Caring for the Environment Activities

Local Community Activities

Volunteer Activities

Local Junior High School Awareness Program

Protecting your planet is all about increasing environmental awareness, and there is
always strength in numbers. Consider getting your class, church youth group or even
your entire school to help make an environmental statement this year.

Planting trees and drawing on posters is good, but what if you grabbed your crew and
ventured to do some out-of-the-ordinary environmental activities? Helping children
understand the importance of taking care of the environment is a great way to teach
them character traits like kindness and gratitude.

Take a Nature Walk

Take your kids for a walk on the wild side with a guided nature tour. Identify
inhabitants of the wild and discuss what would happen if their natural habitats were
destroyed. After the activity, allow your group to brainstorm ideas for how humans can
protect the land and animals around us.

Plant a Community Garden

Get together with some friends and neighbors to plant a community garden. Each home
can plant herbs, fruit or vegetables to share with the rest of the group. Or, ask your city
to donate land for everyone to help out with. Planting your own food will not only save
money and time at the grocery store, but the air will be cleaner. Also, locally grown food
is healthier because it is grown with fewer chemicals.

Create an Outdoor Classroom

Help your students appreciate nature and its beauty by building an outdoor classroom.
With just some wood and nails you can create an amazing outdoor space that's perfect
for observing nature, writing or lectures. Equip your space with benches or chairs made
from tree stumps.

Upcycled Folk Art Competition

Let their creative energy soar with an art competition. Challenge individuals or teams to
create amazing works of art from their would-be trash. Have an evening showcase at
your school and invite parents, community officials and other neighbors to see how
these brainiacs can turn trash to treasure. Partner with a local museum to exhibit or
even host an auction for the items.
Organize a Green Fashion Show
Let your little ones strut their green stuff in a fashion show. Acceptable fashions may be
made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo. Even plants can be
used to make clothing items. Let them top off their attire with recycled or upcycled
accessories like bottlecap earrings or seashell necklaces.

http://www.active.com/parenting-and-family/articles/5-environmental-activities-
for-kids

Purpose
Learn how to protect, preserve, and restore the environment.

Description
Although not every Young Women camp will be held in an outdoor, natural setting,
all young women should learn how to protect, preserve, and restore natural
environments (see D&C 104:13). Following are some principles and activity ideas
that will help you learn how to take care of our natural world.

Protect the environment

Go on a hike. Use only the trails that already exist, and walk in the middle of
the trail. Do not touch or take any artifacts or plants. If you see any wildlife,
keep a safe distance and do not try to feed them. Never leave trash or food
on the trail.
Participate in an overnight camp. Use only the campsites that already exist,
and do not alter the site. Camp on durable surfaces, such as packed dirt or
rock, and make sure your site is at least 200 feet (61 m) away from any
lakes, rivers, or streams to avoid contaminating water resources. Store food
and trash properly in sealed containers to avoid attracting animals to your
campsite (see the activity on basic sanitation).

Preserve and restore the environment

Clean up a local natural resource. Find a natural resource near where you
live, and plan a service project to pick up all the trash or debris in the area.
Use this activity to explore the correct ways to dispose of garbage, such as
burning, burying, or removing. You may need to ask local authorities to
 teach you about the disposal methods that are proper for your area. Never
leave any trash, food, or litter on the ground. Bury all human waste in holes
at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep and 200 feet (61 m) away from water,
campsites, and trails.
Teach others how to take care of the environment. Invite friends to come
camping with you. Show courtesy to others in your area by regulating how
much noise you make.
Trail maintenance. Plan an activity to help rebuild, mark, or establish a
nearby trail.
Purify a local water resource. Invite someone with knowledge and experience
to teach you about the problems with water pollution in your area. Go to a
local water resource and help clean out trash. Practice clean water skills,
and do your part to prevent water pollution.
Plant trees. Learn about the problems with air pollution and erosion in your
area. Find an area and plant some trees to help decrease air pollution and
erosion.

https://www.lds.org/youth/activities/young-women-camp/emergency-preparedness-and-survival-
skills/environment?lang=eng

Environmental
Lessons
This day and age, it seems as though more and more children are disconnected from
nature. However, our future leaders need to be equipped for tomorrow's challenges.
As teachers, it is important that we prepare our children for the future that they will
inherit. This section includes lessons on Environmental studies from learning about
recycling to the state of our ozone layer. The Environmental lesson plan section will
continue to grow as more teachers like you share their work with the Teacher.org
community. The lessons you see here have been created by real teachers working in
schools across the United States. We encourage you to contact us in order to share
your inspiring lessons.
Kindergarten Environmental Lesson Plans
Bird Feeder Fun
Length of Time: 10-15 Minutes

Students will create an all natural bird feeder to hang near the school to feed birds
during the various seasons.

