STEM Earth Day Activities for Elementary Students

With Earth Day approaching, it’s time to dive into some exciting Earth Day STEM activities that celebrate the wonders of nature. As a nature enthusiast and STEM advocate, I’m always on the hunt for engaging projects for my students. When I can use STEM Earth Day activities that spark curiosity and instill a love for our planet, that’s a win! This year, I’m thrilled to share some bird-themed activities with you. They incorporate recyclable materials, encouraging students to get creative while learning about environmental conservation. So, let’s check them out and soar into the world of Earth Day STEM activities!

Mama Built a Little Nest STEM Earth Day Activities

To kick off our STEM Earth Day activities, I start by reading the enchanting book “Mama Built a Little Nest” by Jennifer Ward. It sets the stage for a deeper exploration of bird habitats and nesting behaviors. From there, we dive into an engaging STEM Earth Day challenge. This activity helps students design and build their own bird nests. Here’s how I use the Simple STEM Stories Mama Built a Little Nest activity in my classroom:

Pair the STEM Earth Day Activities With a Book

Incorporating literature into STEM activities adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement to our learning experiences. To kick off our STEM Earth Day activities, we’ll embark on a captivating journey with a read-aloud session of “Mama Built a Little Nest” by Jennifer Ward, accompanied by the stunning illustrations of Steve Jenkins.

“Mama Built a Little Nest” is a charming exploration of the diverse world of bird nests. Jennifer Ward’s rhyming verses and Steve Jenkins’s intricate cut-paper collages showcase the variety of bird homes, from woven nests to cozy burrows. Each page features a different type of nest, accompanied by informative tidbits about each bird and its nest-building habits. This delightful story not only celebrates the wonders of nature but also sparks curiosity about birds and their unique habitats.

Diving into the STEM Challenge

Following the story, we’ll dive into an exhilarating STEM challenge tailored for students in grades 2-5: building a bird’s nest. This hands-on activity encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as students embark on the mission to create a safe and cozy haven for our feathered friends. To guide us through this adventure, we’ll introduce the Engineering Design Process, empowering students to plan, build, and refine their designs iteratively.

Our STEM Earth Day activity comes with tons of resources to enhance the learning experience. From printable task cards featuring real-life nest examples to a Google Slides presentation for digital engagement, we’ve got all the tools to accommodate various learning preferences and environments. With Seesaw activities, students can express their creativity through voice recordings and digital responses, adding an extra layer of fun to the challenge.

As we delve into this immersive activity, students will have the opportunity to explore different types of nests, learn about the importance of providing a safe habitat for birds, and unleash their creativity in designing their own bird’s nest. With moveable pieces, audio instructions, and response sheets tailored to different skill levels, every student can participate and excel in this exciting STEM Earth Day activity.

Sharing and Displaying Creations

Consider displaying these adorable nests around your room as part of your springtime decor. Or, ask your library if they would like to partner up with your class to put some of these nests on display to hold some fascinating spring-themed books.

STEM Earth Day Activities Build a Bird Feeder

This is one of those exciting STEM Earth Day activities that is sure to spark creativity, problem-solving skills, and design thinking in your classroom. With a focus on incorporating recyclable materials and found objects, students will create their very own bird feeders while learning about the importance of caring for our feathered friends and the environment.

For this challenge, students will have the opportunity to plan, build, and improve their designs using the Engineering Design Process. Whether you’re leading the activity as a whole group, setting up a center, or facilitating digital learning, this activity is adaptable to suit your student’s needs and preferences, which is great for differentiation. Encourage collaboration, creativity, and exploration as students work together to create unique bird feeders that reflect their individuality.

After the challenge, celebrate student achievements by showcasing their creations, awarding certificates, and distributing stickers to promote a positive and supportive classroom environment. Remember, each student’s creation will be unique, fostering a sense of pride and creativity in your classroom.

Resources in this simple STEM Earth Day activity include:

• Task cards
• Design Process Poster
• Student response shets
• Google Slide Show
• Stickers
• Certificates

Simply reach out to parents, or members of the community and kindly ask for donations of materials such as cardboard boxes, popsicle sticks, and recycled items to complete this project.

Not only are these supplies readily available and easy to find, but they’re also reusable. That means you won’t have to dip into your precious teacher budget. This makes the activity even more exciting for students as they get to unleash their creativity while building and decorating their bird feeders, all the while refining their STEM skills in the process.

Build a Bird House Simple STEM Earth Day Activity

This engaging STEM Earth Day project not only encourages creativity and problem-solving but also promotes environmental awareness through recycling. Learning about the diverse types of homes birds inhabit is not only educational but also incredibly fun for students. From cozy holes in trees to intricately woven nests, and even burrows underground, there are so many habitats to explore. STEM Earth Day activities give students the opportunity to delve deeper into the wonders of the natural world. And, letting them hone their STEM skills through hands-on construction and creative problem-solving is a win-win in my book. Here are a few ways I have used this activity in my classroom.

Whole Group Instruction

For whole-group instruction, I utilize the Google Slide Show to showcase videos and discussion prompts. We will watch an informative video about interesting bird homes. After that, it’s time to discuss why birds need homes and what materials they use to create them. Then, I introduce the task to students, explaining that they will be creating a birdhouse using recyclable materials. Prompt students to brainstorm and discuss the concept of recycling, emphasizing its importance to our environment.

As a Center Activity

In the center, I choose the activity sheet that aligns best with my students’ skill levels. I laminate the sheet for durability and provide dry-erase markers for students to draw and write on. Then, I set up a designated center with the task card. And, I put out all the necessary materials which include all kinds of recyclable and eco-friendly options. Then, I allow students ample time to complete the task and respond to prompts.

After Completing the STEM Earth Day Bird House Activity

After the challenge, I make sure to give students the opportunity to share their creations with the class. I love to reward students’ efforts with certificates and stickers to celebrate their completion of the challenge. Because of this, it gives us a positive atmosphere and encourages creativity in the classroom. I love to embrace the uniqueness of each student’s creation, as variations in designs allow for individual expression and creativity.

STEM Earth Day Activities Make Learning Exciting This Spring

As we wrap up our STEM Earth Day activities, it’s time to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students. Each bird nest crafted, each creative design imagined, and each problem solved represents a triumph of curiosity and ingenuity.

By integrating literature, hands-on activities, and environmental awareness, we’ve not only enriched our students’ learning experiences but also nurtured a deep appreciation for our planet. Let’s continue to inspire and empower our students to explore, innovate, and advocate for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the world, one exciting STEM Earth Day challenge at a time!

Looking for More?

If you’re looking to inspire a love for STEM, my Let’s Explore STEM picture book and activity workbook are perfect for sparking curiosity! The picture book introduces key concepts and vocabulary, while the workbook offers 30 exciting challenges to bring STEM to life. Together, they make learning hands-on and engaging for your kids at home or in the classroom!

Be sure to check out this post for even more Earth Day STEM Activities to try in your classroom!

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