From picking up trash to understanding the water cycle, there are lots of ways to celebrate Earth Day. Check out these two simple and fun educational activities from Purdue Extension educators that you can use to inspire kids to care for the environment!
Learn about growing plants and germination with Andrew Westfall, Purdue Extension agriculture and natural resources educator in White County.
“Inside every grass seed is an embryo that contains a blade of grass. A seed coat protects this embryo, which is also being supplied temporary food by a food store inside the seed. The seed will remain dormant until it runs out of food or until the right conditions are met,” explains Westfall. “Once the seed takes in water, the embryo’s cells enlarge and the seed coat breaks open, a process called germination.”
See first-hand how germination works by growing a grass head at home!

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“Recycling helps reduce waste sent to landfills while conserving resources like water. It also reduces pollution, saves energy and can create new jobs. Get creative with recycling this Earth Day by making a rain stick! Shake it and dance on a rainy day to stay active and healthy,” shares Ody Ekwonwa, Purdue Extension health and human sciences educator in Monroe County.
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