The following websites offer a plethora of Earth Day projects for children of all ages. Celebrate this important day with these free educational projects for kids.
In 1969, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson saw a need to bring awareness to the earth’s environmental plight. Earth Day was established in 1970 and today, over 175 countries celebrate this global event by focusing on environmental issues that impact all life. Today, Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd.
The following websites provide educational resources and activities for children that are fun and free.
Online Games:
DLTK-Kids Earth Day Hang Man- Play against the computer in this Earth Day online hangman game.
Funschool Kaboose Globe Rider Earth Day Clean Up Your World- To play this game, simply pick up the trash and place in the proper receptacle. Click the “Globe Rider” tab to easily locate.
Seussville The Lorax’s Save the Trees Game - Who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss? This fun little game is a must-have for younger children. To play, catch the seeds in the bucket and then plant 10 trees. “Unless someone like you cares a whole lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not”. Requires Shockwave.
Kids NIEH Red Bugs - This game from The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is fun for the entire family! Zap the green toxins by clicking the mouse, being careful not to touch the beneficial red cells. One slip of the mouse ends the game. This game is much harder than it appears. Java required.
UCSUSA Org The Great Green Web Game- This website, by the Union of Concerned Scientists, asks a series of environmental questions. To begin, pick a character and watch as the character proceeds. Answering the questions properly ensures a swift journey to the finish line. For older children and adults. Click “Site Map” and “UCS Special Features” to locate.
Printable Booklets:
EPA Gov Safewater "Thirstin’s Wacky Water Adventure "- This printable booklet contains 15 pages of information and activities for children. Learn why water is so important, in a variety of educational ways. Adobe reader required.
USCG Mil "The True Story of Inky the Whale"- The United States Coast Guard tells the true story of Inky, the female pygmy whale found stranded on the beach in 1993. Many people were involved in her rescue. It was later determined that she had ingested plastic trash, which prevented her from getting the proper nutrition she needed to survive. Tragically, many mammals are injured or die from ingesting or entanglement in human trash. This 14-page printable activity booklet has a very important message for children and adults. Located under "downloads".
EPA Gov Happy Earth Day Activities Book- This 11-page booklet from the Environmental Protection Agency provides excellent environmental messages to children with many activities included. Booklets can be saved and printed or ordered online. Adobe Reader required (free download).
Dinopals DinoPals Love the Earth- Read along as the DinoPals offer great advice to help save the Earth. Reduce, reuse and recycle are simple ways to make a big difference! From main page, click “Free eBooks” to locate.
Coloring:
DLTK-Kids Coloring Earth Day Pages or Posters - This website from DLTK-Kids offers 20 printable earth day coloring projects for children. Follow specific printing directions for ad-free fun. All are available in black and white, while the colored versions are printable posters.
Apples 4 the Teacher Coloring Pages for Earth Day - 10 online coloring pages for younger children are included. Color the pictures online and print, or print in black and white and color from home.
Children will have loads of fun while learning about the planet with the many online and printable activities listed above.
The copyright of the article Earth Day Activities for Kids in Kids Holiday Activities is owned by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway. Permission to republish Earth Day Activities for Kids in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.