Be an Earth Day Detective! Lesson Plan

What We Are Learning

Earth conservation

detective, recycle

group discussion, critical thinking, vocabulary

The Earth Book by Todd Parr explores ways kids can help Earth, like turning off the faucet while they brush their teeth and using both sides of a sheet of paper when they draw a picture. As you read, ask students to give a thumbs-up if they do each of the things in the book. After reading, guide students in reflecting on new things they learned.

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt

Materials: Earth Day Scavenger Hunt skill sheet; markers, pencils, or crayons; clipboards

Be real-life Earth Day Detectives with this scavenger hunt!
Print copies of the Earth Day Scavenger Hunt skill sheet. You can give one to each student, or have them work in pairs to conserve paper!
Read the skill sheet aloud. Help children understand how each item helps to care for Earth.
Go for a walk through your school and neighborhood together. As you spy each item, ask students to check it off. You might find more than one of each item. If so, mark it again!
When you return from your walk, talk about the things children saw. If you’d like, have them count the number of items they checked on their pages. Ask them to share what they learned about how their community cares for Earth. observation

Materials: toilet paper or paper towel rolls, plastic bottle caps, tempera paint, paintbrushes, glue, string or yarn (optional)

Reduce, reuse, and recycle by creating classroom toys that your students will love!
In advance, ask families for donations of toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, and bottle caps.
Give children an assortment of paint colors in small bowls with paintbrushes. Give each student a toilet paper roll to paint. (If you are using paper towel rolls, be sure to cut them in half.)
Once the paint has dried, set out a tray of bottle caps. Guide students as they choose four bottle caps each, making sure they are similar in size. Students will use glue to attach the bottle caps to the cardboard rolls, creating wheels for their car. Include the cars in the dramatic play area of the classroom.
For added fun, students can attach a string to their vehicle and pull it around the classroom! fine-motor skills/engineering