23+ Earth Day Activities for Kids

Every year, Earth Day serves as a reminder to slow down and be grateful for the abundance of the planet.

The 23 Earth Day activities listed below will inspire kids to spend more time outside and make things out of recycled and natural materials.

Could you engage in creative activities with the help of a well-organized play planner? We invite you to join us in TinkerLab Schoolhouse, your online studio for kid-tested art and STEAM activities for kids aged 3 to 10, once you’ve found the ideal Earth Day activity. Find out more here.

1. Four Messy Outdoor Crafts

Here are four messy outdoor crafts that are perfect for enjoying the fresh air and getting creative:

1. Mud Painting

• Materials: mud, water, large sheets of paper, paintbrushes, or sticks.
• How-to: Let kids (or adults!) create their own mud paint by mixing dirt and water to make different shades of brown. Then, they can paint on large sheets of paper or cardboard. The messier, the better! This craft is great for tactile sensory play, and the texture of mud makes it fun to explore.
• Pro Tip: You can add natural elements like leaves or flowers into the mud to make the artwork more textured and interesting.

2. Rock Painting

• Materials: rocks, paint, paintbrushes, water, and old clothes to protect from spills.
• How-to: Gather a variety of smooth rocks from your yard or local park. Set up an outdoor painting station where people can paint rocks in fun designs, animals, or abstract art. When the paint dries, these can be used as garden decorations, paperweights, or hidden for others to find as part of a rock-hiding challenge.
• Pro Tip: Use non-toxic, outdoor-friendly paint to make sure the rocks last and can withstand the elements.

3. Tie-Dye Shirts

• Materials: white t-shirts, fabric dye, rubber bands, plastic squeeze bottles, plastic bags.
• How-to: Lay out plastic tablecloths or a tarp in your yard to protect surfaces. Have a tie-dye party by twisting and folding t-shirts, securing them with rubber bands, and then squirting fabric dye on them in different colors. The process gets messy, but the end result is always fun and colorful!
• Pro Tip: Wear gloves and aprons to minimize dye stains on clothes and skin.

4. Bubble Wrap Stomp Prints

• Materials: bubble wrap, paint, large sheets of paper, tape.
• How-to: Tape pieces of bubble wrap to the ground or to a surface outside. Then, squirt different colors of paint over the bubble wrap. Lay large sheets of paper on top, and have everyone stomp on the paper with their feet to create a textured print! The popping of the bubbles is also a fun sensory experience.
• Pro Tip: You can use this method to make fun patterns or create art with different colored layers of prints.

All of these activities will definitely get a little messy, but they offer tons of outdoor fun and creative expression. Just be sure to wear old clothes and enjoy the chaos!

2. Drawing Shadows 

Drawing Shadows: A Fun and Creative Art Activity

Drawing shadows can be an exciting way to explore light, shape, and perspective. Here’s how to create a simple and fun shadow drawing:

Materials Needed:

• Paper (white works best, but any color can work depending on your shadow effect)
• Pencil (or charcoal, if you want a darker effect)
• Objects that cast interesting shadows (toys, plants, cups, or anything with an interesting shape)
• A light source (a flashlight or natural sunlight)

Steps to Draw Shadows:

1. Set up the Scene:
   • Place the object you want to create a shadow of in a well-lit area. If you’re indoors, use a flashlight or a lamp to create a dramatic shadow. You can also use natural light from a window, or go outside if the sunlight is strong enough.
2. Position the Object:
   • Arrange the object in a way that will create a strong and interesting shadow. You can place it near a wall or on the floor where the shadow will be clear and easy to trace.
3. Observe the Shadow:
   • Look closely at the shadow’s shape. Notice how it changes based on the light source’s position. Shadows can be sharp and clear, or soft and diffused, depending on the type of light.
4. Trace the Shadow:
   • With your pencil, lightly trace the outline of the shadow onto your piece of paper. Focus on the edges of the shadow to capture its true form. You can draw the object itself as well or focus only on the shadow.
5. Add Details and Shading:
   • Once you have the outline, you can add shading to give the shadow depth and make it look more realistic. Use softer lines or cross-hatching to mimic how the light falls and creates darker or lighter areas on the shadow.
6. Experiment with Different Lighting:
   • Try changing the light source’s position to see how the shadow changes. Moving the light closer, farther, or at different angles can create interesting effects. You can even try multiple light sources to create overlapping shadows.

