Lesson & Activities - Earth Day: Understanding, Protecting, and Celebrating Our Amazing Planet
- 19 hours ago
- 17 min read
✦ This lesson includes these sections:
☞ PART 1 - What Is Earth Day?
☞ PART 2 - When Does Earth Day Take Place?
☞ PART 3 - The Importance Of Earth Day
☞ PART 4 - How Did Earth Day Originate?
☞ PART 5 - A Worldwide Commitment To The Earth
☞ PART 6 - How Do Schools Observe Earth Day
☞ PART 7 - Earth Day: Small Action, Big Impact
☞ LISTENING - Earth Day
☞ PART 8 - 4 Important Environmental Issues
☞ PART 9 - Pollution
☞ VIDEO - Pollution Video
☞ PART 10 - Deforestation
☞ VIDEO - Deforestation Video
☞ PART 11 - Global Warming
☞ VIDEO - Global Warming Video
☞ PART 12 - Carbon Footprint
☞ VIDEO - Carbon Footprint Video
☞ ACTIVITY 1 - Comprehension Narration Activity
☞ POLL - Which Environmental Issue Is Important To You?
☞ PART 13 - Reduce - Reuse - Recycle Explained
☞ PART 14 - Why Should We Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
☞ ACTIVITY 2 - Reduce - Reuse - Recycle Matching Activity
☞ PART 15 - The History Of Canada's Recycling Program
☞ LISTENING - The History Of Canada's Recycling Program
☞ PART 16 - The Different Journeys Of Three Plastic Bottles
☞ VIDEO - The Lifecycle Of A Plastic Bottle
☞ PART 17 - What Does Decompose Mean?
☞ PART 18 - Decomposition Chart
☞ ACTIVITY 3 - How Long Does It Take To Decompose
☞ PART 19 - Concluding Thoughts
☞ QUIZ - Test Your Knowledge
✦ Click on each section from above to see it ↑
✦ Click on each title box from below to get back here ↓
Earth Day: Understanding, Protecting, and Celebrating Our Amazing Planet
Speaking Activity
Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See some possible answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. What is Earth Day?
"Earth Day is a time to think about how we treat the planet. It reminds me that small actions can help the environment."
2. Why do you think Earth Day is important?
"I think Earth Day is important because it helps people learn about environmental problems and encourages them to take action."
3. What environmental problems do you think affect your area the most?
"In my area, pollution and waste are big problems. There are too many cars, and not everyone recycles."
4. What can people do at home to protect the environment?
"People can reduce waste, reuse items, recycle more, and save water and electricity."
5. What is one habit you would like to change to help the planet?
"I would like to use less plastic and bring reusable bags when I go shopping."
Writing Activity
Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Learn the definitions of each word.
Important Words - Exploring March Break
reminder
growth
environment
action
pollution
climate change
volunteer
deforestation
global warming
carbon footprint
reduce
reuse
recycle
decompose
Earth Day: Understanding, Protecting, and Celebrating Our Amazing Planet
Instructions:
Read the following text.
Listen to the audio files.
Complete the activities within the lesson.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
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What Is Earth Day?
Earth Day is a powerful reminder that the Earth is not just the place where we live, but a living system that supports all life. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, everything comes from nature. Earth Day encourages people to think carefully about how their choices affect the planet and what they can do to protect it.
When Does Earth Day Take Place?
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22. This date was chosen because it falls in spring, a season of new beginnings and growth. During spring, trees grow leaves, flowers bloom, and animals become more active. April 22 reminds people that the Earth is alive and needs care, respect, and protection not just on one day, but every day of the year.
The Importance Of Earth Day
Earth Day is important because it helps people understand how human actions affect the planet. Problems like pollution and climate change often happen slowly, so they can be easy to ignore. Earth Day raises awareness and encourages people to change their habits before serious damage happens. When people learn more, they are more likely to protect nature for future generations.
How Did Earth Day Originate?
Earth Day began in 1970 in the United States. It was started by Senator Gaylord Nelson, who wanted people to learn about environmental problems like pollution and dirty water. The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, and about 20 million people took part. Over time, Earth Day grew bigger. By 1990, it had become a global event. Today, Earth Day involves governments, organizations, and schools, and it focuses on many issues such as climate change, recycling, and protecting nature.
