13+ Earth Day & Science Activities For Your Middle School Classroom

April 24 is approaching, which is Earth Day! This is a great chance to pique your pupils’ interest in the wonderful world we live on! We’ve put together 35 Earth Day activities for your science classroom in this post. There are alternatives for every age group and course, ranging from learning about the marvels of soil to examining renewable energy sources!

Continue reading to learn about all the activities and on-theme learning objectives available in the Legends of Learning platform that may be used to make Earth Day entertaining and interesting. We have two enormous lists of resources and activities for you, so be ready to discover the potential of implementing blended learning practices in your classroom!

Turn Your Students Into Film Directors

Make pupils into filmmakers to develop their critical and creative thinking skills. On Earth Day, students can use the Tellagami app to make animated films about a regional or worldwide environmental problem and show them to the class.

2. Take Your Students On A Virtual Field Trip

Bring the polar bears to you with Discovery Education if you are unable to visit them in the desert. You can participate in an upcoming Virtual Field Trip or watch previously recorded video. Giving your pupils a virtual tour of 3M is another way to introduce them to science and engineering options. That’s really cool.

3. Start A Recycling Program

Starting a recycling program is a great way to contribute to environmental sustainability, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly practices in your community, workplace, or school. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Assess the Need and Set Goals

Evaluate the current waste situation: Look at how much waste is being produced and identify what can be recycled (e.g., paper, plastic, glass, metals).
Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve with your recycling program, such as reducing landfill waste by 50% or recycling 70% of materials in the first year.

2. Gather Support

Get stakeholders involved: Whether it’s your family, coworkers, or classmates, make sure everyone is on board and understands the benefits of recycling.
Create awareness: Share facts about recycling and the positive environmental impact to get people motivated and educated.

3. Choose the Right Materials to Recycle

Identify recyclable items: Decide which materials you will collect. Common items include:
- Paper (newspapers, cardboard, magazines)
- Plastics (bottles, containers)
- Glass (jars, bottles)
- Metals (aluminum cans, tin cans)
- Electronic waste (if applicable)
Research local guidelines: Understand what can and can’t be recycled in your area, as some items may not be accepted in curbside recycling programs.

4. Establish Recycling Stations

Designate recycling bins: Set up easily accessible bins in key areas where people frequently generate waste (e.g., kitchens, offices, classrooms).
Label bins clearly: Use color-coded or labeled bins to help people know what goes where (e.g., blue for paper, green for glass).
Provide instructions: Put up signs to educate people about what can be recycled in each bin.

5. Create a Collection System

Schedule regular collection: Organize how often recyclables will be collected and who will handle it. For example, a weekly pickup may be necessary for a large group.
Partner with a recycling company: If you’re in a workplace or community, find a local recycling service that will pick up recyclables from your designated bins.
Set up a drop-off location: If pick-up isn’t an option, provide a designated area for people to drop off their recyclables.

6. Promote the Program

Host awareness campaigns: Use posters, social media, emails, or newsletters to spread the word about the new recycling program.
Incentivize participation: Offer rewards or recognition for individuals or groups that recycle the most, which could help motivate people to take part.

7. Track Progress and Improve

Monitor the program: Regularly assess how the recycling program is doing. Keep track of the amount of materials collected and whether the program’s goals are being met.
Adjust as necessary: If participation is low or materials are contaminated (non-recyclables in the bins), make adjustments to improve the program’s efficiency.

8. Educate and Engage Continuously

Provide training: Offer training sessions or workshops about proper recycling practices and the importance of waste reduction.
Celebrate milestones: Recognize successes such as reaching a recycling goal, and encourage everyone to keep up the good work.

By following these steps and creating a structured plan, you can establish an effective recycling program that contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

4. Solve A Mystery

Assign students to make a product that addresses an environmental issue using a “mystery box” of materials. The task will promote critical thinking, creativity, communication, and teamwork.

5. Plant A Garden

Planting a garden is a rewarding way to grow your own food, beautify your space, and contribute to a healthy environment. Whether you’re planting a flower garden, vegetable garden, or herb garden, the following steps will guide you through the process of starting your own garden.

