More Earth Day Resources

Whether you seek ideas for a community service project for Earth Day or ways to use innovative technologies to bring the environment into your classroom, TeachersFIrst has the reviewed resources to meet your needs. This extensive list is a full listing of TeachersFirst resource for Earth Day.
List too long? Explore our "Editors' Choice" resources for Earth Day, selected for their potential to engage and involve your students in both the understanding of scientific concepts surrounding Earth Day and in environmental activism for any time of the year.
You can also narrow your search to a specific topic for earth day or a certain grade range using our keyword search tool in the left column of this page.
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350.org - 350.org
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): climate (91), climate change (70), earth (196), earth day (76), environment (274)
In the Classroom
View resources from around the world to look at the organized events conducted. Use these ideas to create a local event or identify the ways others have created communities around global climate action. Use information on the site to create Public Service Announcements, newsletters, or blog posts. Invite students to research sites on both sides of the issue, analyze them, and check information for accuracy. Create a blogging challenge or pledge for students to follow for forty days as a way to create change one family at a time. How about creating a 40 day class wiki about 350 and other global climate action? Not comfortable with wikis? Have no wiki worries - check out the TeachersFirst's Wiki Walk-Through.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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UN Water - United Nations Development Programme
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): conservation (107), earth (196), earth day (76), resources (96), water (129)
In the Classroom
Identify similarities and differences in water issues around the globe. Have cooperative learning groups create online Venn Diagrams comparing two distinct areas and their water issues. Use an online tool such as Interactive Two Circle Venn Diagram (reviewed here).Students can choose an area or topic of interest either individually or as a group. Look at local water issues that many students may not be aware of including water quality and distribution. Create a campaign to increase water awareness that may or may not coincide with world water week (or day.) Have students create a video or podcast sharing their campaigns. For podcasts, use a site such as PodOmatic (reviewed here). If creating videos, share them on a site such as TeacherTube reviewed here.
Use these resources to determine how to help other countries in their need for clean water and how everyone can conserve.
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The Biology of Plants - Missouri Botanical Garden
Grades
1 to 4tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), photosynthesis (31), plants (160)
In the Classroom
The reading level for the simple text on this site is mid-elementary, so many students will be able to navigate it on their own or with a reading buddy. Introduce the site on your projector or interactive whiteboard. If your projector can zoom into the videos, you can share them in large groups. You can also have students explore the site as a science center or for review/reinforcement of plant terminology. Have students or small groups make their own illustrated plant life cycles on paper, PowerPoint slides, or in an interactive book using a tool such as Bookemon, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Greens
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), environment (274)
In the Classroom
Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. This site is a perfect addition to Earth Day activities! Incorporate literacy skills into the site by having students read the silly blogs of each character. Extend into a writing assignment by having students create their own personal Green characters and write their own blogs for each episode.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Virtual Forest - Scholastic.com
Grades
K to 8tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), ecology (120), environment (274)
In the Classroom
Use this game as an introductory activity to an ecology unit. As students play the game, they will note ways that we have an impact on the environment. Brainstorm what they learned in the end, either as a small group or as a class. Groups of students can research more information on these topics or use class discussions. Students can survey peers or families to determine habits and impact. Create multimedia or traditional posters that bring awareness to these issues. Why not have the class create a video or videos highlighting their topic? Have the students share the videos using a site such as Teachers.tv (reviewed here). Or have students create an online book using a tool such as Bookemon (reviewed here) and share it via email with family members.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Story of Stuff - Annie Leonard and Free Range Studios
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), environment (274), resources (96)
In the Classroom
The most difficult aspect in learning about the environment is understanding how the "stuff we use" impacts more than students can imagine. Use this thought-provoking movie to stimulate class discussions, get students thinking, and create awareness. Students can take aspects of the video and do group research of additional information needed to understand. Students can also create awareness campaigns, poll friends and families, blog, or create other multimedia articles. Looking for some creative multimedia options? How about having students create public service message podcasts ("Stop! Where do you think that ___ came from?") using a tool such as podOmatic, reviewed here. Or create videos and share them using SchoolTube, reviewed here.Students can research the origins of many popular items in their lives, tracing the materials used and the resources needed to create and transport the materials and the product. Students can create a Google map or Click2Map, reviewed here, showing the movement of materials throughout the world from resource to send product to consumer.