A Worldwide Commitment to the Earth
Today, Earth Day is observed in more than 190 countries, making it one of the largest environmental movements in the world. Countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and South Africa take part. Each country celebrates Earth Day in its own way, based on its culture and environmental challenges, but they all share the same goal of protecting the planet.
How Do Schools Observe Earth Day
Schools often celebrate Earth Day with activities that help students learn about caring for the environment. Teachers may plan lessons about recycling, pollution, and climate change. Many schools organize schoolyard clean-ups where students pick up litter and learn why keeping spaces clean is important. Some schools plant gardens or trees on school property. Assemblies, poster contests, and eco‑clubs also help students learn that even small actions can make a big difference for the Earth.
Earth Day: Small Actions, Big Impact
Overall, Earth Day reminds everyone that caring for the planet is a shared responsibility. It teaches us that small actions, like recycling, saving energy, and picking up litter, can make a big difference. By working together and making thoughtful choices each day, we can help create a healthier Earth for future generations.
Earth Day
Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the audio file.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio file.
Earth Day
4 Important Environmental Issues
Environmental problems affect people, animals, and the planet every day. Many of these issues are caused by human actions and can have serious effects if they are ignored.
There are four important environmental issues that need our attention right away:
By understanding what these problems are, how they happen, and what could occur if they continue, people can learn why caring for the Earth is important and how everyday choices can make a difference.
Environmental Issue #1
Pollution
Explanation: Pollution happens when harmful substances are released into the air, water, or land. This can include smoke from cars and factories, plastic waste in rivers, and chemicals in the soil. Pollution can make people sick and damage plants and animals. It also affects drinking water and the air we breathe. Reducing pollution means using less plastic, recycling, and choosing cleaner ways to travel.
Examples of Pollution
Example #1: Smoke from cars and buses that makes the air dirty.
Example #2: Plastic bottles and bags floating in rivers and lakes.
Example #3: Chemicals from factories leaking into the soil.
Example #4: Oil spills that harm fish and sea birds.
Example #5: Litter left in parks, schoolyards, and streets.
What Could Happen If Pollution Continues
Consequences: If pollution continues to increase, the air, water, and land will become more dangerous for living things. People may suffer more health problems, such as breathing illnesses and unsafe drinking water. Animals could lose clean habitats, and many plants may not survive in polluted soil. Rivers and lakes could become too dirty to support fish, and cities may become harder places to live. Over time, pollution could seriously harm both human life and nature.
Pollution Video
Environmental Issue #2
Deforestation
Explanation: Deforestation is the cutting down of large areas of forests. Trees are often removed to make space for farms, roads, or buildings. When forests disappear, animals lose their homes and people lose clean air. Trees also help control the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. Without enough trees, the Earth becomes warmer, and the natural balance is lost.
Examples of Deforestation
Example #1: Cutting down forests to build new roads and cities.
Example #2: Clearing trees to create farmland for crops or animals.
Example #3: Logging large areas for paper and wood products.
Example #4: Burning forests to make space for buildings.
Example #5: Removing trees that animals need for shelter and food.
What Could Happen If Deforestation Continues
Consequences: If deforestation continues, large areas of the Earth could lose their forests forever. Many animals would lose their homes and could become extinct. Without trees to absorb carbon dioxide, the climate would become warmer and less stable. Soil could wash away more easily, causing floods and poor farmland. People would also lose clean air, making life harder for future generations. Have a look at the poster below, which shows how many trees are/were on earth.
How Many Trees Are/Were on Earth?
Around The Year 1900
Around 1900, the Earth had about 4 trillion trees. Forests covered large areas of the planet, but deforestation had already started in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Trees were cut down to build cities, farms, and industries. Forest loss increased quickly during the 20th century.
Around The Year 1950
By 1950, the number of trees had dropped to about 3.5 trillion. After World War II, forests were cleared faster than before. More land was needed for farming, roads, and homes. Logging also increased to meet growing demands.
Around The Year 2000
Around 2000, there were about 3.1 trillion trees left. Deforestation has become a global problem. Scientists used satellite images to track forest loss, especially in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Many people became concerned about the environment.
Around The Year 2025
In 2025, the Earth had about 3.0 trillion trees. Each year, around 15 billion trees were cut down, while only 5 billion are replanted. This means forests continue to shrink every year. The loss of trees puts ecosystems at risk.