Classroom Garden From Trash

Length of Time: 10-15 per day for several weeks

Students will create several plants (a garden) from parts of a plant that are normally
thrown away.

Keeping Warm in Winter

Length of Time: About 30 Minutes

Students will understand why animals store fat for the winter or colder months and
how this affects how temperature is felt. How does the environment and our
protection of it help this?

Window Garden
Length of Time: About 20 Minutes. Several more days to watch growth process.

Students will plan, experiment, and observe as seeds grow in a window garden.
Students will explore why this is important to the sustainability of our environment.

1st Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Beach Day
Length of Time: 45 - 75 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to learn about the beach environment and experience
working with sand.

Bird Feeder Fun

Length of Time: 10-15 Minutes

Students will create an all natural bird feeder to hang near the school to feed birds
during the various seasons.
Classroom Garden From Trash
Length of Time: 10-15 per day for several weeks

Students will create several plants (a garden) from parts of a plant that are normally
thrown away.

Food Web Art Project

Length of Time: About 60 Minutes

Students will discuss food webs and how animals interact together in an ocean
biosphere and make a model of how animals get their energy from other animals and
the sun.

Keeping Warm in Winter

Length of Time: About 30 Minutes

Students will understand why animals store fat for the winter or colder months and
how this affects how temperature is felt. How does the environment and our
protection of it help this?

Window Garden
Length of Time: About 20 Minutes. Several more days to watch growth process.

Students will plan, experiment, and observe as seeds grow in a window garden.
Students will explore why this is important to the sustainability of our environment.

2nd Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Beach Day
Length of Time: 45 - 75 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to learn about the beach environment and experience
working with sand.

Bird Feeder Fun

Length of Time: 10-15 Minutes

Students will create an all natural bird feeder to hang near the school to feed birds
during the various seasons.
Classroom Garden From Trash
Length of Time: 10-15 per day for several weeks

Students will create several plants (a garden) from parts of a plant that are normally
thrown away.

Food Web Art Project

Length of Time: About 60 Minutes

Students will discuss food webs and how animals interact together in an ocean
biosphere and make a model of how animals get their energy from other animals and
the sun.

Keeping Warm in Winter

Length of Time: About 30 Minutes

Students will understand why animals store fat for the winter or colder months and
how this affects how temperature is felt. How does the environment and our
protection of it help this?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (In That Order)

Length of Time: 30-40 Minutes

Students will watch a video about reduce, reuse, and recycle and then complete a
gallery walk to discuss ideas of other ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Save the World

Length of Time: Two 45 Minute Lessons

This lesson is intended to motivate students to become environmental superheroes.

We Must Recycle
Length of Time: About 20 Minutes

Students will use creativity to use something considered trash to create something
new.

Window Garden
Length of Time: About 20 Minutes. Several more days to watch growth process.

Students will plan, experiment, and observe as seeds grow in a window garden.
Students will explore why this is important to the sustainability of our environment.
3rd Grade Environmental Lesson Plans
Angles in Nature
Length of Time: 50 - 60 Minutes

Students will take a walk outside with their protractor and measure the angles in
nature. They will record the angles that they find in branches, trees, bushes, flowers,
etc and then determine the supplementary angle.

Beach Day
Length of Time: 45 - 75 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to learn about the beach environment and experience
working with sand.

Camouflage and Environment

Length of Time: 30 Minutes

Students will make butterflies of various colors and then they will experience the
advantage that butterflies that are the same color as their environment have against
predators.

Classroom Garden From Trash

Length of Time: 10-15 per day for several weeks

Students will create several plants (a garden) from parts of a plant that are normally
thrown away.