Fun Variations:

• Shadow Collage: Place multiple objects together and let their shadows overlap to create an abstract, layered shadow design.
• Silhouette Art: Trace the shadows of people or animals to create cool silhouettes.

Drawing shadows is not only a great way to practice drawing and observation, but it can also help with understanding how light works in the real world. Plus, it’s a super creative way to explore new art styles!

3. Slide Drawing

Slide Drawing: A Fun and Creative Art Activity

Slide drawing is an easy and engaging art technique that allows you to create abstract, flowing artwork using a sliding motion with different drawing tools. It’s a great way to practice fluidity in your art and create cool effects. Here’s how you can try slide drawing:

Materials Needed:

• Paper (any size, depending on how big you want your artwork)
• Pencils, colored pencils, markers, or crayons
• A flat surface (table or large drawing board)
• A ruler (optional)
• A protractor (optional, for creating geometric patterns)

Steps to Create Slide Drawings:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:
   • Set up your paper on a flat surface. You may want to use a table or an easel to make it easier to draw. Make sure you have enough space to slide the drawing tool around.
2. Choose Your Drawing Tool:
   • Pick a pencil, marker, or colored pencil—anything that can slide smoothly on paper. For beginners, a soft pencil might be easiest, but using markers or crayons can give you vibrant results.
3. Create Your First Slide:
   • Hold your drawing tool and gently slide it across the paper in one direction. You don’t need to press hard; let the motion be fluid. You can start at one corner of the paper and move the tool in any direction. Try to keep your hand relaxed as you move it.
4. Add More Slides:
   • Once you’ve made one slide, create more slides at different angles. You can cross over the initial lines to create a layered effect. The more slides you make, the more dynamic and abstract your drawing becomes. Experiment with different shapes, curves, and lines.
5. Play with Patterns:
   • You can also use a ruler or geometric tool to create straight lines or symmetrical designs. For example, you can draw a series of parallel lines or create a pattern that repeats.
6. Add Color (Optional):
   • Once you have your basic slide drawing done, you can fill in parts of your artwork with color to make the shapes stand out even more. Using colored markers or crayons can create vibrant effects, while soft pencil shading can add depth to your design.
7. Experiment with Effects:
   • Try sliding your tool in different ways: use circular motions, diagonal lines, or even zigzags. You can combine different colors or use different pressure on your tool to vary the thickness of the lines.

Fun Variations:

• Slide with Multiple Tools: Use multiple drawing tools at once (e.g., a pencil and a colored marker) to create different textures and effects.
• Use Objects to Guide Your Slide: Place small objects like coins, stencils, or rulers underneath your paper to create interesting shapes and lines as you slide your tool over them.
• Create Slide Patterns: For an even more structured slide drawing, try using a protractor or ruler to create specific angles and geometric patterns.

Why Try Slide Drawing?

• It’s a fun and relaxing activity that doesn’t require a lot of precision or skill. It’s all about exploring movement and creativity!
• Slide drawing is great for kids and beginners, but even experienced artists can have fun creating unique, abstract works with this technique.
• The process of sliding your drawing tool can be meditative and allows you to explore different textures and effects.

Give it a try, and see how many interesting shapes and designs you can create just by sliding your drawing tool across the page!

4. Giant Painted Mural

A giant painted mural can be a stunning piece of art, often covering a large surface like a building, wall, or even an entire side of a skyscraper. These murals can feature a wide range of subjects—from abstract designs to highly detailed scenes depicting nature, social issues, historical events, or even local culture.

Some famous examples of giant painted murals include:

1. Diego Rivera’s murals: Known for his large-scale works that often depicted Mexican culture and the struggles of the working class.
2. The Berlin Wall murals: The East Side Gallery, located on the remaining sections of the Berlin Wall, features vibrant murals reflecting both the hope for freedom and the turmoil of division during the Cold War.
3. Murals by Shepard Fairey: An artist known for his political and street art, including murals that are often bold and carry strong social or political messages.

Would you like to know how to create a giant mural, or are you looking for inspiration for a specific design.