Around The Year 3000
If Deforestation Continues at the Current Rate
If deforestation continues at the same rate, very few forests may remain by the year 3000. Only small protected areas could survive. This would cause serious problems for the climate, animals, and people. This is why protecting forests now is very important.
Deforestation Video
Environmental Issue #3
Global Warming
Explanation: Global warming is the slow increase in the Earth’s average temperature. It happens because gases like carbon dioxide trap heat in the atmosphere. These gases come from burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. Global warming causes melting ice, rising sea levels, and extreme weather like heat waves and floods. It affects people, animals, and ecosystems all over the world.
Signs and Examples of Global Warming
Example #1: Hotter summers and more frequent heat waves.
Example #2: Melting glaciers and ice caps in cold regions.
Example #3: Rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities.
Example #4: More floods, droughts, and extreme storms.
Example #5: Changes in animal habitats due to warmer temperatures.
What Could Happen If Global Warming Continues
Consequences: If global warming becomes more severe, temperatures around the world will continue to rise. Ice caps and glaciers will melt faster, causing sea levels to rise and flood coastal areas. Extreme weather, such as heat waves, storms, floods, and droughts, will become more common. These changes could damage homes, farms, and ecosystems. Many people and animals may struggle to survive in changing climates.
Global Warming Video
Environmental Issue #4
Carbon Footprint
Explanation: A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases a person, family, or activity creates. Everyday actions such as driving a car, using electricity, and eating imported food increase a carbon footprint. Even small choices can add up over time. Reducing a carbon footprint can include walking instead of driving, saving energy, and using reusable items to help protect the planet.
Carbon Footprint Examples
Example #1: Driving a car every day instead of walking or biking.
Example #2: Using a lot of electricity for lights, screens, and appliances.
Example #3: Flying on airplanes for vacations or travel.
Example #4: Eating food that is shipped from faraway countries.
Example #5: Using single‑use plastics instead of reusable items.
What Could Happen If Carbon Footprints Stay High
Consequences: If people continue to increase their carbon footprints, more greenhouse gases will be released into the atmosphere. This will trap more heat and make global warming worse. Energy use, transportation, and waste will continue to harm the environment. Future generations may face fewer natural resources and more environmental problems. Reducing carbon footprints is important to protect the planet and create a healthier future.
Carbon Footprint Video
Listening, Reading & Writing Practice
Environmental Issues
Narration Comprehending Activity
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 4.
Listen and then read the 4 narrations.
Use the poster - Environmental Issues, and decide which type of environmental issue matches each narration.
Practice your writing by writing the type of environmental issue next to each number on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each narration.
Environmental Issues
Narration Comprehension Activity
Narration A
Speaker A: “Every morning, I smell something unpleasant when I open my window. The river nearby used to be clear, but now it looks dark and oily. Cars fill the streets all day, and smoke rises into the sky from factories. People throw plastic bottles on the ground, and they often end up in the water. I worry about what we are breathing and drinking, and how it affects our health.” Which environmental issue does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Pollution
Narration B
Speaker B: “When I was younger, there was a forest near my home where birds nested and animals hid among the trees. Now, when I walk there, I mostly see empty land and wide roads. Large machines arrived first, followed by trucks carrying away huge logs. Without the trees, the soil washes away when it rains, and the air feels hotter and drier. It feels like something important has disappeared, and it may never come back.” Which environmental issue does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Deforestation
Narration C
Speaker C: “I never thought much about my daily habits until I learned how they add up. I drive short distances instead of walking, eat food that travels long distances, and use electricity almost all day. Even charging my phone and watching videos uses energy. All these actions release gases into the air. I realized that my lifestyle leaves a mark on the planet, even if I don’t see it directly.” Which environmental issue does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Carbon Footprint
Narration D
Speaker D: “Over the years, winters have become shorter, and summers feel much hotter than before. Ice in cold regions is melting, and sea levels are rising. Farmers are struggling because weather patterns are changing, with more floods and droughts. Scientists warn that if temperatures continue to rise, many animals and communities will be at risk.” Which environmental issue does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Global Warming
Take Our Poll
Which Environmental Issue Is Important To You?
Which environmental issue do you think is the most important?
Pollution
Deforestation
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Three Simple Ways to Help the Earth:
Reduce - Reuse - Recycle
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle are three important actions that help protect the environment.