1. Plan Your Garden

Decide on the type of garden: Think about what you want to plant based on your interests and the space available. Options include:
- Flower garden: For decorative purposes and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Vegetable garden: Grow your own food, such as tomatoes, lettuce, or carrots.
- Herb garden: Fresh herbs for cooking, like basil, rosemary, and thyme.
Choose the right location:
- Ensure the area receives enough sunlight (most plants need 6-8 hours of sunlight a day).
- Choose a spot with good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Plan the layout: Sketch your garden layout. Consider plant size, spacing, and how tall plants will grow to prevent shading others.

2. Prepare the Soil

Clear the area: Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the space where you plan to plant.
Test the soil: Check if the soil is acidic or alkaline using a soil pH test kit. Some plants prefer specific pH levels.
Amend the soil: Improve the soil by adding compost or organic matter to make it richer and more fertile. This helps the plants grow stronger roots and get the nutrients they need.

3. Select Your Plants

Choose plants that suit your climate: Make sure to pick plants that are suited for your hardiness zone (cold or warm climates) and growing season.
Consider plant size: Make sure to choose plants that will fit the space you have. Some plants can spread quickly, while others stay compact.
Consider maintenance: Choose plants that match the amount of time you can dedicate to your garden. Some plants require more care than others.

4. Plant Your Garden

Follow planting instructions: Each plant has specific spacing and depth requirements. Check the seed packet or plant label for these instructions.
Dig holes or rows: Use a shovel or garden fork to dig holes deep enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Plant seeds or seedlings: Gently place seeds or young plants into the soil and cover with dirt, making sure to firm the soil around them.
Water thoroughly: After planting, water your plants well to help settle the soil and promote root growth.

5. Water and Maintain Your Garden

Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaking. Early morning or evening is the best time to water to avoid evaporation in the hot sun.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a stable soil temperature.
Weeding: Keep the garden free of weeds, as they compete with your plants for water and nutrients.
Fertilize if needed: Depending on the plants you are growing, they may benefit from additional nutrients. Use organic or chemical fertilizers as necessary.

6. Monitor Growth and Troubleshoot

Watch for pests: Keep an eye on your plants for signs of pests, such as holes in leaves or discolored spots. If you find any, use natural pest control methods like introducing beneficial insects (ladybugs) or using organic sprays.
Check for diseases: Be aware of any signs of plant disease, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. Early detection can help you prevent the spread of diseases.

7. Harvest and Enjoy

Harvest at the right time: For vegetable or herb gardens, make sure to harvest when the produce is ripe. For flowers, pick blooms when they are fully open.
Preserve your harvest: If you have an abundant harvest, consider freezing, canning, or drying your fruits, vegetables, or herbs for later use.

8. Reflect and Plan for the Future

Evaluate your garden: After your first season, assess what worked well and what didn’t. Consider factors like plant growth, pest problems, and overall health of the plants.
Make improvements for next season: Based on your evaluation, adjust your gardening techniques, soil preparation, or plant choices for better results in the future.

Planting a garden can be a fulfilling and therapeutic activity. With a little patience, effort, and care, you can enjoy a beautiful and productive garden throughout the seasons.

6. Partner With The Art Teacher

Don’t give up on the arts just yet, even though the customary Earth Day crafts and activities may be blasé. Some of the fantastic Earth Day crafts available on PBS can be used for outdoor activities or science studies. Also, the “Recycled Cardboard Rings” can be a huge hit with some of your students. Assign the art teacher to your classroom if you are the only one teaching science.

7. Join The PepsiCo Recycle Rally School Recycling Program

Joining the PepsiCo Recycle Rally School Recycling Program is a fantastic way for schools to promote sustainability, engage students, and earn rewards for recycling efforts. This program is designed to help students and schools reduce waste while fostering environmental awareness. Here’s how you can get involved in the PepsiCo Recycle Rally:

1. Understand the Program

What is the PepsiCo Recycle Rally? The PepsiCo Recycle Rally is a national recycling competition for schools in the United States. It encourages students to recycle various materials, track their progress, and earn rewards based on the amount of recyclables they collect.
Why Join? By participating, your school can raise awareness about recycling, reduce its environmental footprint, and potentially earn cash prizes, recycling bins, or other incentives for students and teachers.

