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Here are several engaging Earth Day activities tailored for upper elementary students (grades 3–5) that are fun, educational, and promote environmental awareness:
🌎 1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Objective: Encourage observation and appreciation of nature.
- Instructions: Give students a list of natural items to find outside (e.g., something green, a feather, different types of leaves).
- Extension: Have students sketch or write about each item they find.
♻️ 2. Recycled Art Projects
- Objective: Teach about recycling and creative reuse.
- Materials: Recyclable items (bottles, boxes, cans, paper), glue, scissors, markers.
- Activity: Students build sculptures, posters, or functional objects from recyclables.
🌱 3. Plant a Class Garden or Seedlings
- Objective: Learn about plant life cycles and the importance of green spaces.
- Activity: Start a small garden outside or plant seeds in cups to take home.
- Discussion: Talk about how plants help the Earth.
📚 4. Earth Day Read-Aloud & Discussion
- Books: The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry or Earth Day–Hooray! by Stuart J. Murphy.
- Discussion Prompts:
- Why is the Earth important?
- What can we do to protect it?
🧪 5. Pollution Experiment
- Objective: Visualize the impact of pollution on water.
- Experiment: Use jars of water to simulate clean vs. polluted environments using dirt, oil, plastic, etc.
- Follow-Up: Reflect on how pollution affects animals and people.
📝 6. Environmental Pledge Posters
- Objective: Personal responsibility and advocacy.
- Activity: Students write pledges to help the environment (e.g., using less plastic, turning off lights) and design a poster around it.
🎮 7. Eco-Jeopardy or Trivia Game
- Objective: Reinforce knowledge about Earth Day topics.
- Set-Up: Create categories like “Recycling,” “Animals,” “Water,” and “Energy.”
- Tools: Use slides or whiteboards to keep score.
✍️ 8. Earth Day Poetry
- Objective: Creative expression with an environmental focus.
- Activity: Students write acrostic poems (e.g., E-A-R-T-H), haikus, or free verse about nature or the planet.
Would you like printable versions or templates for any of these activities?
- Research Environmental topics
Students use this comprehensive Earth Day activity to read and annotate an article about air pollution while compiling important information. Click the button or image below to get a FREE copy!
2. Write Earth Day Poetry
Sure! Here are a few types of Earth Day poems perfect for upper elementary students. You can use these as examples or inspiration for students to create their own.
🌍 1. Acrostic Poem – EARTH
Every tree gives us air to breathe
Animals roam wild, land and sea
Rivers run with sparkling grace
Take the time to clean this place
Help our planet, you and me
🍃 2. Haiku
Green leaves dance in wind
Mountains whisper to the sky
Earth sings quietly
🌿 3. Rhyming Poem
Let’s take a walk and you will see,
The beauty of each flower and tree.
The buzzing bees, the skies so blue,
The Earth is home for me and you.
So pick up trash, recycle too,
Plant a seed and watch it grow new.
We have one Earth—so do your part,
Protect it now with all your heart.
🌱 4. Free Verse
I hear the wind whisper through the trees,
feel the soil soft beneath my shoes,
see the sky painted in endless blue.
This is Earth—
strong, wild, and waiting.
It asks for care,
and offers beauty.
Let’s listen. Let’s love. Let’s protect.
Would you like a printable version or template for students to write their own Earth Day poems?
3. Brainstorm ways to improve your Outdoor Space
Ask your children to come up with ideas, draw them, and write about how to make their outside area better. After finishing, pupils can discuss their thoughts in letters to the people in authority.
Click on the button or picture below for an entertaining resource to assist kids in doing this task!
4. Read Earth Day Related Stories
Here are some Earth Day–related stories that are great for reading with upper elementary students. These books promote environmental awareness, respect for nature, and responsible actions to protect the planet:
📚 1. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
- Theme: Environmental responsibility and the consequences of overconsumption.
- Summary: The Lorax speaks for the trees as a greedy businessman chops them down. A powerful message about conservation and making better choices.
📚 2. The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
- Theme: Rainforest preservation and the interconnectedness of life.
