Kids environmental science. Environmental Science for Kids: Engaging Experiments and Activities

How can we teach kids about environmental science. What experiments and activities are suitable for different age groups. Why is environmental education crucial for future generations. How can hands-on learning foster a passion for protecting our planet.

Understanding Environmental Science: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Environmental science is a fascinating field that combines various disciplines to study our planet and its ecosystems. But what exactly does it entail? Environmental science integrates knowledge from physics, biology, chemistry, geography, ecology, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology, physical geography, and atmospheric science. Some environmental studies even incorporate aspects of history, policy, politics, psychology, sociology, and government studies.

This interdisciplinary approach allows scientists to tackle complex environmental issues from multiple angles. By bringing together diverse fields of study, environmental science provides a comprehensive understanding of how our planet functions and how human activities impact the natural world.

Key Components of Environmental Science

• Earth sciences (geology, meteorology, oceanography)
• Life sciences (biology, ecology, zoology)
• Physical sciences (chemistry, physics)
• Social sciences (economics, politics, sociology)

Why is this multidisciplinary approach so crucial? It enables scientists to develop holistic solutions to environmental challenges, considering both natural processes and human factors. This comprehensive perspective is essential for addressing complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

The Importance of Environmental Education for Children

Introducing children to environmental science at an early age is vital for fostering a sense of responsibility towards our planet. But why is it so important to start this education early? Early exposure to environmental concepts helps children develop a lifelong connection to nature and an understanding of their role in protecting it.

Environmental education for kids goes beyond simply teaching facts about the Earth. It instills values, promotes critical thinking, and encourages active participation in environmental conservation. By engaging children in hands-on activities and experiments, we can spark their curiosity and inspire them to become stewards of the environment.

Benefits of Early Environmental Education

1. Develops environmental awareness and responsibility
2. Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills
3. Fosters a connection with nature
4. Promotes sustainable behaviors from a young age
5. Inspires future environmental leaders and innovators

How can we make environmental education engaging for children? The key is to use age-appropriate, hands-on activities that allow kids to explore and discover environmental concepts for themselves. Let’s explore some exciting experiments and activities suitable for different age groups.

Environmental Science Activities for Young Children

Introducing environmental concepts to young children requires a gentle, sensory-based approach. At this age, the goal is to foster a connection with nature and develop an appreciation for the environment. Here are some engaging activities suitable for young learners:

Nature Senses Detective

This activity encourages children to explore nature using all their senses. How does it work? Take children on a nature walk and ask them to focus on what they can see, hear, smell, and touch (with caution). Encourage them to describe their observations and discuss how different elements of nature appeal to different senses.

To extend the activity, collect natural items (with permission) and create a sensory guessing game. Can children identify objects using only one sense, such as touch or smell?

Homemade Seed Bombs

Creating seed bombs is a fun, hands-on way to teach children about plant growth and habitat restoration. What are seed bombs? They’re small balls made of clay, compost, and native plant seeds that can be tossed into areas needing revegetation.

To make seed bombs, mix equal parts clay soil and compost, add native plant seeds, and form small balls. Let them dry, then “plant” them by tossing them into suitable areas. This activity not only teaches about plant life cycles but also introduces the concept of rewilding and ecological restoration.

Intermediate Environmental Science Experiments

As children grow, they can engage in more complex environmental activities that introduce scientific concepts and environmental issues. These experiments help develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of ecological processes.

Water Pollution Experiment

This experiment demonstrates how pollutants affect water quality and aquatic life. How is it conducted? Fill several jars with clean water and add different “pollutants” to each (e.g., oil, soap, food coloring). Place a white carnation or celery stalk in each jar and observe how the plants absorb the pollutants over time.

Discuss how water pollution affects plants, animals, and ecosystems. Encourage students to brainstorm ways to prevent water pollution in their daily lives.

Composting in a Bottle

This long-term experiment teaches children about decomposition and nutrient cycling. How does it work? Create a mini compost system in a clear plastic bottle by layering soil, food scraps, and leaves. Observe the decomposition process over several weeks, discussing the role of microorganisms and the importance of composting in reducing waste.

Advanced Environmental Science Projects for Teens

Older students can engage in more sophisticated environmental science projects that involve data collection, analysis, and real-world applications. These activities help prepare teens for potential careers in environmental science and conservation.

Biodiversity Survey

Conducting a biodiversity survey introduces students to ecological research methods. How is it performed? Choose a local ecosystem (e.g., a park or school grounds) and use various techniques to survey plant and animal species. This may include quadrat sampling for plants, bird counts, or insect trapping.

Students can analyze their data to assess biodiversity levels and discuss factors affecting species distribution. This project can be extended to compare biodiversity in different habitats or track changes over time.

Carbon Footprint Analysis

This project helps students understand their personal impact on the environment and explore ways to reduce it. How is a carbon footprint calculated? Students can use online calculators or develop their own methods to estimate their carbon emissions from daily activities like transportation, energy use, and consumption habits.

Encourage students to propose and implement strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, then reassess after a set period. This project combines environmental science with math and personal responsibility.