5. Acid Rain Experiment

An acid rain experiment can be a fascinating way to demonstrate how acid rain forms and its effects on the environment. Here’s a simple experiment you can try to simulate the effects of acid rain and understand how it impacts materials like limestone or plants.

Acid Rain Experiment: Simulating the Effects on Limestone

Materials Needed:

• 2 small pieces of limestone (or chalk)
• 2 clear containers (such as jars or cups)
• Vinegar (acetic acid) or lemon juice (as a substitute for acid rain)
• Water
• A small amount of baking soda (optional for neutralizing)
• Measuring spoons
• A pH test strip or pH meter (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Acid Solution:
   • In one container, mix about 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar (or lemon juice). This will simulate acid rain.
   • You can use pH strips or a pH meter to check the acidity. Acid rain typically has a pH between 4 and 5.
2. Simulate “Clean” Rain:
   • In the second container, fill it with plain water. This will represent regular rain or neutral water.
3. Prepare the Limestone Samples:
   • Place one piece of limestone (or chalk) in each container.
4. Simulate Acid Rain:
   • Pour the vinegar solution (simulating acid rain) over one piece of limestone.
   • Pour the plain water over the second piece of limestone, representing regular rain.
5. Observation:
   • Over time, observe any changes in the limestone samples. The acid rain (vinegar solution) will likely cause the limestone to fizz, crack, or dissolve, because the acetic acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in the limestone.
   • The limestone in the plain water should remain largely unchanged.
6. Optional – Measure pH Change:
   • If you have pH strips or a pH meter, you can measure the change in the pH of the water in both containers over time.

Conclusion:

• The limestone in the acid rain solution will likely show signs of erosion, demonstrating the harmful effects of acid rain on buildings, statues, and natural formations like caves.
• The piece in the neutral water will remain intact, showing how normal rain doesn’t have the same erosive effects.

Optional Extensions:

1. Effect on Plant Growth: You can also try this experiment with plants by using acidified water and observing its impact on plant growth over time. Acid rain can be harmful to plants by damaging their leaves and affecting their nutrient intake.
2. Impact on Soil: You could try using acidified water on soil to observe how it impacts pH and affects plant health.

This experiment can help visualize how pollution, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from vehicles and factories, creates acidic compounds when mixed with rain, leading to acid rain. Would you like more details on another type of experiment or a different concept related to acid rain.

6. Carbon Footprint Activity

Give your children a basic explanation of what a carbon footprint is. Use our printable carbon footprint worksheet to help children learn how to lessen their carbon footprint and protect the environment.

7. Stormwater Runoff Pollution

Stormwater runoff pollution occurs when rainwater or melted snow flows over impervious surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, and roofs, picking up contaminants along the way before entering local waterways. These contaminants can include a wide range of pollutants, such as:

1. Sediment – Dirt, sand, and debris from construction sites or agricultural lands.
2. Nutrients – Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, which can lead to algal blooms in water bodies.
3. Chemicals – Pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals used in agriculture, landscaping, and urban areas.
4. Oils and Grease – From vehicles, machinery, and industrial activities.
5. Heavy Metals – Such as lead, mercury, and zinc, often from vehicle exhaust or industrial runoff.
6. Bacteria and Pathogens – From pet waste, sewage leaks, or animal droppings.
7. Trash and Debris – Litter like plastic, cans, and other waste can end up in water bodies.

Impacts of Stormwater Runoff Pollution:

• Water Quality Degradation: Polluted stormwater can harm aquatic ecosystems, making water unsafe for drinking, swimming, or fishing.
• Eutrophication: Excessive nutrients can lead to an overgrowth of algae, which depletes oxygen levels and harms marine life.
• Flooding: Polluted runoff can contribute to flooding by overwhelming drainage systems.
• Habitat Loss: The deposition of pollutants can damage aquatic habitats and reduce biodiversity.

Mitigation Measures:

• Green Infrastructure: Installing rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green roofs can help absorb rainwater and reduce runoff.
• Stormwater Management Systems: Constructing retention ponds, detention basins, and other infrastructure to capture and treat stormwater before it reaches water bodies.
• Pollution Prevention: Reducing the use of chemicals, properly disposing of waste, and educating the public on the impact of runoff.
• Riparian Buffers: Planting vegetation along waterways to act as a filter for runoff before it reaches the water.

