This month, we invite you to celebrate Earth Day with PEN! We have compiled a list of 10 ideas and activities that we hope you will find useful in your education efforts.
Teach your classes in style this Earth Day! www.primateeducationnetwork.org/shop
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is coordinated by the Earth Day Network and celebrated annually on April 22nd. Events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This year, PEN is joining the effort to share some education materials we found in preparation for the big day!
What Do Primates Have to Do with Earth Day?
Primates offer tremendous conservation value for many different reasons. They serve as flagship species for entire ecosystems. Some of the world's most diverse ecosystems, including the Congo Basin and Amazon, have the largest and most diverse primate populations. Primates play a critically important role as seed dispersers in regenerating and maintaining the health of our planet’s forests. Read More
Ideas and Activities for Earth Day and Every Day
Earth Day Printables by Danielle Mastandrea
1. Earth Day Printables
This download includes fun printables, including an Earth Day Headband created by Danielle Mastandrea! Download Earth Day Headband
2. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax Book
The Lorax is an ecological warning that still rings true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the environment. Buy The Lorax Book
3. Lead a Classroom Discussion
What does Earth Day mean to your students? Why is it important to take care of the Earth all year round? Share these powerful words from The Lorax with your students: “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Download The Lorax Discussion Questions For Your Classroom
Monkey Kingdom Educator's Guide
How Does Climate Change Impact Lemurs?
Sifakas depend on regular patterns of rain. They get the water they need to survive from plants. But rain patterns are changing as result of climate change and this affects how much water the lemurs can access. Read More From Climate Kids
4. Disneynature Monkey Kingdom Educator's Guide
This Educator’s Guide includes nearly 100 pages of lessons and activities targeted to grades 2 through 6. It features characters from the Disneynature film (in theaters April 17th!) with a primary focus on toque macaques. Download Educator's Guide
With the goal of educating children early on about doing their part to protect the environment, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the National Education Association, and Random House Children's Books created materials for their Lorax Project Student Earth Day. This annual event encourages educators and students to celebrate the Lorax's message and act on their own pledges to beautify and conserve their school environment and beyond. Download their materials below!
Lorax Classroom Pledge Poster
5. Lorax Classroom Pledge Poster
Make a pledge to do your part to protect the environment and work toward a healthier Earth for future generations. Download Classroom Pledge Poster
6. Dear Mother Earth Activity Sheet
Write a letter to Mother Earth stating what you will do to help preserve her. Download Dear Mother Earth Activity Sheet
7. Recipe for an Ecosystem
Create a “recipe” for a healthy, well-balanced ecosystem, and then draw a picture of your completed recipe using this activity sheet. Download Recipe for an Ecosystem
8. The Path to Recycling Maze
Solve the maze and help these reusable objects find their way to the recycling bin. Download The Path to Recycling Maze
9. Earth Day Pledge Tree Slips
Beautify your school's outdoor space by turning an ordinary tree into a pledge tree! Come up with a pledge to the environment, write it down on a slip of paper, read the pledge aloud, and tie the pledge slip onto a tree. Download Earth Day Pledge Tree Slips
10. Tree Planting Campaign
Count the number of trees there would be if you and your friends planted trees! Fill in friends' names on this worksheet and calculate how many trees could be planted in total. Download Tree Planting Campaign Activity Sheet
Share your Earth Day ideas and activities with PEN’s global network of educators! E-mail your tips and photos to info@primateeducationnetwork.org. Thank you for joining us in celebrating Earth Day!