Incorporating Technology in Environmental Science Education

In today’s digital age, technology can enhance environmental science education by providing new tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization. How can we integrate technology into environmental learning?

Citizen Science Apps

Numerous mobile apps allow students to contribute to real scientific research. Examples include iNaturalist for species identification and tracking, Globe Observer for cloud and land cover observations, and Water Quality app for monitoring local water sources.

These apps not only provide valuable data to researchers but also help students feel connected to larger scientific efforts and understand the importance of collective action in environmental conservation.

GIS Mapping Projects

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools for visualizing and analyzing environmental data. How can students use GIS in environmental science? They can create maps of local ecosystems, track changes in land use over time, or map pollution sources in their community.

Free online tools like Google Earth and ArcGIS Online make it possible for students to engage in sophisticated spatial analysis without expensive software. These projects develop valuable technical skills while providing insights into environmental patterns and issues.

Connecting Environmental Science to Real-World Issues

To make environmental science education truly impactful, it’s crucial to connect classroom learning to real-world environmental challenges. How can we bridge this gap? By incorporating current events, local environmental issues, and global challenges into our lessons and activities.

Case Studies of Environmental Challenges

Analyzing real-world case studies helps students understand the complexity of environmental issues and the need for multifaceted solutions. Select case studies that are relevant to your local area or current global concerns. For example:

• Local watershed management challenges
• Impacts of climate change on specific ecosystems
• Success stories in endangered species conservation
• Community-based renewable energy projects

Encourage students to research these cases, identify stakeholders, analyze proposed solutions, and develop their own recommendations. This approach develops critical thinking skills and helps students see the real-world applications of environmental science.

Environmental Action Projects

Engaging students in environmental action projects empowers them to make a tangible difference in their communities. What types of projects can students undertake? Here are some ideas:

1. Organizing a school or community recycling program
2. Creating a native plant garden to support local pollinators
3. Conducting an energy audit of the school and proposing efficiency improvements
4. Developing a public awareness campaign about a local environmental issue
5. Participating in or organizing local clean-up events for beaches, parks, or waterways

These projects not only apply environmental science concepts but also develop leadership, communication, and project management skills. They show students that they have the power to create positive environmental change.

Nurturing Environmental Stewardship Beyond the Classroom

Environmental education shouldn’t stop at the classroom door. How can we encourage ongoing environmental awareness and action? By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that extends into students’ daily lives and communities.

Family Involvement in Environmental Learning

Engaging families in environmental education reinforces learning and extends its impact. How can we involve families? Consider these approaches:

• Send home environmental challenge cards with simple activities families can do together
• Organize family nature nights or eco-fairs at school
• Encourage students to teach their families about environmental concepts they’ve learned
• Create a class or school environmental newsletter to share with families

By involving families, we create a supportive network that reinforces environmental values and behaviors beyond the school environment.

Connecting with Local Environmental Organizations

Partnering with local environmental groups can provide students with real-world learning opportunities and ongoing engagement in environmental issues. How can schools build these connections? Consider these strategies:

1. Invite guest speakers from local conservation organizations
2. Arrange field trips to nature centers, wildlife refuges, or sustainable businesses
3. Participate in community science projects led by local environmental groups
4. Collaborate on service-learning projects that benefit local ecosystems

These partnerships expose students to potential career paths in environmental fields and provide opportunities for meaningful community involvement.

By implementing these diverse approaches to environmental science education, we can nurture a generation of informed, passionate, and capable environmental stewards. From hands-on experiments to real-world projects and community engagement, these activities lay the foundation for a lifelong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable living.

Environmental Science Experiments and Activities for Kids

Studying the environment and how to overcome environmental problems is something every student should do. We all share this planet as our home, and it is up to all of us to become educated in the challenges facing it and how we need to change to protect it. Today we are sharing ideas for Environmental Science Experiments you can do with your students from elementary through high school.

Hands On Environmental Science for Students

What you will discover in this article!

Environmental Sciences was my original degree program when I first enrolled in University. I had always been passionate about wildlife management and conservation in particular, and it was my dream to work on protecting Canadian wildlife and their habitats as an environmental scientist. Sadly, after my second year I developed a number of severe health issues that forced me to change my degree program, but my passion for the environment has never waivered.

What is Environmental Science?

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field. What does that mean? It simply means that it brings together a number of different disciplines and studies to focus on one area, the environment. Specifically it integrates physics, biology, chemistry, and geography, ecology, chemistry, plant science, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology and physical geography, and atmospheric science. Certain environmental studies also integrate history, policy, politics, psychology, sociology and government studies. This is a very diverse field with a lot of demand as more and more we are focusing on finding ways to protect our planet.

Why is Environmental Science Important?

It is no secret, as societies have developed and grown throughout history, the impact on Earth and natural resources has not always been positive. For us to continue to develop and thrive on this planet it is important that we also focus on the environmental impacts of our actions.

Through environmental science studies, we see how our own health and the health of our environment are intertwined. We need to protect our planet to protect ourselves now and for future generations. Environmental science research and sustainable education for our students is crucial to keeping our ecosystems in balance, reversing damage done in the past, and preventing future damage and destruction.

