Happy Earth Day from Arizona PBS

2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, which was first celebrated in 1970. Check out our programming, resources and activities in honor of our planet and our relationship with it.

Programming on Wednesday, April 22

7 p.m.: Climate Change: The Facts
Scientists explore the impact of climate change and what could happen if global warming exceeds 1.5 degrees. Discover how the latest innovations and technology are posing potential solutions and what individuals can do to prevent further damage. Read more.

8 p.m.: H20: The Molecule That Made Us
How did water arrive on Earth? How did it come to underpin every aspect of existence from dragonflies to deserts in bloom to human life? Dive in to the first installment of a three part series on what is arguably the most important molecules on the planet. Read more.

ANYTIME: Watch Wild Kratts Amazin’ Amazon Adventure Special
Travel to the Amazon rainforest with the Wild Kratts team! Journey down the mysterious Amazon River in search of inspiration from the amazing creatures that live there. Watch now on PBSKIDS.org or on the PBS KIDS Video app.

Activities

Take a virtual field trip with NOVA
Join NOVA on three virtual field trips this month in celebration of Earth Day and Environmental Education Month.

Make: Edible Dirt Snack Cups
Our world is filled with plants and animals that live and burrow in dirt and soil. Get little hands messy on Earth Day as you learn about different types of soil and make an edible “dirt” cup together.

Create: Egg Carton Turtles
Instead of throwing away empty egg cartons, upcycle them into this easy and adorable turtle craft while discussing sea turtles’ habitats and the importance of recycling.

Create: Coffee Filter Earth Day Art
This lickety-split Earth Day art project is a quick, fun project for all ages.

Experiment with camouflage: Blend Like a Chameleon Game
You and your child can experience the effects of camouflage firsthand with this simple experiment.

Read-Along with Michelle Obama
As part of the PBS KIDS Read-Along series, Michelle Obama will read four of her favorite children’s books. The first book is “The Gruffalo”

Resources

Bringing the Universe to America’s Children
Learn more about our blue planet with a collection created in collaboration with NASA. The collection contains standards-aligned Earth Science resources for every grade. Resources come with support materials to help you engage your students and are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards.

Earth Days: The First Earth Day
This excerpt from American Experience includes demonstrations and more during the First Earth Day, observed April 22, 1970

Gaylord Nelson: A Vision for the Earth | Wisconsin Biographies
Gaylord Nelson had an idea for a day focused on the environment. That idea would become the internationally recognized annual event Earth Day. Born and raised in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, Nelson went on to become a state senator, governor of Wisconsin and a United States senator.

How to Raise Environmentally Responsible Kids
Their bedrooms may always be a mess. But if you set your kids up with some planet-healthy habits now, they’ll be ready to clean the Earth for years to come.

Don’t Flood the Fidgets
Build a city that will keep the Fidgets and their community safe and dry during a flood with this PBS KIDS game for grades 3-5.

Plate Tectonics
The process of plate tectonics has played a major role in shaping oceans, continents, and life on Earth. Use this video to teach your grade 6-8 students how scientists are studying the origins of tectonic plates.

The Ocean: A Driving Force for Weather and Climate
Earth’s ocean is in constant motion, distributing thermal energy and nutrients around the world. Teach your grade 9-12 students how the ocean relates to climate and weather.