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Planet Forward - The George Washington University
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), environment (274), oil (36), oil spill (17)
In the Classroom
Where do you start? There is so much information on this site that is continually updated and interesting! Use the "Facts, Myths, and What most Americans know about energy" page to initiate discussions and identify misconceptions for study. Create student groups in major environmental categories such as Air Pollution, Energy Use, and Consumer Issues to mine the site for information. Create blog posts about issues, and create students' own surveys to identify local misconceptions to compare to those discussed on the site. Encourage students to apply their findings and information locally by writing for a local or school newspaper or to be interviewed about student work. Students can create videos, wiki pages, or other multimedia products to produce content, dispel or challenge myths, and create understanding of issues. Conventional products such as display boards, posters, and other announcements can also be created. Have students create online posters using a tool such as DesignBold, reviewed here. Make every day Earth Day by tying class topics into ecology issues. Use the "Fast Facts about Energy" section to choose eye catching charts as a starter to engaging discussions in the classroom. Use the charts and ask students to brainstorm questions and make observations in groups prior to class discussions. Use the questions as a springboard for student research.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Video: CFL Light Bulbs in Plain English - Common Craft
Grades
2 to 12Despite a paid membership model, Common Craft still offers this video for free, but it does have a watermark saying, "For evaluation only." If you wish to share this with a group, they will need to view it on individual/partner computers (or IOS devices) or on a projector that has a zoom function to enlarge a selected area of the screen.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), energy (182), fossil fuels (17), light (52)
In the Classroom
Share this site in your science class on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Challenge students to research another way to conserve energy and save money in their family budget. Have students create their own "in plain English" style video. All they need is a tripod, video camera (flip video would work), paper drawings, and a script. Share the "student-created" videos on a tool such as TeacherTube (explained here) and embed them in a class "Energy-saving" wiki. You may want to consider providing this link on your class website for parents to view at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Water on the web - Water on the web
Grades
9 to 16In the Classroom
Use the site to monitor data from a specific lake or stream, or compare between several different lakes or streams. Identify issues that change data and research the issues and areas of the World they impact. Follow up investigations with a trip to a water treatment center or with actual data collection in a nearby lake or stream. Create podcasts, videos, website or wiki pages (or any traditional media) to share information learned about water quality. View data as an inquiry activity for students to questions and then focus research on finding and sharing answers. Culminate the research in April in time for Earth Day as students share their findings with others in the community.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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State of the air - American Lung Association
Grades
4 to 12Caution: A contribution ad does appear on the side of the site, and students should be cautioned.
tag(s): air (119), earth (196), earth day (76), ozone (8), pollution (58)
In the Classroom
Begin your unit on air pollution with the quiz to determine students background knowledge and identify misconceptions. Use student groups to investigate various areas of the country or states and determine trends within the area/state. Students can follow with research in that area to look at various factors contributing to the air pollution in that area (industry, population, etc.) Students can present findings to the class in order to identify trends across the nation and in our lives that can affect air quality. Follow up with other activities and labs to understand air pollution and the factors that contribute. Access the "Key Findings" tab of the site to find an executive summary of information, tables, and trend charts that can be used for great discussions in the classroom. Create particle collectors using double sided tape or through purchase from Science supply catalogs to identify factors in students personal and school environments. As you approach Earth Day, have students create papers or online posters about air pollution and share them in their chosen "poor grade" locations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Earth Day - Myvocabulary.com
Grades
4 to 10tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), vocabulary (249)
In the Classroom
Share the puzzles on your interactive whiteboard or projector or make them available as links on your teacher public page. Have students (or groups) create their own illustrated dictionaries of terms using a tool such as Bookemon, reviewed here. As you add more vocabulary lists during the year, have them select their favorite 6-10 terms from each list to add to their "book."Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Kids for Saving Earth - Kids for Saving Earth
Grades
K to 8tag(s): conservation (107), earth (196), earth day (76), environment (274)
In the Classroom
Use many of these wonderful resources to understand environmental problems and find small ways students can make a difference. Share the video clip and other parts of this site on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Create action days at your school with students working to teach other schoolmates, families, and their community about environmental problems. Create posters, news reports, or other materials to make a difference where you live. Or have students create their own multimedia presentations: wiki, blog, video, PowerPoint, etc..Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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EcoKids - Earth Day Canada
Grades
K to 8Be aware: recently, this site started to offer certain features of the Teacher's Lounge to "members only." Membership is FREE, but does require an email address. The link for students does NOT require membership to access the interactives, information, or printables.