Food Chain Tag

Length of Time: 20-40 Minutes

Students will learn a brief background about energy transfer between the sun,
producers, primary consumers, and secondary consumers. of the students are
primary consumers (plants) and of the students are primary consumers (rabbits) and
of the students are secondary consumers (hawks).

Food Web Art Project

Length of Time: About 60 Minutes
Students will discuss food webs and how animals interact together in an ocean
biosphere and make a model of how animals get their energy from other animals and
the sun.

Ozone Layer
Length of Time: 1-2 Class Periods

Students will think about how people affect the environment and what they can do to
help it and prevent further damage.

Rainfall Gauge
Length of Time: 20 - 30 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to learn about the rain amounts in their area as well as
offer a hands-on science experiment that could lead to discussions about the water
cycle.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (In That Order)

Length of Time: 30-40 Minutes

Students will watch a video about reduce, reuse, and recycle and then complete a
gallery walk to discuss ideas of other ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Save the World

Length of Time: Two 45 Minute Lessons

This lesson is intended to motivate students to become environmental superheroes.

We Must Recycle
Length of Time: About 20 Minutes

Students will use creativity to use something considered trash to create something
new.

Window Garden
Length of Time: About 20 Minutes. Several more days to watch growth process.

Students will plan, experiment, and observe as seeds grow in a window garden.
Students will explore why this is important to the sustainability of our environment.

4th Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Angles in Nature
Length of Time: 50 - 60 Minutes

Students will take a walk outside with their protractor and measure the angles in
nature. They will record the angles that they find in branches, trees, bushes, flowers,
etc and then determine the supplementary angle.

Beach Day
Length of Time: 45 - 75 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to learn about the beach environment and experience
working with sand.

Biosphere
Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a self sustaining biosphere.

Camouflage and Environment

Length of Time: 30 Minutes

Students will make butterflies of various colors and then they will experience the
advantage that butterflies that are the same color as their environment have against
predators.

Classroom Garden From Trash

Length of Time: 10-15 per day for several weeks

Students will create several plants (a garden) from parts of a plant that are normally
thrown away.

Earth Window Art

Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a replica of the Earth that can also be used as
decoration.

Food Chain Tag

Length of Time: 20-40 Minutes

Students will learn a brief background about energy transfer between the sun,
producers, primary consumers, and secondary consumers. of the students are
primary consumers (plants) and of the students are primary consumers (rabbits) and
of the students are secondary consumers (hawks).

Ozone Layer
Length of Time: 1-2 Class Periods

Students will think about how people affect the environment and what they can do to
help it and prevent further damage.

Rainfall Gauge
Length of Time: 20 - 30 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to learn about the rain amounts in their area as well as
offer a hands-on science experiment that could lead to discussions about the water
cycle.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (In That Order)

Length of Time: 30-40 Minutes

Students will watch a video about reduce, reuse, and recycle and then complete a
gallery walk to discuss ideas of other ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Save the World

Length of Time: Two 45 Minute Lessons

This lesson is intended to motivate students to become environmental superheroes.

We Must Recycle
Length of Time: About 20 Minutes

Students will use creativity to use something considered trash to create something
new.

5th Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Angles in Nature
Length of Time: 50 - 60 Minutes

Students will take a walk outside with their protractor and measure the angles in
nature. They will record the angles that they find in branches, trees, bushes, flowers,
etc and then determine the supplementary angle.
Biosphere
Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a self sustaining biosphere.

Camouflage and Environment

Length of Time: 30 Minutes

Students will make butterflies of various colors and then they will experience the
advantage that butterflies that are the same color as their environment have against
predators.

Earth Window Art

Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a replica of the Earth that can also be used as
decoration.

Fish or Famine?
Length of Time: 10-15 Minutes

Students will understand food scarcity and unequal distribution through a simple, yet
concrete demonstration.

Help a Cause
Length of Time: 30 - 60 Minutes

Students will use recycled materials to create toys for a local shelter.

Ozone Layer
Length of Time: 1-2 Class Periods

Students will think about how people affect the environment and what they can do to
help it and prevent further damage.

