🌍 Earth Day
April 22 Grades K–5
Earth Day, April 22, is a day to protect our planet — with cleanups, tree planting and learning about nature.
📅 Next dates
- Wednesday, April 22, 2026
- Thursday, April 22, 2027
- Saturday, April 22, 2028
📖 The story
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, when about 20 million Americans joined rallies to protect air, water and wildlife. It was started by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin.
Soon after, the US created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and passed laws for clean air and clean water. Today Earth Day is celebrated in more than 190 countries.
✨ Traditions
- Litter cleanups
- Planting trees and gardens
- Recycling drives
- Turning off lights and saving water
✂️ Activities
Recycled Planter
- Cut the top off a clean milk carton.
- Decorate it, fill with soil and plant seeds.
- Water it and watch it grow!
Litter Survey
- With a grown-up and gloves, pick up litter in a park.
- Sort it: plastic, paper, metal. Which was most common?
Earth Day quiz
When was the first Earth Day?
About how many Americans joined the first Earth Day?
Which agency was created to protect the environment?
💭 Let’s write
What is one thing your family can do every day to help the Earth?
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