Efforts to reduce stormwater runoff pollution are critical in maintaining clean water resources and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Would you like more information on any specific aspect of stormwater runoff pollution.

8. Make a Water Filter

Learn about filtration and create your own water filter at home or in the classroom. Can a water filtration system purify contaminated water.

9. Shells In Vinegar Experiment

The “Shells in Vinegar” experiment is a classic science demonstration that illustrates the concept of chemical reactions, specifically how acids can dissolve calcium carbonate (found in the shells of eggs) through a process known as acid-base reaction. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting the experiment:

Materials Needed:

• 1 egg (or multiple eggs)
• White vinegar (enough to fully submerge the egg)
• A clear container (such as a glass jar or cup)
• A spoon (for handling the egg)
• (Optional) Water for rinsing the egg
• (Optional) Paper towel for drying the egg

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Egg:
   • If you are using a raw egg, carefully place it in the clear container.
   • The egg should be whole and unbroken, as the vinegar will react with the eggshell.
2. Add Vinegar:
   • Pour enough vinegar into the container to completely submerge the egg. The acid in the vinegar will begin to dissolve the eggshell almost immediately.
   • You may notice small bubbles forming around the egg as the reaction begins.
3. Wait for the Reaction:
   • Allow the egg to sit in the vinegar for 24 to 48 hours. During this time, the eggshell (made of calcium carbonate) will react with the acetic acid in the vinegar and dissolve.
   • You’ll see the eggshell gradually disappear, leaving the egg’s inner membrane intact. The egg will feel soft, and you might notice it becomes slightly rubbery.
4. Observe the Changes:
   • After the eggshell has dissolved, carefully remove the egg from the vinegar.
   • You can rinse it with water to remove any remaining vinegar and membrane residue.
   • The egg now has a rubbery texture and is translucent. The membrane holds the egg together, but the hard shell is completely gone.
5. Optional: Dry the Egg:
   • Gently pat the egg dry with a paper towel and observe how it behaves when squeezed gently. The egg is still fragile, so be careful not to break it!

What Happens Chemically?

• The eggshell is made of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). When the egg is placed in vinegar (which contains acetic acid, CH₃COOH), a chemical reaction takes place: CaCO₃(s)+2CH₃COOH(aq)→Ca(CH₃COO)₂(aq)+H₂O(l)+CO₂(g)\text{CaCO₃} (s) + 2\text{CH₃COOH} (aq) \rightarrow \text{Ca(CH₃COO)₂} (aq) + \text{H₂O} (l) + \text{CO₂} (g)CaCO₃(s)+2CH₃COOH(aq)→Ca(CH₃COO)₂(aq)+H₂O(l)+CO₂(g)
• Calcium carbonate (from the eggshell) reacts with acetic acid (in vinegar) to form calcium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide gas, which bubbles up as the reaction occurs.

Conclusion:

• The experiment demonstrates how acids can dissolve materials made of calcium carbonate, such as eggshells.
• The resulting egg, now without its hard shell, has a membrane that acts as a protective covering. The egg’s shape and size will remain, but it becomes rubbery and flexible.

This is a great way to show the effect of acids on different substances and helps students understand chemical reactions in a fun and interactive way!

10. Earth Day Oobleck

Earth Day Oobleck is a fun, hands-on science activity that celebrates Earth Day while demonstrating a fascinating material called “Oobleck.” Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it behaves like a solid under pressure and like a liquid when there’s no pressure. This experiment is great for all ages and helps illustrate principles of physics and material science in an interactive way.