Rainfall Gauge
Length of Time: 20 - 30 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to learn about the rain amounts in their area as well as
offer a hands-on science experiment that could lead to discussions about the water
cycle.
Save the World
Length of Time: Two 45 Minute Lessons

This lesson is intended to motivate students to become environmental superheroes.

6th Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Biosphere
Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a self sustaining biosphere.

Camouflage and Environment

Length of Time: 30 Minutes

Students will make butterflies of various colors and then they will experience the
advantage that butterflies that are the same color as their environment have against
predators.

Controversial Environmental Issues

Length of Time: 2 Class Periods

Students will research and debate multiple topics in the topic of environmental health.
The class will take sides on whether they are for or against the controversial issue.

Debate an Environmental Issue

Length of Time: 30-40 Minutes

Students will read an article about the sale of tropical fish. Students will analyze the
information given and discuss their opinion based on facts from the article.

Earth Window Art

Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a replica of the Earth that can also be used as
decoration.

Fish or Famine?
Length of Time: 10-15 Minutes
Students will understand food scarcity and unequal distribution through a simple, yet
concrete demonstration.

Help a Cause
Length of Time: 30 - 60 Minutes

Students will use recycled materials to create toys for a local shelter.

Ozone Layer
Length of Time: 1-2 Class Periods

Students will think about how people affect the environment and what they can do to
help it and prevent further damage.

7th Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Biosphere
Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a self sustaining biosphere.

Controversial Environmental Issues

Length of Time: 2 Class Periods

Students will research and debate multiple topics in the topic of environmental health.
The class will take sides on whether they are for or against the controversial issue.

Debate an Environmental Issue

Length of Time: 30-40 Minutes

Students will read an article about the sale of tropical fish. Students will analyze the
information given and discuss their opinion based on facts from the article.

Earth Window Art

Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a replica of the Earth that can also be used as
decoration.

Fish or Famine?
Length of Time: 10-15 Minutes

Students will understand food scarcity and unequal distribution through a simple, yet
concrete demonstration.

Help a Cause
Length of Time: 30 - 60 Minutes

Students will use recycled materials to create toys for a local shelter.

8th Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Biosphere
Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a self sustaining biosphere.

Controversial Environmental Issues

Length of Time: 2 Class Periods

Students will research and debate multiple topics in the topic of environmental health.
The class will take sides on whether they are for or against the controversial issue.

Debate an Environmental Issue

Length of Time: 30-40 Minutes

Students will read an article about the sale of tropical fish. Students will analyze the
information given and discuss their opinion based on facts from the article.

Earth Window Art

Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a replica of the Earth that can also be used as
decoration.

Help a Cause
Length of Time: 30 - 60 Minutes

Students will use recycled materials to create toys for a local shelter.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Length of Time: 1-2 Class Periods

The students will identify products that need water to be manufactured, and the
amount needed for each product.

Words of the Environment

Length of Time: 2-3 Class Periods

On day one, the students will list as many words as possible related to environmental
science and on day two connect the meanings of each to real life situations based on
research.

9th Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Cost of Recycling
Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

Each pair of students will trace 1 single recyclable product, from manufacturer to
recycling center, examining costs of making the product and recycling it, answering
the question: Is recycling worth it?

Earth Window Art

Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a replica of the Earth that can also be used as
decoration.

Menus to Save the Earth

Length of Time: 30 - 40 Minutes

Students will understand the impact that packaging and out of season items have on
the environment. Students will create a week long menu using only basic foods and
in-season items available in the area.

Oil and Grease

Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

The students will research oil and grease recycling.

Saving the World: A Gift at a Time

Length of Time: 30 - 40 Minutes
Students will find, list, and explain how to limit consumption of new goods by
designing an alternative registry for an event (wedding, birthday, anniversary)

Water, Water, Everywhere

Length of Time: 1-2 Class Periods

The students will identify products that need water to be manufactured, and the
amount needed for each product.

Words of the Environment

Length of Time: 2-3 Class Periods

On day one, the students will list as many words as possible related to environmental
science and on day two connect the meanings of each to real life situations based on
research.

10th Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Cost of Recycling
Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

Each pair of students will trace 1 single recyclable product, from manufacturer to
recycling center, examining costs of making the product and recycling it, answering
the question: Is recycling worth it?

Earth Window Art

Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a replica of the Earth that can also be used as
decoration.

