PennEnvironment releases parent resource: 50 environmental activities kids can do at home

Offers easy-to-do endeavors perfect for Earth Day and teacher curriculum ideas

PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center

[Pennsylvania]–To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, PennEnvironment has released a list of “Fifty environmental activities kids can do at home” as a resource for families across the state. With Pennsylvania schools physically closed for the remainder of the school year in order to promote social distancing during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the set of activities provided by PennEnvironment offers a broad array of easy-to-do endeavors for Earth Day and beyond. 

For teachers looking for curriculum ideas, the organization is also providing specific Earth Day materials as well.

“School closures and social distancing make it impossible to have the type of celebration that 50 years of Earth Day deserves,” said David Masur, PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center’s Executive Director, “But that doesn’t mean families can’t embrace worthwhile options for their kids. Our activities offer enjoyable learning opportunities that do not require interaction with others outside the home.”

The list, which links to further information on subjects throughout is broken down into six different areas: Learn about solutions to climate change; learn about ways to reduce waste; learn about plants; learn about waterways, parks and conservation; learn about and protect birds, bees and other wildlife; and create a healthier home and community.

Activities range from making your own solar oven from a pizza box to creating a bird feeder out of an apple, peanut butter and birdseed. Educational opportunities vary from calculating your family’s carbon footprint to taking a virtual tour of Yellowstone National Park.

In addition, the group has created a series of virtual Earth Day curriculum ideas for teachers. These materials feature a number of online classroom-friendly options, including specially produced videos for all academic age groups — kindergarten to third; grades fourth to sixth; and grades seventh to 12th.

At the same time, PennEnvironment is also engaging Pennsylvanians of all ages in 50 Climate Actions to help celebrate the anniversary of Earth Day with strong calls for climate action across the state. Activities range from collecting renewable energy petitions, taking “Pets for Climate Action” photo petitions, writing letters to the editor, and attending a series of climate-themed webinars.

“Whether students are virtually learning through their schools or parents are looking for activities to help their kids discover more about the natural world around them, we’ve aimed to provide tools to help make the most of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day,” Masur said.  

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The PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment. For more information, visit www.pennenvironmencenter.org.