16 Earth Day & Science Activities For Your Middle School Classroom

Oct. 24 is about to be Earth Day! This is an incredible chance to pique your pupils’ interest in the wonderful world we live in! We’ve put together 35 Earth Day activities for your science classroom in this post. There are alternatives for every age group and course, from discovering the marvels of soil to delving into renewable energy sources!

Discover all the activities and learning objectives on the Legends of Learning platform that you can use to make Earth Day interesting and enjoyable by reading on. We have two enormous lists of materials and activities for you, so be ready to discover the benefits of implementing blended learning practices in your classroom.

1. Visit A Local Museum Or Science Center

Visiting a local museum or science center can be a fantastic experience! Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:

1. Plan Ahead

• Check the museum’s website for hours, ticket prices, and any special exhibits or events happening during your visit.

2. Explore Interactive Exhibits

• Many science centers offer hands-on activities. Engage with interactive displays to enhance your understanding of the topics.

3. Take a Guided Tour

• If available, join a guided tour to gain insights from knowledgeable staff and learn interesting facts you might not discover on your own.

4. Attend a Workshop or Presentation

• Look for workshops, demonstrations, or lectures that might be scheduled during your visit. These can provide deeper insights into specific subjects.

5. Visit the Gift Shop

• Check out the gift shop for unique souvenirs, educational toys, and books related to the exhibits.

6. Take Notes or Photos

• Document your visit with notes or photos (if permitted) to remember what you learned and experienced.

7. Reflect on What You Learned

• After your visit, take some time to think about the exhibits that stood out to you. This reflection can deepen your understanding and appreciation.

8. Share Your Experience

• Share your thoughts and favorite moments with friends or family. You might inspire someone else to visit!

Enjoy your trip to the museum or science center!

2. Turn Your Students Into Film Directors

Make kids become filmmakers to develop their critical and creative thinking skills. Students can make animated films about regional or global environmental issues using the Tellagami app, which they can then project onto the school wall for Earth Day.

3. Take Your Students On A Virtual Field Trip

Taking your students on a virtual field trip can be an exciting way to explore new places and concepts without leaving the classroom. Here’s how to make it engaging and effective:

1. Choose a Destination

• Select a museum, science center, historical site, or even a natural wonder. Popular options include the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, NASA, or virtual tours of national parks.

2. Set Learning Objectives

• Define what you want your students to learn from the experience. This could include specific topics, skills, or cultural insights.

3. Prepare Students

• Introduce the destination and its significance. Share background information and discuss what they should look for during the tour.

4. Use Technology

• Ensure you have the necessary technology set up, such as a projector or interactive display. Platforms like Google Arts & Culture, YouTube, or specific museum websites often have virtual tours available.

5. Engage During the Tour

• Encourage students to take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussions. You can pause the tour to highlight important points or clarify concepts.

6. Incorporate Activities

• Plan related activities before or after the tour. This could include group discussions, creative projects, or research assignments based on what they learned.

7. Reflection

• After the tour, have a debriefing session where students can share their thoughts, questions, and what they found most interesting.

8. Follow Up

• Consider assigning a short project or presentation related to the virtual field trip to reinforce their learning.

9. Gather Feedback

• Ask students for their feedback on the experience. This can help you improve future virtual field trips.

10. Explore More Options

• Encourage students to explore additional virtual resources on their own, fostering independent learning.

Virtual field trips can spark curiosity and expand students’ horizons, making learning fun and interactive!

4. Start A Recycling Program

This Earth Day, start a recycling program since children learn from what they see. Teach students the value of recycling and how practicing “reduce, reuse, and recycle” improves everyone’s quality of life in the world to go along with the recycling initiative. Check out RecycleWork’s guidance if you want to implement the program throughout your entire school.

5. Solve A Mystery

Assign children a “mystery box” containing materials and give them the assignment of developing a product that addresses an environmental issue. The task will promote critical thinking, creativity, communication, and teamwork.

6. Plant A Garden

Sure! Here’s a simple guide to planting a garden:

1. Choose Your Location

• Sunlight: Select a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Accessibility: Make sure it’s easy to reach for watering and maintenance.

