Every Day in the Garden is Earth Day
Earth Day Resources for Educators: Engaging Activities & Inspiring Learning
As we approach Earth Day, celebrating years of environmental awareness and action, educators have an incredible opportunity to engage students in meaningful discussions and hands-on activities that highlight our relationship with the planet. Whether you're teaching about soil health, food systems, climate change, or conservation, there are abundant resources available to make Earth Day a rich learning experience. Below, we've curated reading lists, lesson plans, and activity ideas to help educators bring Earth Day to life in the classroom and garden.
Celebrating Earth Day since 1979
Since Life Lab began in the late 70’s we have been getting students learning about the sun, soil, water & air - everything we eat - and - everything we wear!
Since our first publication, The Growing Classroom, was published in 1982 Life Lab has been inspiring educators to teach kids in garden classrooms.
Life Lab Collaborative Offerings
Kiss the Ground Middle School Curriculum – A comprehensive unit focusing on soil health, the carbon cycle, and sustainable agriculture that we wrote in collaboration with Kiss the Ground. Free download
Living Schoolyard Activity Guides – includes lessons from Life Lab and organizations around the world that encourage kids to discover, explore, and learn outdoors. Free download in multiple languages.
Life Lab Publications
The Growing Classroom – Our first publication is still one of the go-to resources for garden educators everywhere. View table of contents and sample lessons.
Next Generation Science in The Garden – K-2 Units with 8 lessons each explore What Plants Need, Structure & Function, and How Seeds Travel. View sample lessons.
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Additional Lessons & Activities
Looking for structured lesson plans or classroom activities to celebrate Earth Day? These resources offer comprehensive guides and adaptable ideas for teaching students about sustainability, conservation, and climate change.
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Earth Day Garden Activities –Kids Gardening offers a list of observation, action, and problem-solving activities for K-12.
Earth Day 2025 - Curricula Resources have ideas for every grade.
Environmental Learning K-12 Lesson Database from Subject to Climate
Our buddies, The Banana Slug String Band have many great albums about the earth. Sing and dance around while learning about the Earth’s Systems, Cycles and Critters.
Food SYstem Education
Farming systems impact the earth more than any other human action. Farmers and researchers are continually looking for the most sustainable means to grow, harvest and deliver food. These resources explore food systems, climate change, and sustainability from a garden-based learning perspective.
Understanding Food and Climate Change: An Interactive GuideThe Center for Ecoliteracy provides a middle and high school curriculum exploring food systems and their impact on climate. Learn more here.
Reading LIsts & Videos
Books Whether it’s a picture book for young learners or an inspiring true story for older students, these selections highlight sustainability, conservation, and personal responsibility for the planet.
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Elementary & Middle School Book List –New York Public Library’s Earth Day book recommendations.
Kiss the Ground PreSchool - 7th books list about soil
"One Plastic Bag" by Miranda Paul – The inspiring true story of women in Gambia who recycle plastic waste into baskets.
"Fancy Nancy: Every Day is Earth Day" by Jane O’Connor – A charming children’s book about making small changes for the environment.
"Thank You, Earth" – A beautiful book that fosters gratitude for the planet.
Films and Videos can serve as powerful conversation starters for students of all ages, helping them visualize environmental challenges and inspiring them to take action.
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"Common Ground" – The follow-up to "Kiss the Ground," focusing on regenerative agriculture and food sovereignty. Educational access here.
Curated Earth Day video resources – We Are Teachers provides younger grades educational videos.
Examples of How Other Garden Educators have Celebrated Earth Day in the Garden
Educators across the country have developed creative ways to celebrate Earth Day with their students in school gardens. These examples provide inspiration and practical ideas for hands-on Earth Day activities.
"Smart by Nature" Sustainability Checklist – A guide to embedding sustainability into learning experiences, available from the Center for Ecoliteracy.
Examples from Garden Educators – See what other garden educators have shared doing during Earth Day in their gardens and share your ideas through this discussion thread at KidsGardening.
Video of a School Garden Celebrating Earth Day – Watch how a school integrates garden learning for Earth Day. Host a garden party!
Final Thought: Making Every Day Earth Day
Earth Day is a powerful reminder of our role as stewards of the planet. By incorporating environmental education into everyday learning, we can inspire future generations to care for our world. Whether through a hands-on garden lesson, a climate change discussion, or an inspiring book, there are countless ways to celebrate Earth Day in the classroom and beyond.