Every rotation of our magnificent and fragile planet draws us closer to Earth Day: April 22, 2023! As the day approaches, there is no better time for educators to inspire their students to become thoughtful, action-oriented stewards of the environment. With climate change posing a growing threat to the planet, it’s more important than ever to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness in young people.
Earth Day provides a perfect opportunity to integrate climate science education across curricula, using lessons and activities that will empower students to make a positive impact. By leveraging the resources below, educators can teach their students how essential it is to protect our planet and reduce the impact of climate change.
From real-world stories to interactive activities, there are countless ways to put Earth Day themes into current context, making learning both engaging and meaningful. Here are five of our favorite resources: Use them to teach about protecting and preserving our Earth—not just on Earth Day, but all year round.
Earth Day Official Website
Restore Our Earth
Earth Day is truly a global party! It was first celebrated in 1970 and is now recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, with more than a billion people participating each year. The purpose of Earth Day is to raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire people to take action to protect our planet. This year, the theme for Earth Day is ”Restore Our Earth,“ which focuses on the idea of restoring ecosystems and repairing the damage that has been done to the planet.
This official Earth Day website has a wealth of resources for educators, including lesson plans, activities, and toolkits designed to help educators teach about environmental issues and inspire students to take action to protect our planet. Earth Day also provides a plethora of opportunities for educators and students to take action at the individual, community, and countrywide levels.
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Website
The Importance of Environmental Education (EE)
The EPA’s website has a section specifically designed for students and educators, which includes lesson plans, activities, and games.
The site provides K-12 students and educators with access to quality homework resources, lesson plans, and project ideas for learning and teaching about the environment, helping students to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives while building critical thinking skills and enhancing their knowledge.
Population Education’s Website
Dedicated to Teaching about Human Population Growth & Its Effects on the Environment
The resources provided by Population Education can be great tools for teaching about Earth Day. K-12 teachers can browse through a variety of lesson plans, activities, and other resources designed to help students understand environmental issues and what they can do to help. Activities cover topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
JPL NASA Education Website
Engage Students in STEM Learning & Environmental Education
This site offers a wealth of resources across content areas, including lesson plans, activities, and multimedia content related to space exploration and environmental science. In celebration of Earth Day, the website offers a special event featuring educational resources from NASA, including videos, webinars, and interactive activities focused on sustainability and Earth science. This event is designed to help educators promote environmental awareness and to encourage students to explore the wonders of our planet and the universe.
One Step Video-Based Climate Science Program
Real-World Science That Inspires Action
Educators can use One Step’s video-based climate science program to teach about Earth Day across curricula and year-round! One Step’s program includes activities and community projects that allow students to make a positive impact on the environment while learning standards-aligned concepts. Additionally, One Step’s program includes a Carbon Tracker, which allows students to track their carbon footprint and see the real-life impact of their daily actions.
Teaching about Earth Day is not just about providing students with knowledge and skills to protect our planet; it is about cultivating a deep sense of responsibility and connection to our environment. Educators, leaders, and adults have a duty to equip our young people with the tools, mindset, and leadership skills needed to tackle complex challenges and create a better world. By empowering students to take action and make a positive impact on the environment, we can foster a sense of hope and agency that will propel us toward a more sustainable future. Earth Day provides an excellent opportunity to do just that—but our commitment to environmental education must extend beyond a single day.
By using these resources year-round, educators can inspire students to develop a lifelong love of learning and a passion for protecting our planet that will benefit us all.
Inspire Students For a Better Future!
Get a 30-day free trial of One Step!
With engaging and accessible videos, lessons, activities, and more, One Step makes it easy to teach students about climate science and inspire them to take action to protect our planet. Sign up for a 30-day free trial of One Step today and see for yourself how it can transform your classroom into a vibrant hub of environmental education. Schedule a quick chat to learn more.