Through environmental sciences we can find ways to continue to grow and thrive.

What do you learn in Environmental Sciences?

Environmental science is the study of nature, the environment, the planet, and everything living on this planet to identify and solve issues relating to the relationship we have with the natural world. It includes many subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology, oceanography, zoology and many more types of science, in order to inform our understanding of the Earth and how to protect it.

As you can see this field is extremely broad, so there are many, many activities we can do with our kids that can fall under the umbrella of Environmental Sciences and so we can start fostering that passion to protect our planet.

Environmental Science Experiments and Activities for Kids

In order to make the environment a priority, it is important that we start incorporating it into our children’s education from an early age. One of the best ways I have found to help raise Earth conscience kids with an understanding of environmental issues is by doing hands on activities that really make an impact. We can start this at a very early age by incorporating simple nature and eco-friendly activities into our lessons, then as students grow and mature, we can start doing more advanced experiments.

To simplify things I have started with the most simple environmental activities for young kids first, then gradually increase the complexity of the activities until we reach experiments for high schoolers. The goal is to keep the lessons about the environment age appropriate and to foster that curiosity and passion for learning how to care for planet Earth.

Ready to dive into Environmental Sciences with your kids? Let’s go!

Nature Senses Detective

In this Nature Senses Detective activity young kids start to connect with nature using their senses. They start by going out into nature and intentionally and consciously use all of their senses to explore things in nature. Then, using items they discover in nature, have them see if they an identify the items by using only one sense.

Rewilding and Homemade Seed Bombs

Native seeding is a wonderful way to rewild areas that have been damaged due to human activity. They are also a lot of fun for kids to make and use. We have two different ways of making seed bombs, plus instructions for making seed paper. Don’t forget to make a seed bomb launcher!

Layers of the Earth Activity

Although Environmental Sciences tends to focus only on the crust and atmosphere of our planet, it is important to also understand the inner workings and layers of Earth. Our favourite activity for exploring this is to make beautiful Layers of the Earth Soap. We also have a version where kids can make a Layers of the Ocean soap for an Ocean Sciences study.

Sky Science

The sky is something we all can see every day, but the colours of the sky varies depending on where you are and what time of day it is. It can be vibrant blue or pale blue, pink, orange and even red. These colours are caused by light moving through the atmosphere. In this Sky Science experiment we explore how particles in the atmosphere affect what colours we see in the sky.

Oil Spill Activity – How to clean up oil on water

This is a very simple oil spill cleanup experiment, but one that teaches an important lesson about oil spills and pollution in our oceans and waterways. All you need is a bowl of water, some oil (vegetable or baby oil all work fine), and a variety of tools to try and clean up the oil. Then challenge your students to try and clean up the oil.

Water Lab

Water pollution and safety is a concern all over the world. In this Water Lab experiment students will collect samples from a variety of locally available water sources, then run some simple tests to compare the samples.

Water Pollution Experiment

Water pollution has a big effect on living beings. Whether it is plants or animals. If it is alive on this planet, it requires water. So when water becomes polluted it can have a big effect on life. In this Water Pollution experiment we explore the effect of water pollution on plant life.

Weather Science

The weather is a big part of the study of the environment. There are a number of ways you can study the weather. Some rain related activities would be doing a water cycle experiment, building a rain gauge or creating a rain cloud in a jar.

Renewable Energy Activity – Build a Windmill

This activity has a wonderful book you can incorporate into a unit study, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. It is a true story of a boy who taught himself how to build windmills to bring energy to his village. It is available in a variety of formats for all age ranges. Then challenge your kids to build their own windmill.

Natural Energy Sources – Building Food Batteries

A fun activity to do with kids is learning about natural energy sources, such as building batteries out of food. In the past we have built Potato Batteries, Lemon Batteries and even Pumpkin Batteries. This is a great way to get kids thinking differently about energy.

Making Bioplastics

Plastic is a huge issue all over the world when it comes to environmental concerns. As part of studies into plastic, have your students learn how to make bioplastics. It is an incredible way to get hands on with this complex subject. Learn how to make bioplastics with Milk Plastic or Gelatin Plastic.

Acid Rain Experiment

Acid rain is a major environmental concern across the planet. The impact of acid rain on various ecosystems is well documented, but it may be difficult for students to understand. In this acid rain science experiment we see the impact of acid rain on plants. The results are impactful and highly educational.

Greenhouse Effect Experiment

This Greenhouse Effect experiment is probably one of my favourite of all time that I did with my older kids. My kids often ask about climate change as they seek to better understand what is happening on our planet. In this experiment they were able to get hands on and develop a much greater understanding of the principles behind the Greenhouse Effect.

Studying the environment is a very important part of every child’s education. We all need to understand how our activities are impacting Earth and how we can lessen any damage we are causing. We also need more change makers in this area. Innovative and creative individuals who think outside of the box and will discover better ways to address the environmental issues affecting us all.

Want more activities learning about the Earth? Check out our comprehensive guide to Earth Day Activities for Kids.

10 Free and Easy Earth Day Science Activities for Kids – Thoughtfully Sustainable

Looking to add some science to your Earth Day celebration this year? I’ve compiled 10 free and easy science activities that you can do at home or in a classroom that will have learners of all ages engaged and excited about sustainability!