tag(s): acid rain (5), earth (196), earth day (76), ecology (120), transportation (40)
In the Classroom
There is SO much to look at and explore, so browse through the offerings, create a plan for your students based on their age and ability level, then mark the site as a favorite on classroom computers. Upper elementary students can use it as an independent learning center. Younger children may need help with some of the text, so consider using an interactive whiteboard or projector and exploring the activities as a class. Click on "Downloads" on the bottom left to find printables, including coloring sheets of Canadian wildlife and various ecology-related worksheets and lesson plans. Click on the 'games and activities' tab and use the interactive whiteboard or projector for whole class eco-minded fun. ESL and ELL teachers, don't miss the 'teacher' section for a cache of activities written for your ELL/ESL students. Interested students will use this one for hours, so some directions will be important for classroom use.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Energy Kids - U. S. Energy Information Admin.
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), energy (182), solar energy (37)
In the Classroom
If energy is a subject you teach in your classroom, there are several pages at this site that would work well on a projector or interactive whiteboard. You will want to explore on your own to find all the teaching materials and activities, since there is SO much information. Share this site on your teacher web page during your energy unit, since many activities can include parents, as well. The alternative fuels, renewable energy, and conservation sections are also ideal for Earth Day activities. Have students use this site to research energy. Why not have students create blog entries, replacing pen and paper or enhancing the technology use in your curriculum demonstrating their knowledge? Try using Seesaw, reviewed here, for younger students and Telegra.ph, reviewed here for middle school and high school students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tox Town - Specialized Information Services
Grades
K to 8tag(s): carbon (22), earth (196), earth day (76), environment (274)
In the Classroom
Teachers should begin their planning at the "For Teachers" link. The link provides standards, detailed activities, enrichment activities, and more! Be sure to try an interactive whiteboard or projector for this unique educational activity. This activity would be great for Earth Day lessons! Have older students complete a multi-media project about the toxins they learn about (blog, wiki, or video).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Earth Day - EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
Grades
4 to 7tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), ecology (120), environment (274), recycling (49)
In the Classroom
Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Read the history of Earth Day together. Have cooperative learning groups explore different ways to "take action" and then challege them to transform their learning and create a multimedia presentation to share with the class. Try using Adobe Spark for Education, reviewed here, or Sway, reviewed here. Why not ask students to redefine their learning using one of these video tools (click tool name to see review): Vizia, Animatron, Powtoon, or Kizoa. Then, have students share it with the class using a site such as TeacherTube, explained here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change - US EPA
Grades
5 to 8tag(s): ecology (120), fossil fuels (17)
In the Classroom
Have cooperative learning groups research the many links and activities at this site. Challenge groups to create a multi-media presentation: blog entry, wiki, PowerPoint, web page, or video.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Breathing Earth - David Bleja
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): carbon (22), carbon dioxide (13), carbon footprint (9), earth (196), earth day (76), environment (274)
In the Classroom
This site has countless uses in the classroom of various grade levels. Share this site on a projector or interactive whiteboard. With younger classes, use this map to teach about map legends. Use this when studying ecosystems, environmental issues, economics, current events, world birth and death rates, pollution problems, and conservation. Leave the site open for a few hours for students to see the changes. This site is an excellent resource for research projects on countries throughout the world.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Freecycle - The Freecycle Network
Grades
K to 12tag(s): earth (196), earth day (76), environment (274)
In the Classroom
Share this site with your class as an idea for Earth Day or being "green." Encourage your school service club or student council to consider launching a Freecycle project. Be sure to list the link on your class website, so parents can freecycle too.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Smog City 2 - U.S. EPA and Sacramento Air Quality Management District
Grades
5 to 12This site is powerful and therefore may take some extra time to load - so prepare ahead! This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): air (119), earth (196), earth day (76), environment (274), pollution (58)
In the Classroom
Younger students would benefit from a teacher-centered introduction on the simulator (using your interactive whiteboard or projector), followed by directed explorations to find specific answers to teacher questions. Older students can determine the most important factors in air pollution and explore means to solve the problem as part of a health, social studies, science, or government class. Have your students present their finding on an interactive whiteboard or projector.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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