2. Check Eligibility

The PepsiCo Recycle Rally program is typically open to elementary, middle, and high schools across the United States. Ensure that your school qualifies and can commit to participating in the program.
Registration: You can check if your school is eligible and register for the program on the official PepsiCo Recycle Rally website.

3. Sign Up and Register Your School

Visit the PepsiCo Recycle Rally Website: Go to the official website of the program (https://www.pepsicorecycling.com) to sign up.
Create an Account: Your school will need to create an account on the platform to get started. You’ll need to provide some basic information about the school and the contact person who will manage the recycling program.
Register for the Program: Once your school’s account is set up, register your school to officially join the Recycle Rally competition.

4. Set Up a Recycling Program at Your School

Organize a Recycling Team: Form a group of students, teachers, and staff who will help manage and promote the recycling efforts.
Identify Recycling Materials: PepsiCo focuses on recyclable materials like plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard. You can create recycling stations in key areas of the school such as classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and common areas.
Provide Bins: Make sure you have enough bins for different types of recyclables (e.g., one for plastic, one for cans, etc.).
Educate Students and Staff: Host informational sessions, create posters, or run activities to educate everyone at school about the importance of recycling and how they can participate.

5. Track and Submit Your Recycling Efforts

Track Recyclables: As your school collects recyclables, track the weight or volume of the materials. PepsiCo offers an online platform where you can log your recycling data.
Submit Your Results: Regularly submit the collected data through the PepsiCo Recycle Rally portal. This allows your school to stay in the competition and helps you earn rewards.

6. Earn Rewards and Prizes

Incentives: Schools that participate in the PepsiCo Recycle Rally can earn various rewards based on the amount of recyclables collected. These may include:
- Cash rewards for the school.
- Recycling bins and educational materials.
- Recognition for students, teachers, and schools.
Competition: Some regions may have a friendly competition between schools, with awards for those who collect the most recyclables.

7. Promote and Encourage Participation

Engage Students and Teachers: Make recycling fun and competitive by hosting events, challenges, or recycling-themed days. Encourage students to take pride in helping the environment and see who can recycle the most.
Use Social Media: Share updates and successes on your school’s social media pages or website. This will raise awareness and motivate others to join in.

8. Monitor Progress and Improve

Track School’s Growth: Keep track of how much your school has recycled over time. Celebrate milestones like a certain weight or volume of recyclables collected.
Reflect and Plan for Future Participation: After each cycle, evaluate what worked and what could be improved for the next round of recycling efforts. Encourage the school community to stay involved year-round.

By joining the PepsiCo Recycle Rally, your school can play a vital role in reducing waste, promoting recycling, and educating students on environmental stewardship. Plus, your efforts could lead to valuable rewards and recognition for the entire school!

8. Hear From An Environmental Expert

According to Microsoft, there are many ecological specialists who would be delighted to participate in your lecture via Skype. Get children ready for the discussion and ask them to summarise what they learnt in a paragraph or two to ensure they learnt something.

9. Get Some Google Cardboard

Immersion field trips are very different from virtual ones that are shown on a large screen. Purchase Google Cardboard headsets, then use The New York Times or Google Expeditions to take your kids on an adventure. You no longer have anything on Ms. Frizzle.

10. Get Some (Pretend) Funding

Getting “pretend” funding is often a way to simulate the process of securing financial resources for a project or idea. This could be for educational purposes, planning, or brainstorming new business concepts. Here are some strategies you can use to gather pretend funding:

1. Create a Mock Grant Proposal

Write a pretend grant proposal: Research real-life funding opportunities and craft a mock proposal as if you were applying for them. Outline your project’s goals, the amount of money needed, and how the funds will be used.
Make it convincing: Include a compelling case for why your project deserves the funding, even if it’s just a hypothetical scenario. This can help you practice writing persuasive proposals and preparing for actual funding applications.