This post contains affiliate links.

Earth Day is a fantastic time to celebrate the beauty and life-sustaining power of our amazing blue planet. It’s also a wonderful time to engage students of all ages in sustainability science activities to better understand how their actions can positively effect the Earth.

A Brief History of Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to promote environmental protection and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our planet’s natural resources. Here is a brief history of Earth Day:

In 1962, Rachel Carson published her book “Silent Spring,” which discussed the impact of pesticides on the environment and raised concerns about the harm humans were doing to the planet.

In 1969, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, a strong advocate for environmental issues, proposed a national teach-in on the environment to raise awareness about pollution and other environmental problems. He chose April 22nd as the date, because it fell between spring break and final exams, and he thought it would be a good time to mobilize students.

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated, with millions of Americans participating in rallies, marches, and other events to raise awareness about the need for environmental protection. The event helped to spur the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

Earth Day has since become a global event, with over 1 billion people in 192 countries participating in activities to promote environmental protection and sustainable living.

Earth Day Science Activities for Kids

As a former high school Chemistry teacher, I loved incorporating sustainability into my daily science lessons. Although I am no longer in a formal classroom, I am still passionate about creating science activities that are focused on sustainable living concepts, making the science behind eco-friendly living easy to understand. From in-person workshops to virtual homeschool groups, I’ve used the following activities to engage learners of all ages in discussions about sustainability. Here are a few of my favorite activities to incorporate into any Earth Day celebration.

1. Landfill Learning: The Science of Food Scrap Breakdown

Want a way to convince your kids to not waste their food? Or maybe you’re looking for a simple science experiment that visualizes what happens when food scraps get sent to a landfill? Whatever your objective, this easy Earth Day demonstration will have your entire audience a-”gas”t at the results. Pun obviously intended.

Explaining the Science Behind the Landfill Experiment

When food scraps get sent to a landfill, they will break down very slowly in the oxygen-lacking (anaerobic) environment by bacteria that do not require oxygen to survive. As the bacteria decompose the food, they create two greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide (CO₂)  and methane (CH₄).  Both CO₂ and CH₄ are very good at trapping heat, methane even more so, due to its chemical structure and its molecular lifespan in the atmosphere.  

For comparison’s sake, when food scraps are composted, they break down in an oxygenated (aerobic) environment by bacteria that require oxygen to survive. As these bacteria decompose food, they still create carbon dioxide, however they do not produce methane. Instead, they create water.

Free Landfill Learning Science Experiment Printable

To make this Earth Day science experiment even easier for you, download this free landfill learning printable that I created with my co-founder of Raising Global Kidizens.

2. Sustainable STEM Design Challenge Using Compostable Packaging

Starch packing peanuts aren’t just a terrific alternative to petroleum-based packaging, they’re also an excellent material for introducing the basics of architectural design and environmental engineering for Earth Day! Since these compostable packing peanuts are made of either cornstarch or potato starch, they become sticky when exposed to water. Their adhesive property, when wet, makes them a fantastic material to create a fun, family Earth Day challenge!

Materials Needed for the Sustainable STEM Design Challenge

• 30 compostable packing peanuts per person
• Water
• Piece of paper or cardboard to use as a base to build upon
• Quarter
• Ruler

Instructions for the Sustainable STEM Design Challenge

The instructions for the Earth Day sustainable STEM design challenge are simple. Students are asked to build the tallest, freestanding tower out of no more than 30 compostable packing peanuts. The packing peanut tower must be able to hold a quarter (or any object of similar size and weight) when placed on top of it.

Depending on the ages of your participants, you may want to first show them some pictures of various tall towers and ask them to look for similarities. See if they come up with the idea that, in order to increase the stability of the tower, the base must be the widest part.

Discussions to Have About the Sustainable STEM Design Challenge

This is a great alternative to the traditional family game night, and can spark insightful discussion on why the properties of materials must be considered when designing a product. Obviously, starch packing peanuts wouldn’t be a good choice for building a tower in real life, but they are an excellent replacement of the traditional styrofoam-like version. Take the challenge a step further and continue the discussion on sustainable building materials, or what constitutes a LEED certified building.

And at the end of the challenge, chuck the towers in your compost bin or dissolve them in water!

Free Sustainable STEM Design Challenge Workbook

Want a free, downloadable workbook to walk your learners through the STEM design challenge, along with the science behind petroleum versus starch packing peanuts? Simply enter your information below!

3. Upcycled Cardboard Tube Seedling Starters for Earth Day

Nothing says celebrating Earth Day like planting some seeds! But, why not make it a bit more meaningful and grow your own food? With these simple instructions, you can make your own seedling pots out of newspaper or toilet paper rolls and get growing ASAP!

Materials Needed for the Cardboard Tube Seedling Starters

Here is a simple list of materials that you’ll need to make the upcycled cardboard seedling starters.

• Toilet paper roll
• Scissors
• Newspaper or brown paper
• Rounded bottle or jar
• Tape
• Potting soil
• Seeds of your choice!