- Summary: A man falls asleep while trying to cut down a tree, and rainforest animals whisper to him about why the tree should be saved.
📚 3. One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul
- Theme: Creative recycling and community action.
- Summary: A true story about a woman in Gambia who started a movement to recycle plastic bags and transform her community.
📚 4. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals
- Theme: Composting and waste reduction.
- Summary: A fun alphabet-style book showing what can go into a compost pile, teaching kids how to recycle food and yard waste naturally.
📚 5. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
- Theme: Indigenous perspectives and protecting water resources.
- Summary: A poetic, beautifully illustrated book about standing up for the environment and defending our most precious resource—water.
📚 6. Earth Day—Hooray! by Stuart J. Murphy
- Theme: Recycling, teamwork, and math.
- Summary: A group of kids collects cans to raise money for Earth Day, learning about counting and conservation along the way.
Would you like a printable reading list or discussion questions for any of these stories?
5. Write Earth Day Pledges
Create a pledge wall in the classroom and ask kids to make pledges outlining the personal steps they will take to protect the environment.
6. Watch and discuss Nature Documentaries
Watching and discussing nature documentaries is a powerful way to engage upper elementary students with real-world environmental issues and the beauty of our planet. Here’s a simple guide for how to do it effectively:
🎥 Nature Documentaries for Kids (Ages 8–11)
1. “Our Planet” (Netflix) – Selected Episodes
- Topics: Wildlife, climate change, ecosystems
- Why it works: Stunning visuals and age-appropriate narration help students connect emotionally with nature.
- Discussion Questions:
- What animals or environments stood out to you?
- How is climate change affecting these habitats?
- What can we do to help protect these ecosystems?
2. “Planet Earth” (BBC) – Selected Segments
- Topics: Earth’s landscapes, animal behaviors, natural wonders
- Why it works: Visually captivating with real-life science.
- Discussion Questions:
- What surprised you about the way animals adapt to their environment?
- Which biome was your favorite and why?
3. “The Biggest Little Farm” (PG)
- Topics: Sustainable farming, ecosystems, teamwork
- Why it works: A true story that shows how people can live in harmony with nature.
- Discussion Questions:
- What challenges did the farmers face?
- How did they work with nature instead of against it?
4. “DisneyNature: Earth” or “Born in China”
- Topics: Animal life cycles, habitats, survival
- Why it works: Family-friendly and emotionally engaging.
- Discussion Questions:
- What animal did you relate to the most?
- How do changing seasons affect animals’ lives?
💬 General Discussion Prompts (Any Documentary)
- What new thing did you learn about the Earth or animals today?
- Did anything surprise you or make you feel emotional?
- How can this information inspire us to take care of the planet?
Would you like a printable discussion guide or worksheet to go along with one of these documentaries?
7. Eco-Friendly Product Research
Give students the task of researching and presenting on environmentally friendly products, like packaging made of biodegradable materials.
8. Recycled Art Contests
Hosting a Recycled Art Contest is a fun and creative way to celebrate Earth Day with upper elementary students while teaching them about reusing materials and reducing waste. Here’s a simple guide to help you organize one:
♻️ Recycled Art Contest for Upper Elementary
🎯 Objective:
Encourage students to reuse materials and turn trash into treasure through imaginative art projects.
🧑🎨 Contest Guidelines:
- Materials:
- Must use mostly recycled or reused items (e.g., cardboard, plastic containers, paper, fabric scraps, bottle caps).
- Glue, tape, paint, or markers can be used for assembly and decoration.
- Categories (optional):
- Best Animal Sculpture
- Most Creative Use of Materials
- Best Environmental Message
- Functional Art (items that actually serve a purpose)
- Entry Requirements:
- Art piece must be student-made.
- Include a title and a short artist statement (2–3 sentences) explaining the artwork and materials used.
- Judging Criteria:
- Creativity
- Use of recycled materials
- Craftsmanship
- Environmental message
- Deadline & Display:
- Set a submission deadline (e.g., one week before Earth Day).
- Host an art show in the classroom, hallway, or library.
