Eight ways to help kids celebrate Earth Day during the pandemic

Earth Day was primed for a big celebration this year -- it's 50th. But with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it's an event that can't be celebrated with a big party. Still, that doesn't mean teachers (and parents teaching at home) can't connect with students on a broad array of environmental issues.

Megan Severson

Earth Day was primed for a big celebration this year — it’s 50th. But with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s an event that can’t be celebrated with a big party. 

Still, that doesn’t mean teachers (and parents teaching at home) can’t connect with students on a broad array of environmental issues.

There are a wide variety of activities and virtual events out there that can be used to help kids have a memorable Earth Day this year.

Here are eight ways kids can give Earth Day the type of celebration it deserves.

  1. Learn about the history of Earth Day. Talk about what progress has been made since the first Earth Day in 1970, as well as what we still need to do to help the environment. 

  1. Draw a picture or write a story about your favorite animal. Take a picture and share it with your friends or family, to let them know what you’re celebrating this Earth Day.

  1. Go for a walk in a nearby park. Observe the birds, plants and topography in your backyard. Do a nature in your neighborhood scavenger hunt or bingo game. If you do this one, make sure to follow your local, state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and are staying safe.

  1. Learn about kids leading the charge to tackle climate change, like Greta Thunberg, Xiye Bastida, and other inspiring young people who are taking action. 

  1. Learn about how you can create a healthier home that produces less waste and pollution. You can take simple steps to make your home more energy efficient and reduce the food waste you send to the landfill.  

  1. Grab some sidewalk chalk and draw pictures of the Earth, animals outside your home, and write Earth Day facts around your neighborhood.

  1. If it is within your means, choose a conservation cause that you care about and make a small donation from your piggy bank. 

  1. Join a virtual Earth Day celebration. There are many events throughout the country geared towards kids and Earth Day.

For more ideas, check out this list of Nifty Fifty environmental activities for kids, as well as nature-themed resources for kids of all ages, called Greener Together.


Photo credit: University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability via Flickr, CC-BY

Authors

Megan Severson