Instructions to Make the Cardboard Toilet Paper Roll Seedling Starters

These simple toilet paper roll seedling starters will take minutes to make and provide your learners with months of learning opportunities.

1. Make six to eight 1-2 cm cuts on one end of the toilet paper roll
2. Fold the cuts inward to create a makeshift bottom to the tube
3. Fill the tube halfway with potting soil
4. Plant your seed in the soil to the depth recommended on the seed packet
5. Water and place in a sunny spot

How to Care for your Seedlings Grown in Cardboard Tubes

When your seedlings are well established (at least 1-2 pairs of leaves have formed) simply bury your upcycled pot in the soil outside and continue to watch your plant grow! Due to the fact that newspaper, brown paper and toilet paper tubes are compostable, there’s no need to remove the plant from the pot prior to planting!

If your family likes pizza, you may want to consider planting a pizza garden! My friend Jen at Honestly Modern will tell you everything you need to know to grow the essentials for a pizza garden, like parsley, basil and tomatoes, and the companion gardening tricks behind these delicious edibles!

4.

Play Sustainability Bingo for Earth Day

Introduce your community to sustainable living habits through the classic game of bingo! Composting, eating leftovers, reducing energy consumption, and planting a garden are just some of the 30+ examples provided in this fun family favorite. I’ve created a free printable includes 30 different game boards and two sheets of calling cards and is perfect for classrooms, birthday parties, and community events of all ages. Download your free copy of Sustainability Bingo here!

5. Learn About the Chemistry of Composting + Free Bingo Game

The chemistry behind composting is pretty amazing science. Teaching kids about composting is a fantastic way to incorporate chemistry and environmental science into an eco-friendly Earth Day lesson. Discover how to explain the chemistry of composting to kids with a free, printable activity in English and Spanish.

Once you’ve covered the basics of composting, review the concepts by playing a bingo game focused on composting! Over at Raising Global Kidizens, we created a simple, fun, and free What To Compost BINGO game to highlight all sorts of items that you can compost. We’ve used it with learners of all ages from preschool students to grandparents. BINGO is a game for all ages and composting is important for everyone too!

If you want to play our ‘What To Compost’ BINGO for Earth Day (or any day), drop your email in the form below and we’ll send it right along to your inbox. The download includes 50 unique BINGO cards as well as a sheet with all the items to call out to players. We glued our items to the back of a cracker box before cutting them out to help make them a bit more durable, but do whatever works best for you.

6. Free Composting Coloring Page Printable

Are you searching for an additional educational activity that can help kids better understand the basic concepts of composting? Download a free composting coloring page to teach them about materials that can be composted!

7. Questions and Answers About Climate Change

Having discussions about climate change may seem daunting. You want to make sure you understand the major concepts while remembering a host of facts and figures. Let me be the first to tell you that memorizing the details of global temperature rise or occurrences of inland flooding events and wildfires isn’t necessary. I’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about climate change, along with some helpful responses in an effort to help you have a better understanding of climate change and be able to communicate this information to your children, your students, or anyone that’s willing to engage in conversation with you!

8. The Power of Plants: Visualizing Photosynthesis

There’s no better time than Earth Day to celebrate the life-sustaining power of plants. From their absorption of carbon dioxide to their creation of oxygen, plants play a vital role in heathy ecosystems across the globe.

Looking for a science experiment that visualizes how the process of photosynthesis works? Check out this simple outdoor science project that requires very few materials and can be done at home or school!

9. Explore Acids and Bases with Cabbage Juice Chemistry

Do your learners ever ask you to “make potions”? I don’t know if it’s due to the influx of magical-themed television shows and books in our home, or just an innate curiosity about the world around us, but my kids LOVE to mix up concoctions of all types. As a former Chemistry teacher, I secretly adore their inquisitive nature and have capitalized on their interests to introduce some basic chemistry principles using cabbage juice.

Yes, that’s correct, I said cabbage juice. Read on to learn about how this vegetable can be used as a natural indicator for exploring acid and base chemistry.

10: Visualizing Air Quality + Free Bilingual Printable

Looking for a simple way to visualize air quality with your kids? Try this science experiment that can be done at home or in a classroom to investigate indoor and outdoor air quality. This bilingual, hands-on activity comes with a free, multi-paged printable to guide your learners throught the science invesigation, written in both English and Spanish. Click here to learn more.

More Ideas to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids

Two of my friends have also compiled some pretty awesome activities for Earth Day. Be sure to check them out:

Honestly Modern

Reduce Reuse Renew

Abstract of the lesson on the topic “Ecology”

MUNICIPAL
BUDGET INSTITUTION

ADDITIONAL
EDUCATION

“STATION
YOUNG NATURALISTS

CITIES
MAKEEVKI

Abstract
classes on the topic

“Ecology
– environmental science. Organism and environment»

Prepared by:

Karpova V.K.

group leader

“Young Valeologists”

Lesson topic: “ Ecology is the science of the environment.
Organism and Environment”

Purpose
classes:

Educational:
create conditions for mastering information about
the subject of study of ecology, its tasks, the impact on organisms of abiotic
factors, adaptability of organisms to their effects; promote
the formation of the process of determining whether factors belong to a certain
group; provide the necessary conditions for the formation of skills to work
with images, texts, tables, as well as for feedback
with students in non-standard game situations;

Developmental:
develop mental operations (comparison, generalization, classification,
analysis), to form informational and communicative competences.