🏆 Prizes & Recognition:
- Offer small eco-friendly prizes (e.g., reusable water bottles, notebooks made from recycled paper).
- Award certificates for each category.
- Consider giving every participant a “Planet Protector” ribbon or sticker.
📸 Optional Extension:
- Take photos of the artwork and create a digital Earth Day slideshow to share with parents or the school community.
Would you like me to create printable templates for certificates or artist statement forms?
9. Adopt a local park or beach
Numerous beaches and parks are open for school adoption. Plan a field trip to the destination of your choice and assist with cleanup!
10. Practice Perspective Writing
Perspective writing is a great Earth Day activity that helps upper elementary students develop empathy and creative thinking by imagining what the world looks like through someone—or something—else’s eyes.
✍️ Earth Day Perspective Writing Prompts
Have students choose one of the following prompts and write a short story, journal entry, or letter from that perspective:
🌳 1. A Tree in the Park
“I’ve stood in the same spot for 50 years. I’ve seen children grow up, squirrels chase each other, and storms shake my branches…”
Prompt: What would a tree say about the people and animals around it? How does it feel about pollution or someone trying to cut it down?
🐢 2. An Ocean Turtle
“The sea used to be peaceful. Now I swim through plastic bags and dodge boats…”
Prompt: Describe a day in the life of a sea turtle. What challenges does it face? What makes it happy?
🧃 3. A Recycled Juice Box
“Once I held apple juice. Now I’ve been turned into something new!”
Prompt: Write from the point of view of a recycled object. What was its old life like? What is it now?
🌍 4. Planet Earth
“I’m your home. I give you air, water, and life—but I’m tired…”
Prompt: If Earth could speak to us, what would it say? What would it ask people to do differently?
🐝 5. A Honeybee
“Buzz! I’m busy helping flowers and making honey—but it’s getting harder…”
Prompt: What does a bee think about humans, gardens, and pollution?
🧠 Writing Tips for Students:
- Use sensory details (what does your character see, hear, smell, feel?)
- Write in first person (“I” voice)
- Add emotion—how does your character feel?
- Think about what lesson or message your writing can share
Would you like a printable worksheet with one of these prompts?
11. Collect Egg Carton Treasures
Ask your pupils to go outside and gather small natural treasures in an egg carton. Students then sketch, label, respond to questions, and write about their treasures using the provided templates. This is a fantastic method to bring education outside!
Click on the button or picture below for an entertaining resource to assist kids in doing this task!
12. Complete Alphabet Scavenger Hunts
An Alphabet Scavenger Hunt is a fun, Earth Day–themed activity that gets upper elementary students exploring their environment while thinking about nature and sustainability. Here’s how to run one in a classroom or outdoor setting:
🌿 Earth Day Alphabet Scavenger Hunt
📝 Objective:
Find or name an object related to nature, Earth, or sustainability for each letter of the alphabet (A to Z).
📋 How to Play:
- Individual or Teams: Students can work solo or in small groups.
- Materials Needed: Alphabet worksheet or a notebook, pencils or clipboards.
- Where to Hunt: Outside in a schoolyard, park, or even in the classroom using books, posters, and natural objects.
- Rules:
- Try to find items that are natural or related to Earth Day (e.g., “B – Bird,” “L – Leaf,” “R – Recycle bin”).
- If a real item can’t be found, students can draw it or write it down.
- Encourage creativity and environmentally themed answers.
🔠 Example Entries:
| Letter | Item Found |
|---|---|
| A | Acorn |
| B | Butterfly |
| C | Cloud |
| D | Dirt |
| E | Earthworm |
| F | Flower |
| G | Grass |
| H | Hummingbird |
| I | Insect |
| J | Jar (recycled) |
| K | Kite (made of paper) |
| L | Leaf |
| M | Moss |
| N | Nest |
| O | Oak tree |
| P | Pinecone |
| Q | Quartz |
| R | Recycle bin |
| S | Sunlight |
| T | Tree |
| U | Upcycled item |
| V | Vine |
| W | Water bottle (reused) |
| X | Xylem (tree part) |
| Y | Yellow flower |
| Z | Zebra (on a poster) |
🏆 Optional Add-Ons:
- Give a prize for the most creative or complete list.
