Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, the idea behind it is to raise awareness about the importance of looking after the planet and the responsibilities we all share.

This year the theme is ‘Our power, our planet’ encouraging everyone from all backgrounds to stand together in defence of the home we share, and the power we all have to bring about change in attitudes and our ability to create awareness that everyone has to ‘heed the need’ to look after Earth.

The April date means Earth Day is close to the Easter holiday for many schools. It is therefore important to set up activities which can be carried out at home or at a different time in April and can be brought together on 22 April which might be the first day back at school.

To start the topic, you might consider asking pupils to create an Earth Day April calendar and suggest activities which could be carried out in the area during the month.

Download this blank April calendar template for pupils to create their own.

Subject to Climate has a completed April calendar with an activity suggestion for each day if you don’t have time to create a calendar or want an example.

The following Earth Day activities can be carried out locally or from home

Walk around the area and list the ways people are thinking about energy, for example:

• How many buildings have solar panels?
• How many buildings have electric charging points?
• Can you find electric charging points elsewhere?

Conduct a survey which asks people about their willingness to have an electric car. What are the perceived benefits? What are the issues for them?

Take part in a plastic / rubbish clean up. This could be a community activity involving families. The local council will often provide bags for collecting rubbish and pick them up afterwards. Councils may have an Environment Officer who, if approached, might be helpful in suggesting activities or be willing to talk to classes.

On a map of the area record places where rubbish accumulates. What are the reasons for this (windblown/trapped/waterborne/out of sight place)? Is there a fast-food shop nearby? Does this impact on the type of litter?

Other helpful websites

Earth Day hub

Earth Day is packed with information as well as a resource library containing lesson plans, ideas and quizzes for all ages.

Virtual field visits

The Nature Conservancy: virtual field trips provides a choice of oceans, forests, climate change, farms and many more. Each topic has a video, teachers notes and activities looking at caring for the world in different ways.

WWF

The WWF – Discover how we are all connected – to one another and to our one planet.

Subject to Climate

Subject to Climate has a pictorial April page calendar which suggests an activity each day to support the Earth.