Educational:
form ecological ideas;

Equipment:
multimedia projector, computer, presentation (application 1),
images for the classification of environmental factors (Appendix 2),
printed tasks for independent work of students (appendices 3, 4),
animation “Abiotic factors”.

Class progress:

I.
Organizational moment:

Club members enter the office, take tokens and
sit in groups at the tables on which lies the token they have chosen. On
blackboard the topic of the section and the topic of the lesson.

1. Game exercise “Give me a word.”

2. Solution of biological
tasks.

II. Knowledge update:

1.
Word
teacher.

–
Guys, let’s remember what we talked about in the previous lessons.

(On
in previous lessons we talked about natural areas)

–
Name the natural areas with which we met.

(Arctic
desert, tundra, forest, steppe, forest-steppe)

–
Now we will check how you have learned the material covered.

Do you have
On the desks are leaflets with tasks that need to be completed now.

(Jobs
differentiated)

I
variant

1.
Mark the animals that live in the arctic desert: polar bear, northern
deer, fox, seal, walrus.

Mark
animals of the forest zone: elk, snowy owl, flying squirrel, marten, ground squirrel.

2.
Get to know the natural area:

This is
treeless swampy plain in the north of our country. Nature is harsh here.
Winter is cold with strong winds, lasts 8-9months. Summer is short and
cold. The earth freezes to a great depth.

Answer:
______________________________________

This
zone – endless plains, treeless expanses. It’s a long, hot summer here
short winter. In summer, there are often strong winds – dry winds. The soils are fertile. Their
are called blacks.

Answer: __________________________________________

II
variant

1.
Mark the animals that live in the tundra: arctic fox, ptarmigan, lemming, white
bear, reindeer.

Mark
steppe animals: deer, bustard, saiga, hamster, squirrel.

2.
Explore the natural area:

This
the zone is the realm of snow and ice. In winter – polar night, in summer – polar day. From –
behind the harsh natural conditions there is no indigenous population.

Answer:
___________________________________________

This
the largest natural zone of Donbass. rich and varied animal and
vegetable world. The main part of the region’s population lives here.

Answer:
______________________________________

III.
Work on the topic of the lesson

1.
The negative impact of human activities on the environment.

–
Studying natural zones, we talked about the occupations of the population of these zones. And who will remember
what conclusion have we always come to? (Human economic activity
has a negative impact on the environment)

2.
Solving biological (environmental) problems based on
previous knowledge.

1. Known real historical
the fact that clover brought to Australia did not produce seeds. What do you think with
what was it connected with? (Students make guesses).

Answer. Clover didn’t give
seeds, as there were no bumblebees pollinating this plant in Australia. When people
brought insects, the problem of clover reproduction was solved.

Explain which links
set between bumblebees and clover?

Answer. Relationships Are Mutually Beneficial: Bumblebees
clover is pollinated, and it reproduces, and the bumblebee receives clover nectar for food.

2.
Remember
and explain how cacti adapt to drought tolerance?

Answer. Cacti have long roots
allowing to get water from the deep horizons of the soil, leaves – spines have
small surface and evaporate a small amount of water, stem
contains water-retaining fabric.

3. After deforestation
the growing mosses and ferns disappeared, although no one touched them. Explain
Why?

Answer. Mosses and ferns grow in
shady damp places under the canopy of trees. Deforestation has deprived them
favorable living conditions /

All tasks we have solved are
ecological.

III. Message topic and purpose
classes.

Today
At the lesson we will talk about the environmental problems of our country.

IV.
Learning new material.

1.
Story
teacher.

V
At present, we know how primitive people lived, how they looked, what
were doing. Who told us about it? (They told about the life of the first people
archaeologists, they excavate and restore once
past events)

–
The life of ancient people depended on the vagaries of the surrounding nature.

–
If there was a drought or a forest fire, or the hunt was unsuccessful, then they were threatened
hunger. Therefore, our distant ancestors bowed before the forces of nature and took from
nature only the essentials for life.

But with
over time, man decided that he did not depend on nature, that he was stronger than her, and even
decided to conquer nature with the help of technology.

2. Conversation.

What did this subjugation lead to? (Conquest
nature has led to water and air pollution, soil destruction, forest destruction,
extinction of many species of plants and animals).

– Can a person dominate
nature? (No, such dominance can destroy her).

– Who is a person in relation to
nature? (He is part of nature).

3. Introduction to
the concept of “ecology”.

– How
think about whether the planet can get sick?

–
It turns out it can. This is exactly what happened to the Earth through the fault of man. On the planet
environmental problems have arisen, on the solution of which the fate of everything depends.
Today in the lesson we will talk about it.

– But
First, let’s define what is ecology? (Answers of children)

– Ecology
is an environmental science that studies the life of various organisms in
environment where everything living and non-living around us interacts.