Reduce: means using fewer resources and creating less waste, such as turning off lights, buying only what you need, and choosing products with less packaging.
Reuse: means using items again instead of throwing them away, like refilling a water bottle, using cloth bags, or donating clothes.
Recycle: means sorting materials such as paper, plastic, metal, and glass so they can be made into new products.
Why Should We Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle?
We should reduce, reuse, and recycle because these actions help protect the environment and save natural resources.
Reducing helps lower waste and saves energy by using fewer materials.
Reusing helps keep useful materials out of landfills and reduces the need to make new products.
Recycling turns old materials into new ones, which lowers pollution and conserves resources like trees, water, and minerals.
When we reduce, reuse, and recycle, we help keep our Earth cleaner and healthier for us and for future generations.
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Reading & Writing Practice
Reduce - Reuse - Recycle
Matching Exercise
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 12.
Read the 12 situations.
Use the poster - Reduce, Reuse & Recycle, and decide which situation matches which situation.
Practice your writing by writing Reduce, Reuse, or Recycle next to each number on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each situation.
Reduce - Reuse - Recycle
Matching Activity
Situation #1: Maria sorts paper, plastic, and glass into the correct bins at home every week. Is Maria reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Maria is recycling.
Situation #2: Ethan turns off the lights and unplugs his video game system when he is not using it. Is Ethan reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Ethan is reducing.
Situation #3: Sofia uses old jars to store buttons, pens, and small art supplies instead of buying new containers. Is Sofia reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Sofia is reusing.
Situation #4: John brings cloth shopping bags to the grocery store instead of using plastic bags. Is John reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: John is reducing.
Situation #5: Maria puts empty pop cans into the blue box so they can be made into new products. Is Maria reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Maria is recycling.
Situation #6: Noah donates clothes he no longer wears to a charity instead of throwing them away. Is Noah reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Noah is reusing.
Situation #7: Mariella buys products with less packaging to help create less waste. Is Mariella reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Mariella is reducing.
Situation #8: Eugen places food scraps in a green bin so they can be turned into compost. Is Eugen reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Eugen is recycling.
Situation #9: Carmen uses both sides of paper when doing homework to avoid wasting sheets. Is Carmen reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Carmen is reducing.
Situation #10: Quinn chooses to repair his broken backpack instead of buying a new one. Is Quinn reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Quinn is reusing.
Situation #11: Ruthi places cardboard boxes into the recycling bin after unpacking groceries. Is Ruthi reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Ruthi is recycling.
Situation #12: Joshua takes shorter showers to save water at home. Is Joshua reducing, reusing, or recycling?
ANSWER: Joshua is reducing.
The History Of Canada's Recycling Program
Recycling in Canada began in Kitchener, Ontario, during the early 1980s. At that time, people were becoming worried about how much garbage was going into landfills. Community members and local leaders wanted to find a better way to manage waste and protect the environment.
In 1981, Kitchener introduced one of Canada’s first curbside recycling programs, known as the Blue Box program. Residents were asked to separate items like paper, glass, and metal from their garbage and place them in blue boxes at the curb.
The program was very successful, and many households participated. Because of this success, recycling programs quickly spread to other cities across Ontario and later across Canada.
Over time, the recycling program spread across Canada and influenced recycling in other countries around the world. Today, many places use similar recycling systems where people separate paper, plastic, glass, and metal for collection. What began as a small local program in Kitchener, Ontario, has played an important role in shaping modern recycling practices around the world.
The History Of Canada's Recycling Program
Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the audio file.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio file.
The History Of Canada's Recycling Program
The Different Journeys Of Three Plastic Bottles
The video “Lifecycle of a Plastic Bottle,” shown below, explains how recycling began and why it is important for protecting the environment. It shows how people became concerned about growing amounts of waste and began looking for better ways to manage garbage. The video also helps viewers understand how simple actions, such as sorting materials and reducing waste, can make a big difference over time. As you watch, think about how recycling started, how it has changed, and why it is still important today.
Lifecycle Of A Plastic Bottle
What Does Decompose Mean?
To decompose means to slowly break down into smaller, natural parts over time. This happens when air, water, and tiny living things like bacteria and insects work together to change materials. Many natural items, such as food scraps, leaves, and paper, decompose and return to the Earth, helping the soil stay healthy. Some materials decompose quickly, while others can take many years or may not fully decompose at all.