2. Pitch to a Group or Class

Organize a mock pitch session: If you’re in a classroom or have a group of friends or colleagues, create a pretend investor panel. You can pitch your project or business idea to them as if you were seeking real funding.
Use pretend funding to simulate outcomes: After your pitch, have the “investors” decide how much they would “fund” your project based on its merits. This helps you practice your presentation and idea validation.

3. Set Up a Crowdfunding Simulation

Simulate a crowdfunding campaign: Set up a pretend crowdfunding page (such as on Kickstarter or GoFundMe) and create a fictional campaign. Set a target amount of funding, create a description of your project, and use social media or email to promote it—imagining how the campaign would unfold.
Use this exercise to explore donor motivations: Even if the funding isn’t real, think about what kind of rewards or incentives you would offer to people who “donate.”

4. Use “Fake” Investors or Donors

Create a list of pretend investors or donors: Invent fictional individuals or organizations that would be interested in funding your project. Assign them fictional budgets and personalities, and imagine what they would expect in return for their investment.
Simulate meetings with them: Pretend you are presenting your idea to these investors and practice how you would convince them to support your project.

5. Create a Mock Budget and Financial Plan

Develop a detailed financial plan: Make a pretend budget for your project, including categories like operational costs, materials, salaries, and marketing. Use hypothetical numbers to simulate what the funding will cover.
Track the funding flow: You can create a funding timeline or plan for how the money will be allocated over time, based on milestones or goals.

6. Run a “Pretend” Business

Start a fictional business: Imagine you are starting a new company and create a pretend business plan. This includes estimating how much money you would need, where the money would come from, and how you would use it.
Apply for imaginary loans: As part of your planning, pretend you are applying for a loan, and create mock documents (like a loan application, terms, and conditions) to practice how you would structure the loan request.

7. Get Creative with Fake Sponsorships

Create fictional sponsors or partners: Imagine that companies or organizations are willing to sponsor your project. Create mock sponsorship deals, and outline what they would provide in terms of funding, resources, or other types of support.
Simulate negotiations: Practice how you would negotiate the terms of these deals to benefit your project.

8. Use Online Funding Simulators

Look for funding simulation tools: There are websites or apps that allow you to simulate business plans and funding applications, helping you to better understand how real-world funding might work.
Create scenarios: On these platforms, you can create pretend scenarios with different amounts of funding and understand how to manage or distribute the resources effectively.

By going through the process of “pretend” funding, you can practice real-life skills like budgeting, pitching, and planning without the pressure of actual financial commitments. It’s a useful exercise for entrepreneurs, students, or anyone looking to explore how to secure funding in the real world.

11. Get Outdoors

According to fourth-grade teacher Ted Wells, in order for pupils to be innately driven to preserve nature, they must establish a connection with it. In light of that, take the children outside. Ask kids to identify stamens, pistils, and petals while they investigate the outdoors if you’re teaching them about the water cycle.

12. Form A GREEN Committee

Forming a GREEN Committee (or “Go Green” Committee) is a great way to promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness about eco-friendly practices within your community, school, or workplace. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up a GREEN Committee:

1. Define the Committee’s Purpose

Clarify the mission: Decide on the main goals of the GREEN Committee. These could include:
- Reducing waste and improving recycling efforts.
- Promoting energy conservation and renewable energy use.
- Implementing sustainable practices (e.g., reducing plastic use, encouraging plant-based meals).
- Raising awareness about environmental issues.
Set long-term and short-term goals: Define clear, measurable objectives for the committee to achieve, such as reducing the carbon footprint or implementing a waste reduction program within six months.

2. Recruit Committee Members

Invite like-minded individuals: Look for people who are passionate about the environment and sustainability. This could include students, employees, or community members who are eager to make a difference.
Diversify the committee: Include people from different departments or areas of interest (e.g., administration, facilities management, student leaders, environmental science students). This ensures a broad range of ideas and expertise.
Ensure commitment: Ask for members who can dedicate a reasonable amount of time and effort to the committee’s activities.