- Turn the lists into a class Earth Day alphabet book.
Would you like a printable version of the scavenger hunt worksheet?
13. Create Nature Art
Make art projects with organic materials you find while exploring the outdoors, such twig sculptures or leaf rubbings.
See below for one of my favourite outdoor art projects!
14. Solar Oven Snacks
Making solar oven snacks is a fun, hands-on Earth Day activity that teaches upper elementary students about renewable energy and sustainability—plus, they get a tasty treat!
☀️ How to Make Solar Oven Snacks
🧪 Learning Objective:
Understand how the sun’s energy can be used for cooking, and explore solar power as a clean energy source.
🔧 Materials to Make a Simple Solar Oven:
- 1 pizza box (or similar cardboard box with lid)
- Aluminum foil
- Clear plastic wrap or a large transparent zipper bag
- Black construction paper
- Tape and scissors
- Ruler or wooden stick to prop the lid open
- Thermometer (optional)
🛠️ Instructions:
- Cut a flap in the top of the pizza box lid, leaving about 1 inch on the sides.
- Cover the underside of the flap with aluminum foil (this reflects sunlight).
- Line the inside of the box with black paper (this absorbs heat).
- Stretch clear plastic over the opening you made—this creates a heat trap.
- Place the snack inside, then close the lid and prop the foil flap to reflect sunlight into the box.
- Set the box in direct sunlight for 30–60 minutes.
🍫 Easy Solar Oven Snack Ideas:
1. S’mores
- Ingredients: Graham crackers, chocolate squares, marshmallows
- Steps: Place marshmallow and chocolate on the cracker and let them melt, then top with another cracker.
2. Mini Nachos
- Ingredients: Tortilla chips, shredded cheese
- Steps: Place chips on foil, sprinkle with cheese, heat until melted.
3. Melted Crayon Art (non-edible, but fun!)
- Materials: Broken crayons, paper or canvas
- Steps: Let crayons melt in the sun to create colorful designs.
💬 Discussion Prompts:
- How did the sun help cook your food?
- What other things could you cook using solar power?
- Why is solar energy good for the Earth?
Would you like a printable solar oven instruction sheet or a science journal template for students to record their results?
15. Become Leaf Detectives
While collecting leaves in the wild outdoors, learn everything there is to know about data analysis and graphing!
You can download this entertaining maths exercise from my TPT shop by clicking the icon or image below!
16. Build Bird Feeders
Building bird feeders is a meaningful and easy Earth Day project for upper elementary students. It helps students connect with local wildlife, encourages empathy for animals, and promotes reuse of materials.
🐦 How to Build Simple Bird Feeders
🧠 Learning Objective:
Learn about local birds, their diets, and how people can help wildlife thrive—especially in urban environments.
🔧 Easy DIY Bird Feeder Ideas
1. Toilet Paper Roll Feeder
Materials:
- Empty toilet paper roll
- Peanut butter (or sunflower butter)
- Bird seed
- String (optional)
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter all over the outside of the roll.
- Roll it in bird seed until fully coated.
- Slide it onto a tree branch or hang with string.
2. Pinecone Feeder
Materials:
- Pinecones
- Peanut butter
- Bird seed
- String or yarn
Instructions:
- Tie string around the top of the pinecone.
- Cover the pinecone in peanut butter.
- Roll it in bird seed and hang it outside.
3. Milk Carton Feeder
Materials:
- Empty milk or juice carton
- Scissors
- String
- Paint or markers (optional)
- Bird seed
Instructions:
- Cut openings on two or more sides.
- Punch a hole in the top and thread with string to hang.
- Decorate, then fill the bottom with bird seed.
4. Plastic Bottle Feeder
Materials:
- Clean plastic bottle
- Wooden spoons or sticks
- String
- Bird seed
Instructions:
- Cut small holes for the spoons to slide through (angled slightly downward).
- Fill the bottle with bird seed.
- Hang from a tree branch.
