Earth Day

[natalie84]

Since Earth Day is coming up (April 22) and whole green movement is very current, I wanted to do some nature and animal-themed lessons in class. Does anyone have any suggestions, or is anyone planning to do Earth Day-related? And most importantly, does anyone know some good books (for preK-K students) about animals?

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

[black cap]

I took a class on implementing nature in the classroom. did you know there is actually a 'nature deficit disorder'? it's really crazy. anyhoo, I can't post links yet but if you google Exploring Nature Educational Resource or something like that you should get some great resources. I've got some other resources I can look up after school...but I have to go back to 'work' now. cheerio
Becky
Black Cap

[Teach4Kids]

Hands on Science
*Worm Home Have children place gravel in the bottom of a small aquarium. Next have the children fill the aquarium with potting soil. On top place dry leaves. Place some earth worms in the aquarium and cover with damp towels. Wrap the aquarium with black paper so no light will get in. After a few days remove the paper and the children can observe the tunnels the earth worms have made. Also remove the paper towels so the children can see that the worms eating the leaves and turning it into dirt. Store your worm habitat in a cool area and when children are not observing the worms keep the damp towels on top. Remember to feed your worms; they like to eat lettuce and other veggies. You can also put news paper and other forms of trash and the children can observe how house hold trash can turn into worm dirt.

[black cap]

Hands on Science
*Worm Home You can also put news paper and other forms of trash and the children can observe how house hold trash can turn into worm dirt.

we've just put some dirt and worms in a bin/exploration table and let the kids play with them. we also have lots of insect containers and the children are encouraged to play with insects they find - however we live in an area where we don't have any dangerous insects. I also have an Antworks ant farm - that's a lot of fun. And a few framed insects. What about leaf imprints? put a leaf under a piece of paper and run a crayon on top? paint with leaves/flowers/branches? tape leaves to construction paper and hang in windows until the paper bleaches then remove leaves to see outlines. go on a nature walk - discuss plants, animals, bird sounds, etc. set up a hummingbird feeder. plant some sunflowers and some peas at the base to climb up the sunflower stalks. ditto corn and pole beans later in the summer. oh, goodness. so much. :D

-Becky
Black Cap

[natalie84]

These are all great ideas! Thank you so much for the suggestions! I'll be sure to incorporate them into the lesson :)