Eikos
– dwelling, house; “logos” – science, knowledge. Introduced the word “ecology” in German
scientist E. Haeckel in 1866.

4.
homeland problems.

Some environmental problems and causes
their occurrence.

There are many environmental problems, but
In today’s lesson, we’ll look at some of them.

– air pollution

– loss of forests

– water pollution
who helped me prepare the presentation. (Children present the material according to
slides shown)

Air pollution

– If without food and water a person can
live a few days, then without air, only a few minutes. Not by chance
American scientist L. J. Battan – wrote: “One of two things: either people will do so,
that there will be less smoke in the air, or the smoke will make it so that the earth will become
less people”.

The following causes are considered
air pollution:

– automobile exhaust

– industrial air emissions

– smoking

– radiation hazard

Forest destruction

Forest is the “lungs” of our planet.

The following causes of death are being considered
forests:

– forest depletion by excessive
cuttings

– forest fires

– garbage dumps

Water pollution

Life starts with water!

“Water was given the magical power to become
the sap of life on earth.”

Leonardo da Vinci.

The following causes are considered
water pollution:

– pollution with fuels and lubricants
substances

– various garbage

– industrial waste

5. Consequences of environmental pollution.

Consequences of environmental pollution:

– death of the animal world,

– infection and death of the environment
environment by radioactive substances,

– mutilation of the human body,

– violation of the ecosystem.

We
considered some environmental problems of our country. What should be done
to solve them?

6. Environmental Protection measures.

– What do you think, can one person
cope with such serious problems? (No, everyone needs to work hard here
people).

–
Yes, environmental protection is the task of all mankind.

7. Reading and discussion
articles “International cooperation
for the protection of nature”.

Children
are reading the article.

– O
what international organizations did you learn from this article? (This is Greenpeace and ”
International Union for Conservation of Nature”)

– Than
are they doing?

–
In addition to the international organizations mentioned in the article, there is the World Fund
wildlife, the main purpose of which is the conservation of biological
diversity of the earth.

Main
the purpose of these organizations is to achieve a solution to global environmental problems, in
including by drawing the attention of the public and authorities to them.

8. Physical education minute.

“We are flying under the clouds”

We are flying under the clouds,

And the earth is floating under us:

Grove, field, garden and river,

Both houses and little men. (Wave
hands like wings.)

We are tired of flying something,

Landed in a swamp. (Some
deep squats.)

And rustles among the branches.

Snow is flying, flying, flying. (Rotation
body to the right and left.)

A bunny jumps along the edge of the forest,

Like a white soft ball.

One jump and two jump –

So our friend disappeared! (Jumping.)

Although it’s nice to ride here,

I need to practice again. (Children
sit down at the tables.)

We turn our heads,

As if firmly answering:

“No, I won’t, I don’t want to!”

Children can do it.

(Head rotation
right and left.)

9. Reflection

1.
Was
it would be nice if …

2.
Lesson
I liked it, but I would like more…

3.
Me
I was especially surprised and struck by the fact that…

4.
What
gave me today’s lesson…

5.
Was
it would be better if…

V. Generalization and systematization
learned material.

1. Operation
with “case”.

Please listen to status information
ecology on the planet at the present time (the case is read out).

Case questions:

1.
Which
Are there problems in this situation?

2.
What
is the central problem of this case?

3.
Which
Can you suggest rational methods to solve this problem?

2. Pig in a Poke Game

Game
is group-based and takes place at a fast pace. For her organization
Students are grouped into 3 teams. Players of different teams in turn
answer the questions, after answering the teacher demonstrates the correct answer to the
slide and voice it orally. Question choice is provided
team members. Each team has 5 questions to answer.
One question is a reserve, the answer to it is given by the first applicant. Every one is right
the answer brings to the “piggy bank” of the teams one point each.

Question 1. What rays
warm living organisms? (Infrared rays warm organisms.)

Question 2. Which groups
shared by environmental factors? (Factors are divided into: abiotic, biotic,
anthropogenic.)

Question 3. To what
spruce should be attributed to the ecological group in relation to light? (Spruce –
shade-tolerant plant.)

Question 4. What is
meaning of visible light? (It is necessary for plant photosynthesis and orientation to
animal terrain.)

Question 5. Than
Are cold-blooded animals different from warm-blooded animals?

(Body temperature of cold-blooded animals,
unlike warm-blooded, it depends on the ambient temperature.)

Question 6. When the temperature
sparrow bodies are higher: in winter or summer? (The body temperature of a sparrow is the same according to
seasons of the year, since it is a warm-blooded animal).

Question 7. Which
environmental factor causes the formation of vitamin D in the skin? Give
detailed response. (Vitamin D is formed under the action of long-wavelength
ultraviolet rays of the sun.)

Question 8. Please specify
adaptation of camel thorn to lack of moisture. (At the camel’s thorn
very long roots extending to a depth of 15
meters.)

Question 9. How do rodents in
desert adapt to lack of moisture? (Desert rodents get moisture
together with food and during the dry period they fall into hibernation.)

Question 10.
go without water? (The fat that accumulates in a camel in 1-2 humps serves
source of water.)

Question 11. List the known abiotic
factors. (Light, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, relief,
content of gases and minerals, background radiation).