2. Decide What to Grow

• Flowers: Consider annuals (like marigolds) for color or perennials (like daisies) for lasting blooms.
• Vegetables: Start with easy ones like tomatoes, lettuce, or peppers.
• Herbs: Basil, parsley, and mint are great choices for beginners.

3. Prepare the Soil

• Clear the Area: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris.
• Till the soil: Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller.
• Amend the Soil: Add compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

4. Plan Your Layout

• Spacing: Consider the mature size of plants. Group taller plants at the back (if against a wall) and shorter ones in front.
• Rows or Beds: Decide whether you want rows, raised beds, or a more freeform layout.

5. Planting

• Follow Instructions: Check seed packets or plant tags for specific planting depths and spacing.
• Water Gently: After planting, water the area to help settle the soil.

6. Care for Your Garden

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in dry spells.
• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

7. Harvest and Enjoy!

• For vegetables and herbs, pick them regularly to encourage growth.
• Enjoy the beauty of your flowers as they bloom!

Tips

• Start small to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Keep a garden journal to track growth and changes.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for advice at local gardening centers.

Happy gardening! Let me know if you need more specific tips or ideas.

7. Partner With The Art Teacher

Though the customary Earth Day crafts and crafts may seem trite, don’t give up on the arts just yet. Some of the fantastic Earth Day crafts that PBS offers can be used for outdoor activities or science studies. Furthermore, there’s a chance that some of your pupils will enjoy the “recycled cardboard rings.” Form a buddy system with the art teacher if you are the only science teacher in your school.

8. Join the PepsiCo Recycle Rally School Recycling Program.

Joining the PepsiCo Recycle Rally School Recycling Program is a great way to promote recycling and sustainability in your school community. Here’s how to get started:

Steps to Join the Program

1. Visit the Website:
   • Go to the official PepsiCo Recycle Rally website to learn about the program and its goals.
2. Register Your School:
   • Fill out the registration form with your school’s information. This may include the school’s name, address, and the contact person’s details.
3. Create a Team:
   • Form a team of students, teachers, and staff who are enthusiastic about recycling. Assign roles to encourage participation.
4. Set Goals:
   • Establish specific recycling goals for your school, such as the amount of recyclable materials to collect over a certain period.
5. Organize Events:
   • Plan recycling events, contests, or challenges to engage the school community. This can include themed days, educational workshops, or competitions between classes.
6. Educate and Promote:
   • Share information about recycling with students and staff. Use posters, announcements, and social media to raise awareness.
7. Track Progress:
   • Monitor your recycling efforts and track the amount of material collected. Many programs provide tools to help with this.
8. Celebrate Achievements:
   • Recognize and celebrate your team’s efforts and accomplishments. This could include awards, certificates, or a special event.
9. Stay Informed:
   • Keep up with program updates and resources provided by PepsiCo to help enhance your recycling efforts.

Benefits of Participating

• Community Engagement: Build teamwork and school spirit while promoting environmental responsibility.
• Learning Opportunities: Teach students about the importance of recycling and sustainability.
• Rewards and Recognition: Many programs offer rewards for schools that achieve their recycling goals.

By participating in the PepsiCo Recycle Rally, you can make a positive impact on your school and the environment! If you have more specific questions about the program, feel free to ask.

9. Hear From An Environmental Expert

Many ecological specialists, according to Microsoft, would be pleased to join your school via Skype. Get the youngsters ready for the talk and have them summarise what they learnt in a paragraph or two to make sure they learn something from it.

10. Get Some Google Cardboard

Getting Google Cardboard is a fun way to explore virtual reality on a budget! Here’s how to obtain and use it:

Steps to Get Google Cardboard

1. Purchase a Kit:
   • You can buy a Google Cardboard kit from online retailers like Amazon, eBay, or the official Google Store. Kits usually include the cardboard viewer and lenses.
2. DIY Option:
   • If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can download a template from the Google Cardboard website and make your own viewer. You’ll need:
     • Cardboard
     • Lenses (usually biconvex)
     • Velcro or magnets
     • A rubber band (for securing your phone)
3. Check local stores:
   • Some electronics or specialty stores may carry Google Cardboard or similar VR viewers. It’s worth checking nearby stores.