Materials Needed:

• 1 cup of cornstarch
• 1/2 cup of water
• Green food coloring (optional, to make it Earth Day-themed!)
• A bowl or container for mixing
• Spoon (optional, to mix)
• Tray or surface for playing

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Oobleck Mixture:
   • In a bowl or container, combine 1 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water. Stir the mixture together slowly.
   • If you’d like to make the Oobleck green to celebrate Earth Day, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix it in.
2. Mix Until It Reaches the Right Consistency:
   • Keep stirring the mixture until it thickens. The right consistency is when the mixture is thick but still flows slowly if left undisturbed. If it’s too runny, add more cornstarch. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water.
3. Test the Oobleck:
   • Once mixed, try dipping your fingers into the Oobleck. You’ll notice that when you press on it, it feels solid, but when you relax your grip, it turns back into a liquid.
   • You can also try tapping it gently with a spoon or your fingers. It will feel solid, but if you let it sit for a moment, it will flow like a liquid.
4. Play and Experiment:
   • Let everyone have fun experimenting with the Oobleck. Try making different shapes or moving your hands quickly through it.
   • Talk about how it behaves differently than other liquids and solids, and explain the concept of non-Newtonian fluids (fluids that don’t behave in a typical way like water).

Explanation:

• Oobleck is made of cornstarch and water, and when mixed in the right ratio, it becomes a non-Newtonian fluid. This means that when you apply force, such as squeezing or hitting it, it behaves like a solid. However, when you relax the pressure, it acts like a liquid.
• The cornstarch molecules in Oobleck are suspended in the water and form a structure that becomes more rigid when disturbed. This is why it can flow when you aren’t applying force but hardens when you press on it.

Connection to Earth Day:

• You can discuss how Earth Day is all about protecting our planet and making good choices for the environment. Just like Oobleck can change states (solid to liquid), Earth and its ecosystems are constantly changing. This is a perfect metaphor for the importance of sustainability and protecting natural resources.
• You can also talk about materials that don’t break down in nature (like plastic) and how they behave like a solid, just like Oobleck under pressure.

Clean-up:

• Since Oobleck is just cornstarch and water, it’s easy to clean up. Simply rinse it down the sink with warm water. Just be sure to run plenty of water to prevent any clogs.
• If it dries out, it will turn hard, so clean it up promptly to avoid any messes.

Enjoy this fun, Earth Day-themed activity! It’s both educational and entertaining while promoting an understanding of science and nature.

11. Coffee Filter Earth Day Art (Science & Art)

Even children who are not crafty can enjoy this coffee filter Earth Day painting. Discover basic science through a vibrant interpretation of coffee filter soluble science.

12. Water Absorption

Water Absorption Experiment

The Water Absorption experiment is a simple, yet fascinating activity that demonstrates how different materials absorb water at varying rates and to different extents. This experiment helps illustrate the concepts of porosity, absorption, and capillary action, which are essential in understanding how materials interact with liquids. It’s a great hands-on activity for students and curious learners.

Materials Needed:

• 3 or more different types of materials (e.g., sponge, paper towel, cotton cloth, sand, fabric, or soil)
• Water
• A tray or shallow container to hold the materials
• Measuring cup or container for water
• Timer or stopwatch
• Optional: Food coloring (to make the water more visible)
• A paper and pen for recording results

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Materials:
   • Gather your materials for the experiment. Choose at least three materials that vary in texture and composition. For example, you could use a sponge, paper towel, and a cotton cloth.
2. Measure the Materials:
   • Cut or prepare equal-sized pieces of each material. This will ensure that the results are comparable across the different materials.
3. Pour the Water:
   • Pour an equal amount of water into each piece of material, or if you are using a tray, place the materials in the tray and pour the same amount of water over them. If you’re using food coloring, add it to the water to make it easier to observe.
4. Observe the Absorption:
   • Observe how quickly each material absorbs the water. Do the materials become soggy or dry? Does the water spread quickly, or does it take time to absorb? Pay attention to how much water each material absorbs in the same amount of time.
5. Record Your Observations:
   • Use a timer to measure how long it takes for each material to absorb the water completely (or to a specific point, like when the material can no longer hold any more water). Record the time for each material and note any other observations (e.g., how much water the material holds).
6. Compare Results:
   • After the experiment, compare the results. Which materials absorbed the most water? Which took the longest to absorb? Were there any materials that didn’t absorb much water at all?
7. Optional – Repeat with Different Amounts of Water:
   • You can also experiment with different amounts of water to see if that affects the absorption rate of each material.