Environmental Impact Studies

Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

Pairs of students will do an environmental impact study for local development near
the school or another area.

Menus to Save the Earth

Length of Time: 30 - 40 Minutes
Students will understand the impact that packaging and out of season items have on
the environment. Students will create a week long menu using only basic foods and
in-season items available in the area.

Ocean Pollution
Length of Time: 2 Class Periods

Students will research ocean pollution and compare/contrast current data, hypotheses
and other information and check for accuracy.

Oil and Grease

Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

The students will research oil and grease recycling.

Saving the World: A Gift at a Time

Length of Time: 30 - 40 Minutes

Students will find, list, and explain how to limit consumption of new goods by
designing an alternative registry for an event (wedding, birthday, anniversary)

Two Sides of an Issue

Length of Time: About 2 - 3 Class Periods

A controversial issue, such as global warming, will be researched using the vast
resources of the Internet. The students will research both sides, either supporting or
disputing the facts, opinions, and other information.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Length of Time: 1-2 Class Periods

The students will identify products that need water to be manufactured, and the
amount needed for each product.

Words of the Environment

Length of Time: 2-3 Class Periods

On day one, the students will list as many words as possible related to environmental
science and on day two connect the meanings of each to real life situations based on
research.
11th Grade Environmental Lesson Plans
Better Alternatives
Length of Time: 2-3 Class Periods

The students, with a partner, will research the negative environmental impact of every
day products and identify safer alternatives.

Cost of Recycling
Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

Each pair of students will trace 1 single recyclable product, from manufacturer to
recycling center, examining costs of making the product and recycling it, answering
the question: Is recycling worth it?

Earth Window Art

Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a replica of the Earth that can also be used as
decoration.

Eco-Friendly Homes
Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

The student will work in groups of three or four to design an eco-friendly home.

Environmental Impact Studies

Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

Pairs of students will do an environmental impact study for local development near
the school or another area.

Menus to Save the Earth

Length of Time: 30 - 40 Minutes

Students will understand the impact that packaging and out of season items have on
the environment. Students will create a week long menu using only basic foods and
in-season items available in the area.

Ocean Pollution
Length of Time: 2 Class Periods

Students will research ocean pollution and compare/contrast current data, hypotheses
and other information and check for accuracy.

Oil and Grease

Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

The students will research oil and grease recycling.

Saving the World: A Gift at a Time

Length of Time: 30 - 40 Minutes

Students will find, list, and explain how to limit consumption of new goods by
designing an alternative registry for an event (wedding, birthday, anniversary)

Two Sides of an Issue

Length of Time: About 2 - 3 Class Periods

A controversial issue, such as global warming, will be researched using the vast
resources of the Internet. The students will research both sides, either supporting or
disputing the facts, opinions, and other information.

12th Grade Environmental Lesson Plans

Better Alternatives
Length of Time: 2-3 Class Periods

The students, with a partner, will research the negative environmental impact of every
day products and identify safer alternatives.

Earth Window Art

Length of Time: 30 - 45 Minutes

This lesson will allow students to create a replica of the Earth that can also be used as
decoration.

Eco-Friendly Homes
Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

The student will work in groups of three or four to design an eco-friendly home.
Environmental Impact Studies
Length of Time: 3-4 Class Periods

Pairs of students will do an environmental impact study for local development near
the school or another area.

Menus to Save the Earth

Length of Time: 30 - 40 Minutes

Students will understand the impact that packaging and out of season items have on
the environment. Students will create a week long menu using only basic foods and
in-season items available in the area.

Ocean Pollution
Length of Time: 2 Class Periods

Students will research ocean pollution and compare/contrast current data, hypotheses
and other information and check for accuracy.

Saving the World: A Gift at a Time

Length of Time: 30 - 40 Minutes

Students will find, list, and explain how to limit consumption of new goods by
designing an alternative registry for an event (wedding, birthday, anniversary)

Two Sides of an Issue

Length of Time: About 2 - 3 Class Periods

A controversial issue, such as global warming, will be researched using the vast
resources of the Internet. The students will research both sides, either supporting or
disputing the facts, opinions, and other information.

http://www.teacher.org/lesson-plans/environmental/

http://sanwa-hldgs.co.jp/english/csr/earth.html-sa image