Earth Day activities for students provide a fantastic opportunity to teach students about environmental responsibility, sustainability, and the beauty of our planet. Incorporating literature into your Earth Day lesson plans engages students and provides meaningful connections to the importance of caring for the Earth. Below, you’ll find a list of Earth Day books for elementary students, along with engaging Earth Day activities for students to accompany them. Plus, I’ve included some additional classroom ideas and resources to make your Earth Day celebrations even more impactful!

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Earth Day Books for Elementary Students and Activities

1. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

This classic story tells the tale of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees, and the Once-ler, who devastates the environment by cutting them down. The book highlights the consequences of deforestation and the importance of conservation.
Activity Idea: Have students create their own “Save the Trees” posters. They can include messages about reducing paper waste, planting trees, and protecting forests.

2. The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

A logger in the Amazon rainforest falls asleep and dreams of the animals that rely on the Kapok tree. Each creature pleads with him not to cut it down. This book emphasizes the importance of rainforests and biodiversity.
Activity Idea: Students can work in small groups to research different rainforest animals and create an informational booklet or presentation about how deforestation impacts their habitats.

3. Earth Day, Birthday! by Maureen Wright

Monkey wants to celebrate his birthday, but all the other jungle animals are busy preparing for Earth Day. This playful and engaging book introduces kids to Earth Day traditions.
Activity Idea: Have a “Recycled Art” project where students use recyclable materials to create birthday decorations, promoting the idea of reusing and reducing waste.

4. One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul

This true story follows Isatou Ceesay, who helped clean up her community in Gambia by recycling plastic bags into purses and other usable items.
Activity Idea: Host a plastic bag upcycling challenge where students repurpose plastic into useful objects like bookmarks, bracelets, or small bags.

5. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals

This fun and rhythmic book teaches kids about composting and what materials can be used to create nutrient-rich soil.
Activity Idea: Set up a classroom composting station! Have students collect compostable materials and observe how they break down over time.

6. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Inspired by Indigenous movements, this book tells the story of a young girl who stands up against pollution to protect water sources.
Activity Idea: Conduct a “Protect Our Water” experiment where students investigate water pollution by testing clean vs. dirty water and discussing ways to keep water sources clean.

Earth Day Activities for Students

Beyond books, hands-on learning is an excellent way to get students involved in Earth Day celebrations. By engaging in interactive Earth Day activities for students, they see firsthand how their actions impact the environment and learn ways to make a difference. Below are some engaging and educational Earth Day activities for students that promote environmental awareness and sustainability while making learning fun.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Take students outside for a nature scavenger hunt. Provide a checklist (or grab my freebie below) with items such as leaves, rocks, insects, and birds. Discuss the importance of preserving nature and biodiversity.

2. Earth Day Pledge

Have students write personal Earth Day pledges, detailing small ways they can help the environment, such as reducing plastic use, turning off lights, or recycling more. Display their pledges around the classroom. You can grab an Earth Day pledge in my Earth Day pack.

3. Virtual Field Trips

Take a virtual field trip to national parks, recycling centers, or aquariums to learn about conservation efforts. Websites like National Geographic Kids and NASA Earth Observatory offer great resources.

Explore these engaging virtual field trips to learn about conservation efforts and the environment:

• Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute – Learn about wildlife conservation and endangered species protection.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cams – Observe sea creatures in real-time while learning about ocean conservation.
• San Diego Zoo Kids – Discover animal live cams and conservation programs.
• NASA Earth Observatory – View satellite images of Earth to study climate change and human impact.
• The Nature Conservancy’s Virtual Field Trips – Experience ecosystems around the world through interactive tours.
• Recycling Center Tours – Many waste management companies offer virtual tours of recycling facilities. Check your local center’s website for options.
• Coral Reef Virtual Dives (NOAA) – Take a 360-degree dive into coral reefs and learn about marine conservation.

4. STEM Challenge: Build a Mini Greenhouse

Provide students with plastic containers, soil, and seeds to create mini-greenhouses. Discuss the greenhouse effect and how plants help reduce carbon dioxide levels.

5. Recycle Relay Race

Set up bins labeled “Paper,” “Plastic,” and “Metal” and have students sort recyclables in a relay race format. This fun game reinforces proper recycling habits.

Resources: Earth Day Activities for Students

The Fast Finisher Activities for April: ELA and Critical Thinking is a great resource for Earth Day activities for students because it provides engaging, no-prep activities that encourage students to think critically about environmental themes. With ELA-focused exercises, puzzles, and creative writing prompts, students can reflect on topics for April. These activities are perfect for reinforcing Earth Day lessons while keeping early finishers engaged and focused.

The April reading comprehension is a great resource for Earth Day activities for students with the Earth Day reading comprehension questions. This resource also has 5 other April-themed reading comprehension passages and vocabulary!

The April Activities and Worksheets Packet for Fast Finishers is a great addition to your Earth Day lesson plans! This resource provides engaging ELA and critical thinking activities perfect for April. With a variety of no-prep worksheets, it keeps students actively learning while encouraging them to think creatively about ways to care for our planet. Perfect for early finishers or enrichment.

The Earth Day Reading Comprehension and Activities resource is a perfect fit for celebrating Earth Day activities for students in the classroom. It provides engaging reading passages that educate students about environmental issues, conservation efforts, and ways to protect our planet. With comprehension questions, discussion prompts, and interactive activities, this resource helps students develop a deeper understanding of sustainability while strengthening their literacy skills. It’s a great way to integrate meaningful Earth Day lessons into your reading curriculum!

Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to engage students in meaningful discussions and hands-on activities about protecting the planet. By integrating literature, fun Earth Day activities for students, and real-world applications, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the Earth and understand how they make a difference.

What are your favorite Earth Day activities for students? Share your ideas in the comments below!