📚 Extend the Activity:
- Bird Observation Journal: Students can sketch or log what birds visit their feeders.
- Research Project: Learn about birds native to your area and what they like to eat.
Would you like a printable instruction guide or bird observation worksheet for students?
17. Wildlife Observation
Encourage kids to note species variety while observing wildlife in a secure environment. Talk about the ways that different species support the health of the environment.
Seeing wildlife may also be a lot of fun indoors! See our page on wildlife viewing indoors for more information!
18. Start a School Garden
Starting a school garden is a fantastic Earth Day project that gives upper elementary students hands-on experience with nature, science, and sustainability. It promotes teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
🌱 How to Start a School Garden
🎯 Goal:
Create a shared space where students can grow plants, learn about ecosystems, and care for the Earth.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Pick a Location
- Choose a sunny spot with good soil and water access.
- Raised beds, containers, or in-ground plots can all work.
2. Plan What to Grow
- Involve students in choosing plants:
- Vegetables (e.g., lettuce, carrots, radishes)
- Flowers (e.g., marigolds, sunflowers)
- Pollinator plants to attract bees and butterflies
- Herbs (e.g., basil, mint)
3. Assign Jobs
- Watering
- Weeding
- Observing and journaling plant growth
- Harvesting
- Composting (if included)
4. Incorporate Learning
- Science: Life cycles, plant parts, ecosystems
- Math: Measuring plant growth, spacing, counting
- Writing: Nature journals, garden poetry, or persuasive letters about protecting green spaces
5. Celebrate & Share
- Hold a “Garden Day” or Earth Day event where students show off their work.
- Donate extra produce to the cafeteria or local food banks.
- Take pictures and create a garden scrapbook or blog.
🌼 Mini Garden Alternatives (if space is limited):
- Container gardens (buckets, pots, or recycled bottles)
- Windowsill herb gardens
- Vertical gardens using wall space or fences
💬 Reflection Questions for Students:
- What did you learn about how plants grow?
- Why is gardening good for the Earth?
- How can we take care of our garden responsibly?
Would you like a printable garden planner or student journal pages for tracking plant growth?
19. Create Playground Polygons
Go outside and make playground polygons with some sidewalk chalk and tape! This is a really enjoyable method to practise important maths skills while making stunning outdoor artwork!
You can download this fun maths exercise from my TPT shop by clicking the icon or image below!
20. Nature Walk and Litter Clean Up
A Nature Walk and Litter Clean-Up is a perfect Earth Day activity for upper elementary students. It gets them outside, encourages observation of the natural world, and teaches the importance of keeping the environment clean.
🚶♂️🌿 Nature Walk & Litter Clean-Up
🎯 Objective:
Help students connect with nature, practice environmental responsibility, and take positive action by removing litter from their surroundings.
🛠️ Materials Needed:
- Trash bags or reusable cloth bags
- Gloves (gardening or disposable)
- Tongs or grabbers (optional for safety)
- Clipboards with checklists or journals (for nature observation)
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
🗺️ How to Organize the Activity:
1. Choose a Safe Location
- Schoolyard, local park, or nearby walking trail
- Get permission if needed and check for any safety concerns
2. Set the Rules
- No touching sharp or dangerous objects
- Wear gloves at all times
- Use the buddy system
- Separate recyclables and trash (if possible)
3. Nature Observation
- Encourage students to look and listen as they walk:
- What plants, animals, or bugs do you see?
- What sounds can you hear?
- How does the air smell?
Optional: Give each student a simple nature journal or scavenger hunt checklist.
4. Clean-Up
- Assign teams to different areas
- Collect as much trash as possible in 15–30 minutes
- Sort and dispose of trash and recyclables properly
📚 Reflection Questions:
- How did it feel to help clean up your community?
- What types of litter did you find the most?
- How can we prevent littering in the future?
🏆 Celebrate Their Impact
- Keep track of how many bags of trash were collected
- Award “Eco Hero” certificates or badges
- Take group photos and display them on a classroom bulletin board
Would you like a printable reflection sheet, certificate, or nature checklist for students?