Decomposition Chart
The chart below shows that some items break down quickly, like food and paper, but others stay in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years. When people throw items on the ground or into landfills, they can harm animals, pollute water, and damage the Earth for a very long time. Recycling, reducing waste, and reusing items can help lower this problem.
# | Item | Time to Decompose | |
1. | Paper towel | 2–4 weeks | |
2. | Banana peel | 2–5 weeks | |
3. | Paper | 2–6 weeks | |
4. | Newspaper | 6 weeks | |
5. | Bread | 1 month | |
6. | Paper plate | 1 month | |
7. | Apple core | 2 months | |
8. | Cardboard | 2 months | |
9. | Coffee filter | 1–2 months | |
10. | Tea bag | 3–4 months | |
11. | Cotton cloth | 5 months | |
12. | Orange peel | 6 months | |
13. | Wooden spoon | 1 year | |
14. | Eggshell | 1 year | |
15. | Wool clothing | 1 year | |
16. | Plywood | 1-3 years | |
17. | Milk carton | 5 years | |
18. | Juice box | 5 years | |
19. | Cigarette butt | 10–12 years | |
20. | Leather shoes | 25–40 years | |
21. | Fast food wrapper | 30 years | |
22. | Tin can | 50 years | |
23. | Plastic cup | 50 years | |
24. | Rubber boot | 50–80 years | |
25. | Battery | 100 years | |
26. | Pencil | 100 years | |
27. | Plastic straw | 200 years | |
28. | Plastic fork | 200 years | |
29. | Aluminum can | 200–500 years | |
30. | Plastic toy | 300 years | |
31. | Bottle cap | 400 years | |
32. | Aluminum foil | 400 years | |
33. | Plastic bottle | 450 years | |
34. | Disposable diaper | 450 years | |
35. | Toothbrush | 500 years | |
36. | Monofilament fishing line | 600 years | |
37. | Plastic bag | 500–1000 years | |
38. | Cell phone | Over 1 million years | |
39. | Glass bottle | Over 1 million years | |
40. | Styrofoam cup | Does not fully decompose |
Reading & Writing Practice
How Long Does It Take to Decompose?
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 14.
Look at each picture.
Use the chart - How Long Does It Take To Decompose?
Practice your writing by writing the name of the item and how long it takes for the item to decompose
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each picture.
Reading & Writing Practice
How Long Does It Take For These Items To Decompose?
↓ Item #1: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Juice box
Time to decompose: 5 years
↓ Item #2: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Disposable diaper
Time to decompose: 450 years
↓ Item #3: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Glass bottle
Time to decompose: Over 1 million years
↓ Item #4: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: battery
Time to decompose: 100 years
↓ Item #5: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Banana peel
Time to decompose: 2-5 weeks
↓ Item #6: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Plastic bag
Time to decompose: 500-1000 years
↓ Item #7: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Tin can
Time to decompose: 50 years
↓ Item #8: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Plastic fork
Time to decompose: 200 years
↓ Item #9: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Leather shoe
Time to decompose: 25-40 years
↓ Item #10: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Plastic bottle
Time to decompose: 450 years
↓ Item #11: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Tea bag
Time to decompose: 3-4 months
↓ Item #12: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Rubber boot
Time to decompose: 50-80 years
↓ Item #13: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Paper plate
Time to decompose: 1 month
↓ Item #14: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Toothbrush
Time to decompose: 500 years
↓ Item #15: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Paper
Time to decompose: 2-6 weeks
↓ Item #16: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Apple core peel
Time to decompose: 2 months
↓ Item #17: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Aluminum foil
Time to decompose: 400 years
↓ Item #18: What is the name of the item from below, and how long does it take for it to decompose?
Name of the item: Cardboard
Time to decompose: 2 months
Concluding Thoughts: Our Earth, Our Responsibility
Earth Day reminds us that we only have one planet. Every small action matters. By learning about the environment and making responsible choices, we can protect the Earth for ourselves and for future generations. Caring for the planet is not just an Earth Day activity; it is a lifelong responsibility. 🌱💚
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Instructions:
Read the 10 true and false questions below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to check your results.
Click below for a reading without the accompanying activities:
Written by: Nicole WT
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