Setting Up Google Cardboard

1. Download the App:
   • Install the Google Cardboard app or any compatible VR app on your smartphone (available on Android and iOS).
2. Insert Your Phone:
   • Open the viewer and place your smartphone into the designated slot. Make sure the screen is facing the lenses.
3. Adjust for Comfort:
   • Adjust the viewer’s straps and focus to ensure a comfortable fit.
4. Explore VR Content:
   • Launch the app and explore a variety of VR experiences, games, and videos. You can find many free options available online.

Tips for Using Google Cardboard

• Find Quality Content: Look for apps and videos specifically designed for VR to enhance your experience.
• Limit Usage: Take breaks during extended use to avoid eye strain.
• Experiment: Try different apps to see which experiences you enjoy the most!

With Google Cardboard, you can dive into the world of virtual reality without breaking the bank. Enjoy exploring! If you have more questions or need recommendations for apps, feel free to ask!

11. Get Some (Pretend) Funding

Form student research groups and provide them with an exclusive Education World Earth Day WebQuest. If the students accept the challenge, their goal is to investigate a serious environmental hazard and create a remedy that might earn financing from the bogus “Help Our World (HOW) Foundation” worth up to $1 million. Students’ scientific comprehension and research skills are enhanced by the initiative, which also teaches them how to submit grant applications.

12. Get Outdoors

Getting outdoors is a fantastic way to refresh your mind and body! Here are some ideas and tips to help you enjoy the great outdoors:

1. Explore Nature

• Hiking: Find local trails or parks and go for a hike. It’s a great way to connect with nature and get some exercise.
• Birdwatching: Bring binoculars and a guidebook to spot and identify local bird species.
• Nature Walks: Take a leisurely walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park to enjoy the scenery.

2. Engage in Outdoor Activities

• Biking: Ride your bike around your neighborhood or on designated bike trails.
• Picnicking: Pack a meal and enjoy it in a local park. Don’t forget a blanket and some games!
• Gardening: Spend time planting flowers or vegetables. It’s rewarding to see your plants grow.

3. Try New Sports

• Running or Jogging: Hit the pavement or find a trail to run on. It’s a great way to stay fit.
• Team Sports: Join a local league for soccer, basketball, or softball.
• Water Activities: If you live near a lake or ocean, try kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming.

4. Enjoy Mindfulness

• Meditation: Find a quiet spot outdoors to meditate or practice yoga. Nature can enhance your mindfulness practice.
• Photography: Capture the beauty of nature with photography. Focus on details like flowers, landscapes, or wildlife.

5. Plan Outdoor Adventures

• Camping: Spend a night under the stars at a local campground or national park.
• Road Trips: Plan a weekend getaway to explore new areas and enjoy scenic views.
• Stargazing: Head to a dark area away from city lights to enjoy the night sky. Bring a blanket and some snacks!

Tips for Outdoor Enjoyment

• Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for your activity.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially on warm days or during physical activities.
• Be Prepared: Carry essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit.
• Leave No Trace: Respect nature by cleaning up after yourself and staying on marked paths.

Getting outdoors can improve your mood, reduce stress, and boost your physical health. Enjoy your time in nature! If you have any specific activities in mind or need more ideas, let me know!

13. Form A GREEN Committee

Create a green committee with representatives from the staff, administration, and faculty to improve the local environment. Next, form a student and parent corollary committee. Together, the two committees plan and manage environmental initiatives like a community garden and recycling program. A good resource for establishing an environmental committee at your school is the National Wildlife Federation.

14. Conduct A Science Experiment

Conducting a science experiment can be both fun and educational! Here’s a simple experiment you can try at home using common materials. This one explores the reaction between baking soda and vinegar, which produces carbon dioxide gas.

Experiment: Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda (about 2 tablespoons)
• Vinegar (about 1 cup)
• A container (like a plastic bottle or small cup)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Tray or baking sheet (to catch any overflow)
• Spoon

Steps:

1. Set Up Your Area:
   • Place the container on the tray or baking sheet to catch any spills. This experiment can get messy!
2. Add Baking Soda:
   • Spoon the baking soda into the container. If you’d like, you can add a few drops of food coloring for a colorful effect.
3. Prepare to Add Vinegar:
   • Measure out about 1 cup of vinegar in a separate cup.
4. Conduct the Experiment:
   • Pour the vinegar into the container with the baking soda and quickly step back. You’ll see fizzing and bubbling as the reaction occurs!
5. Observe the reaction:
   • Watch as the mixture fizzes and overflows, creating a “volcano” effect. You can time how long the reaction lasts and observe any changes in the mixture.
6. Clean Up:
   • Once the reaction is done, clean up the area. Baking soda and vinegar are safe to dispose of down the sink with water.