3. Establish Roles and Responsibilities

Chairperson/Leader: Designate a leader to organize meetings, set agendas, and keep the group on track.
Treasurer (if necessary): Assign someone to handle any financial matters, such as managing a budget for green initiatives.
Communication Officer: Appoint a member responsible for updating the community, creating promotional materials, and managing social media or newsletters.
Committee Members: Other members can take on specific roles, such as focusing on waste reduction, energy conservation, event planning, or organizing educational campaigns.

4. Create an Action Plan

Identify key focus areas: Based on the committee’s goals, decide on specific projects or initiatives to work on. For example:
- Implementing a recycling program.
- Hosting sustainability workshops or awareness campaigns.
- Promoting sustainable transportation options (e.g., biking, carpooling).
- Organizing community clean-up events or tree planting.
Set realistic timelines: Establish a clear timeline for completing each initiative, with deadlines for milestones.
Budget: Determine if any funding is needed for projects and how it will be raised. You could apply for grants, ask for donations, or hold fundraisers.

5. Host Regular Meetings

Plan meetings regularly: Meet at least once a month to discuss progress, brainstorm new ideas, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs.
Create an agenda: For each meeting, outline the main topics to discuss, assign action items, and allow for feedback and suggestions.
Encourage active participation: Ensure that all committee members have an opportunity to contribute ideas and provide updates on their tasks.

6. Engage the Community

Awareness campaigns: Organize events or campaigns to educate and involve the broader community. This could include:
- Hosting workshops on sustainability.
- Creating social media pages to share eco-friendly tips and updates.
- Encouraging the community to reduce waste (e.g., “Zero Waste Week” or “Meatless Mondays”).
Promote involvement: Encourage everyone in the community, school, or workplace to participate in the GREEN Committee’s activities. You can set up an online platform or suggestion box for people to propose ideas or volunteer.

7. Implement Sustainable Practices

Start with simple changes: Begin by implementing small initiatives that will have a noticeable impact, such as:
- Reducing paper usage.
- Installing energy-efficient lighting.
- Creating recycling stations.
Track progress: Regularly monitor and report on the success of the committee’s initiatives, such as how much waste has been diverted from landfills or how much energy has been saved.

8. Celebrate Successes and Build Momentum

Share accomplishments: Celebrate and communicate your committee’s achievements to keep momentum going. This could include:
- Organizing a celebration event when you reach a sustainability milestone.
- Featuring success stories in newsletters or on social media.
Thank volunteers: Recognize the hard work and contributions of committee members and volunteers.

9. Evaluate and Improve

Conduct evaluations: At the end of each project or initiative, evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Collect feedback from the community or organization to see where improvements can be made.
Adjust plans for the future: Continuously refine your action plan and goals based on your evaluations and the evolving needs of the community.

10. Expand and Collaborate

Form partnerships: Look for other groups, businesses, or organizations to collaborate with on larger sustainability projects. You could partner with local environmental nonprofits, local government, or schools for joint events.
Long-term vision: Consider expanding your committee’s efforts to have a lasting impact on sustainability by establishing long-term environmental policies or practices within your organization.

By forming a GREEN Committee, you can create a powerful force for positive environmental change. Whether you’re focusing on reducing waste, conserving resources, or educating your community, this initiative will help foster a culture of sustainability and inspire others to take action as well.

13. Conduct A Science Experiment

Some pupils get up knowledge from reading or watching. Others pick up knowledge through hands-on experience. With Earth Day science projects, you can accommodate all of your kids’ learning preferences and skill levels. Additionally, science experiments provide students with practical experience in formulating hypotheses, analysing data, and connecting human activities to the environment. Since Earth Day includes a lot of science content, you should concentrate on the students’ efforts. Integrate your Earth Day projects with the scientific curriculum and learning goals being covered in the classroom for maximum impact.