not only builds content knowledge, but also strengthens research, writing, and critical thinking skills in a meaningful way.
7. Share and Write Earth Day Jokes
Have some fun sharing Earth Day jokes or puns with your students.
Here are some examples:
- What’s a tree’s least favorite month? Sep-timberrrrrrr!
- What do oceans say to each other when they meet? Nothing, they just wave.
- How are pirates eco-friendly? They follow the three R’s.
- What do you call it when worms take over the world? Global worming.
Try having your students create some of their own and share them with the class.
I hope these ideas and list of Earth Day activities for upper elementary students have inspired you and helped you find engaging activities to share in your classroom.