Explanation:

• Absorption refers to the ability of a material to soak up or take in a liquid, such as water. This property is affected by the porosity and structure of the material. For example, a sponge has a lot of small pores, which allow it to absorb a lot of water, while materials like plastic or wax paper might not absorb water at all.
• Capillary action happens when liquid travels through the tiny spaces (pores) inside a material, like how water moves through a sponge or cloth. This is also why some materials, like soil or paper towels, can absorb liquids very quickly.
• Porosity refers to the amount of open space (pores) inside a material. Materials with higher porosity can absorb more water. For instance, sponges have a lot of pores, so they can absorb more water than something like sand, which has fewer open spaces.

Conclusion:

By performing the Water Absorption experiment, you can see firsthand how different materials interact with water. Some materials, like sponges or cotton, can absorb a lot of water, while others, like plastic or metal, may not absorb any at all. This experiment can also be a great way to discuss practical applications, such as which materials are best for cleaning up spills or which ones are used in the construction of water-resistant items.

This simple activity is both educational and fun, and it can help explain essential scientific principles in a very accessible way.

13. Paper Earth

Discover how to produce paper and use newspaper or other paper scraps that you wish to recycle to create this paper earth craft.

14. Earth Day Pop Art

Youngsters can make their own pop art with the planet Earth as the primary theme, drawing inspiration from the works of renowned artist Andy Warhol!

15. Earth Day Zentangle

Use this peaceful and thoughtful process art project to commemorate Earth Day at home or at school. Using coloured markers or other art supplies, create zentangle designs on our downloadable Earth template.

16. Earth Day Coloring Page

Sure! Here’s a simple Earth Day-themed coloring page idea you can create or use:

Design idea:

1. Earth in the center – Draw a globe with continents and oceans.
2. Tree with green leaves – Draw a tree on one side of the globe.
3. Recycling symbol – Include the recycling triangle symbol somewhere.
4. Animals – Add animals like a bird, a rabbit, and a fish around the globe.
5. Flowers and grass – Decorate the bottom with flowers and grass to show nature’s beauty.
6. Sun – Include a smiling sun at the top to represent a bright future.

You can trace these elements and leave them blank for kids to color. Would you like me to create a more specific coloring page for you, or any particular elements you’d like included.

17. Oil Spill Experiment

Did you know that you may learn about ocean pollution at home or in the classroom? You’ve probably heard about oil spills on the news and read about the cleanup in the newspaper.

18. Shells In Vinegar Experiment

What consequences does ocean acidification have? There are a tonne of excellent questions for a straightforward ocean science experiment that you can put up in a kitchen or classroom corner and check on from time to time.

19. Earth Day Oobleck

Oobleck is a fun, science experiment that you can make using just two simple ingredients: cornstarch and water! It’s a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it behaves like a solid when you apply pressure and like a liquid when you don’t. You could tie this experiment into Earth Day by using it as a hands-on way to talk about how natural resources, like water, can behave differently in various conditions.

Here’s a simple Earth Day-themed Oobleck recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cornstarch
• 1/2 cup of water (you can adjust the amount to get the right consistency)
• Green food coloring (to match the Earth Day theme)
• A large mixing bowl

Instructions:

1. Mix the cornstarch and water: In the bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Stir until it thickens to a consistency where it’s both liquid and solid at the same time. You can adjust the amounts of cornstarch or water to get your preferred texture.
2. Add the food coloring: To make your Oobleck Earth Day-friendly, add a few drops of green food coloring to represent the planet. You can also add blue for the oceans.
3. Explore the properties: Play with the Oobleck! Try punching it, letting it drip from your hands, or slowly dipping your fingers in. You’ll notice it acts like a solid when you press down on it, but it flows like a liquid when you let it sit.
4. Talk about Earth: While playing with the Oobleck, you can talk about Earth Day and what we can do to take care of the environment. You could compare Oobleck to how some natural processes can behave in surprising ways, just like how Earth’s ecosystems work in delicate balance.

Would you like more ideas for Earth Day activities or science experiments?

20. Earth Day Slime

Making Earth Day slime is another fun, hands-on science project to celebrate the planet! You can make green and blue slime to represent the Earth and use it to talk about environmental issues, such as pollution or the importance of taking care of our planet.

