Earth Day is quickly approaching. We can all take advantage of this chance to highlight what it truly means to take care of our planet. Particularly in a time where every day seems to bring a new challenge for the human race.
There’s something extra special about seeing our students excel as human beings as well as academically. The proudest memories I had as a teacher go far beyond my students growing 3 grade levels in reading in one year. They include the not-so-small moments when I saw my students becoming awesome people.
Empowering our students to shine outside of the classroom is essential. It is also an excellent application of the critical thinking and problem-solving mindset we work so hard to cultivate.
You can check out more online and unplugged Earth Day classroom activities here.
What on EARTH does this have to do with coding?
Computer Science is a living example of the 4 Cs (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity). Coding gives limitless opportunity to innovate for the Earth’s well-being. Below are some tips to get students using their skill sets on Earth’s big day:
Share stories of inspirational (kid!) innovators.
This is a great way to cover some Common Core ELA standards, depending on what grade(s) you teach! Have students research and present on green energy and green technology inventions- we particular enjoy some of these kid inventor’s ideas.
If you’re up for renting or purchasing, check out the Code Girl documentary with a wide range of inspiring ideas to better Earth and humanity.
Use current events to encourage and inspire.
Share relevant issues that our Earth faces, tastefully presenting global issues that we can work together to solve in small (or big!) ways.
Some great places for kid-friendly current events are here and here. The National Education Association also has awesome lesson plans and activities that address current issues.
Give students a challenge!
Present an issue that Earthlings face today (one your students can understand and think critically about). Challenge students to apply the 4 Cs to come up with a creative solution—let them run with it! For Kodable’s Earth Day coding challenge, get our lesson plans and activities!
K-2 Earth Day Lesson
3-5 Earth Day Lesson
Encourage teamwork and unity.
Caring for our planet is a responsibility we all share equally; one that holds us together despite our differences. As we look to better our planet, there is nothing more important than each of us sharing our talents and ideas in a productive way. Imagine what we can do by sharing, listening, and learning from each other? Try some of these awesome Scholastic team builders to promote working together on Earth Day and every day. “Recycled Goods” is great for PBL on Earth Day!
Whatever you decide to do on Friday, Aprill 22nd to celebrate our planet with your students, we THANK YOU for equipping the future with humans who will have the skills needed to continue to innovate, invent, and take us for many more wild trips around the sun.
We want to hear and share about your Earth Day festivities! Send pictures, artwork, and activity ideas to brie@kodable.com.