Explanation:

• The reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates the fizzing effect. This is a fun way to demonstrate an acid-base reaction!

Questions to Consider:

• How does changing the amount of baking soda or vinegar affect the reaction?
• What happens if you add more food coloring?
• Can you think of other materials that might react similarly?

Safety Tips:

• Always conduct experiments in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid ingesting materials used in the experiment unless specified safe for consumption.

Feel free to ask if you’d like more experiments or variations! Enjoy your scientific exploration.

15. Green Education Foundation

The Green Education Foundation (GEF) is an organization dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental education. Here’s an overview of its mission, programs, and ways you can get involved:

Mission

The Green Education Foundation aims to inspire and empower individuals, particularly students, to become environmentally responsible citizens. They focus on integrating sustainability into education and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

Key Programs

1. Educational Resources:
   • GEF offers a variety of lesson plans, activities, and resources for teachers to incorporate sustainability topics into their curriculum.
2. Eco-Action Programs:
   • These programs encourage students and communities to take action through projects like recycling drives, school gardens, and clean-up events.
3. Sustainability Initiatives:
   • GEF collaborates with schools to implement sustainable practices, such as energy conservation, water-saving measures, and waste reduction.
4. Green School Certification:
   • Schools can earn certification for implementing eco-friendly practices and curricula, promoting a greener school environment.

Getting Involved

• For Educators:
  • Sign up for newsletters and access resources on the GEF website to enhance your teaching with sustainability topics.
• For Students:
  • Participate in eco-action projects at your school or start your own initiatives to promote environmental awareness.
• For Communities:
  • Join local efforts to support sustainability, volunteer for events, or partner with GEF for community projects.

Additional Resources

• Workshops and Training:
  • GEF often conducts workshops for educators and community members to learn about best practices in environmental education.
• Online Learning:
  • Explore online courses or webinars that focus on sustainability topics relevant to both teachers and students.

Conclusion

The Green Education Foundation plays a vital role in fostering a culture of sustainability through education. By engaging with their programs, you can contribute to a greener future and inspire others to take action.

If you have specific questions about GEF or want to know how to get started with their programs, feel free to ask!

16. Science Net Links

Science NetLinks is an educational resource that provides teachers, students, and parents with high-quality science content and activities. Here’s an overview of what it offers:

Overview of Science NetLinks

1. Educational Resources:
   • Science NetLinks offers a variety of lesson plans, activities, and resources across different science disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
2. Standards Alignment:
   • The resources are aligned with national science education standards, making it easier for educators to incorporate them into their curriculum.
3. Interactive Features:
   • The site includes interactive activities and games that make learning science engaging and fun for students.
4. Professional Development:
   • Science NetLinks provides resources for teachers, including tips for effective teaching strategies and links to professional development opportunities.
5. Research and Articles:
   • The platform features articles and research summaries that keep educators informed about the latest trends and discoveries in science education.

How to Use Science NetLinks

• For Educators:
  • Browse the site for lesson plans that fit your curriculum needs. You can search by grade level, subject, or specific science concepts.
• For Students:
  • Use the interactive features and activities to enhance your understanding of scientific concepts. Many resources are designed to be user-friendly for students.
• For Parents:
  • Explore resources to support your child’s science education at home, including activities that can be done together.

Benefits

• Accessible Learning: Science NetLinks provides free access to a wealth of resources, making quality science education available to everyone.
• Engagement: The interactive elements help to make complex scientific ideas more accessible and engaging for students of all ages.
• Support for Teachers: The site offers a wide range of tools that can aid in lesson planning and classroom management.

Conclusion

Science NetLinks is a valuable resource for anyone interested in enhancing science education. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent, you’ll find tools and activities to support learning in an engaging way.

If you have more specific questions about Science NetLinks or need help finding particular resources, feel free to ask!