Earth Day Slime Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of white glue (school glue works well)
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution (contains boric acid and sodium borate)
• Green and blue food coloring
• Optional: Glitter or small foam beads for extra texture

Instructions:

1. Prepare the glue mixture:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the white glue and water. Stir it well until the glue is fully dissolved in the water.
2. Add the baking soda:
   • Stir in the baking soda into the glue-water mixture. This will help the slime thicken.
3. Add food coloring:
   • To make the slime Earth-themed, add a few drops of green food coloring (to represent the land) and a few drops of blue food coloring (to represent the oceans). Stir until you achieve a nice Earthy color. You can even make two separate batches—one green and one blue—and swirl them together for a more realistic Earth look!
4. Add the contact lens solution:
   • Slowly stir in the contact lens solution. The slime will begin to form as you stir. Keep adding the solution a little at a time until the slime reaches your desired consistency. It should be stretchy and not too sticky. If it’s still sticky, add more contact solution until it comes together.
5. Knead the slime:
   • Once the slime has formed, take it out of the bowl and knead it with your hands. If it’s too sticky, you can add a bit more contact lens solution. The slime will become smooth and stretchy after a few minutes of kneading.
6. Optional – Add extras:
   • You can add glitter or small foam beads to give your slime extra texture and sparkle. This is a fun touch, but it’s optional!

Earth Day Discussion:

• While playing with your slime, you can talk about how important it is to take care of our planet. You could also discuss pollution, recycling, and other environmental issues. You might explain how slime can represent the Earth’s natural resources—flexible and versatile, but in need of proper care!

This is a great Earth Day project for kids (or adults) to celebrate while also learning a little bit about science and the importance of taking care of our planet.

Would you like some more Earth Day activity ideas.

21. Coffee Filter Earth Day Art (Science & Art)

Even children who are not crafty can enjoy this coffee filter Earth Day painting. Discover basic science through a vibrant interpretation of coffee filter soluble science.

22. Water Absorption

Water absorption is a fascinating concept that can be explored in a simple science experiment, especially when tied to Earth Day! It helps us understand how materials, such as soil, plants, or even different fabrics, can absorb and retain water. It’s a great way to discuss how important water is for life on Earth and how it’s used in nature.

Water Absorption Experiment: “How Does Water Absorb?”

Materials:

• 3 small containers (like cups or bowls)
• Water
• Different materials to test for absorption (e.g., paper towel, cotton ball, sponge, soil, fabric)
• A measuring cup
• Food coloring (optional, to color the water for a visual effect)
• Stopwatch or timer (optional, to measure the time taken for absorption)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your containers:
   • Label the containers based on the material you will be testing (e.g., “Paper Towel,” “Cotton Ball,” “Sponge”).
2. Add colored water (optional):
   • If you want to make the water more visually interesting, add a few drops of food coloring to the water to help you see how much is absorbed. You can choose any color you like.
3. Place the materials in the containers:
   • Place the material you are testing (paper towel, cotton ball, sponge, or soil) into each container.
4. Add water:
   • Slowly pour the colored water into the containers, enough to cover the material completely. Observe how the materials react to the water.
5. Observe and record:
   • Watch how quickly the water is absorbed by each material. Some materials may absorb water faster than others, and some may hold more water.
   • For example, you might notice that a sponge absorbs water quickly and holds a lot, while a cotton ball might absorb it but release the water faster.
6. Compare results:
   • After a few minutes, compare the materials to see how much water each one has absorbed. You can use a stopwatch to measure how long it takes for each material to absorb a certain amount of water.

Discussion:

• You can discuss how different materials absorb water in nature. For example, soil absorbs rainwater, which helps plants grow. You could explain how this is essential for ecosystems and agriculture.
• You could also talk about how materials like sponges or paper towels can be used in everyday life to absorb liquids, showing how humans use absorption in practical ways.

Earth Day Tie-In:

• You can relate this experiment to Earth Day by discussing the importance of water conservation. Explain how water is a limited resource and how it is important for all life on Earth.
• Talk about how water absorption helps plants, trees, and the environment, and how we can all help save water by being mindful of how we use it.

This experiment is a great way to explore water absorption and discuss important environmental issues on Earth Day. Would you like ideas for more hands-on science experiments for Earth Day?

23. Paper Earth

Discover how to produce paper and use newspaper or other paper scraps that you wish to recycle to create this paper earth craft.