Cultivate a Meaningful Earth Day for Kids
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 and is a holiday that not only celebrates the planet, but also reminds us that it’s our responsibility to protect it. One of the most important aspects of this responsibility is educating the next generation about environmental conservation and living sustainably. Our kids are the future creators, innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders of the world, inheriting what we leave behind and taking on the role of preservationists.
Check out a few ideas below to discuss and explore ways to protect the planet on Earth Day and beyond!
Inspiring Eco-Conscious Conversations With All Ages
One way we can begin to educate our children regarding these topics is by making real-world connections and sparking meaningful discussions. Below is a list of conversation-guiding questions and topics that can help you introduce Earth Day and environmental consciousness.
What is Earth Day and why do we celebrate it?
Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970, when an estimated 20 million people nationwide attended the inaugural events at tens of thousands of schools, universities and community sites across the country. This day now commemorates the start of the modern environmental movement, raising awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations.
What are some ways you can think of to help protect the Earth?
Encourage children to think about simple actions they can take to reduce their environmental impact. For example, they could recycle appropriate items (learn about what the different numbers on plastics mean), consider how much water they’re using in daily activities like showering or brushing their teeth, and plant trees or native plants around their yard or community.
What are some ways we can conserve energy at home and in our community?
Brainstorm ways each individual, family or classroom can work to reduce energy consumption, such as turning off lights when they’re not in use, using energy-efficient appliances and considering a walk or a bike ride on short trips instead of taking a car. Talk about how small actions, when applied collectively, can have a major impact on sustainability.
Green Design Thinking and Sustainable Problem Solving at Camp Invention
While Earth Day is the perfect opportunity for participating in cleanups, talking to others about ecological awareness and making commitments to help the planet by living more sustainably, the truth is that these ideas and actions must always remain significant to affect real change.
To help children support an authentic, lifelong passion for continued learning, especially in areas that require empathy, like environmental awareness and green thinking, Camp Invention® provides an unmatched environment for kids to grow, learn and explore diverse topics while building invaluable skills. This hands-on K-6 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) summer camp is designed for creative, curious kids to not only learn about these issues, but also become part of the solutions. Camp Invention motivates young learners to seek creative solutions to real-world problems and build confidence in their ability to make a positive impact on the world.
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Find a camp near you and register today, and check out our blog for more creative ways to bring STEM learning to life at home or in the classroom.