Question 12. Why is this image considered
“ecological?” (There are two organisms in the photo: a bumblebee and a clover enter into
mutually beneficial relationships, and relationships are the subject of ecology. )

Question 13. Than shade-loving
Are plants different from shade tolerant ones? (Shade-loving plants, unlike
shade-tolerant, generally can not stand strong lighting.)

Question 14. Which environmental group in relation to
plants of open spaces belong to light: fields, meadows? (Plants
open spaces belong to the group of photophilous plants.)

Question 15. What
ecological factor arose with the advent of mankind? (With the appearance
humanity, the anthropogenic factor arose).

Question 16. What is ecology? (Ecology is the science of
relationships of organisms with the environment.)

VI. Summing up the lesson.

1. Conversation.

Card No. 1 (question-concept). Application for
score “3” – 5–6 points, “4” – 7–8 points, “5”
– 9 points.

1.
What is called ecology?
(0.5 points.)

2.
What counts as an item
ecology? (0. 5 points.)

3.
What is meant by
environmental issues? (0.5 points.)

4.
What is environment
Wednesday? (0.5 points.)

5.
What do express ecological
factors? (0.5 points.)

6.
What is basis
to classify factors? (1 point)

2.
Poem.

I want to finish our lesson
B. Zakhoder’s poem “About everyone in the world”:

Everything, everything in the world – everyone is needed in the world!

And midges are no less needed than elephants:.

You can’t do without ridiculous monsters,

And even without evil and ferocious predators!

Everyone in the world is needed! Need everyone
in a row –

Who makes honey and who makes poison.

A cat and a mouse are in bad business,

A mouse is no better off without a cat.

Yes, if we are not friendly with someone –

We still really need each other.

And if someone is superfluous to us
it seems,

Then this, of course, will turn out to be a mistake.

VII. Task to prepare for the next
occupation.

Prepare
a message about one of the environmental factors or a series of photographs about
positive and negative human impact on the environment.

Literature

1.
Belik E.V., Vodolazskaya T.I. Nature management – M .: CJSC
“BAO-PRESS”, 2004. – 896 p.

2.
Denisova V.V. Ecology: Textbook – 2nd ed. revised and additional
– M .: ICC “MaRT”, 2004. – 672 p.

3.
Novikov Yu.V. Ecology, Environment and Man: Textbook
for students, – 2nd ed. revised and additional – M.: FAIR-PRESS, 2002. -560 p.

4.
6. Petrov K.M. General ecology. Interaction of society and nature:
Textbook for universities – 3rd ed. revised and additional – St. Petersburg: Chemistry, 2002. -356
With.

5.
7. Protasov V.F. “Ecology, health and environmental protection in
Russia “- M .: Publishing House Finance and Statistics, 2003.- 345 p.

environment for children

Your horoscope for tomorrow

What is the environment?

The environment is everything that surrounds us. Everything that surrounds us, including air, soil, water, plants and animals, constitutes the environment.

earth
Source: NASA. Biomes and ecosystems

Plants and animals need a healthy environment to survive. An ecosystem is an area where living organisms interact in specific ways with their local environment in order to survive. When ecosystems are damaged by humans, some living organisms may not survive. A biome is a large group of similar ecosystems such as desert, savanna, and rainforest.

Biomes and ecosystems
Desert

Grasslands
Savannah
Tundra
Rainforest
Temperate forest
Taiga Forest
marine
Fresh water
Coral reef

What is environmental science?

Environmental science is the study of the environment and how the earth works. Environmental scientists often study how humans have affected the Earth’s environment and how we can reduce humans’ impact on the environment.

Environmental scientists study things like the atmosphere, oceans, geology, habitats, and ecology.

Nutrient cycles

The Earth’s environment constantly recycles nutrients so they can be used by different parts of the environment. These cycles are essential for the existence of living organisms. Some important cycles include the water cycle, the nitrogen cycle, the carbon cycle, the oxygen cycle, and the food chain.

Food chain and Internet
Carbon cycle
Oxygen cycle
Water cycle
Nitrogen cycle

Environmental problems

Human activities have created many environmental problems due to land, water and air pollution. Part of environmental science is to determine how the environment has been damaged and then work on ways to restore it.

Ground pollution
Air pollution
Water pollution
Ozone layer
Recycling
Global warming

Renewable energy

Renewable energy is one of the important aspects of environmental restoration. Renewable energy uses energy sources that cannot be “used”. Instead of burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil, renewable energy uses energy sources such as wind and solar.

Renewable energy
Biomass Energy
Geothermal energy
Hydropower
Solar energy
Wave and tidal energy
Wind energy

Other subjects

Other subjects that may be of interest in environmental studies include:

Atmosphere
Climate
Weather
Erosion
Ocean waves and currents
Ocean tides
Ice age
Forest fires

Interesting facts about the environment

• In 2014, about 258 million tons of garbage were produced in the United States. About 89 million tons of this garbage has been recycled or composted.
• By recycling 89 million tons of garbage, carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 181 million metric tons.
• In 2015, about 67% of the electricity generated in the United States came from burning fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and oil.