What would happen if we all forgot to take care of the Earth for one whole day? 

Materials:

• Book with themes of: Earth, Plants, Nature

• Organic vs. non-organic materials (physical OR images); choose:

  • Organic: leaves, twigs, fruit peels, flowers, seeds, eggshells, apple core, coconut husks, potato peels, avocado pit

  • Non-organic: plastic spoon, bottle cap, aluminum foil, toy car, piece of fabric, candy wrapper

Instructions:

1. Read a book about the Earth, plants, or nature.

2. Point out things from nature (organic) and things people make (non-organic).

3. Show items or pictures and name each, explaining where it comes from.

4. Set out two baskets or mats labeled “Organic” and “Non-Organic.”

5. Children take turns sorting the items and explain their choice.

6. Ask what children notice about natural things, what happens to organic items in the ground, and what happens to things like plastic or metal. 

Extension (Optional):

1. Take a nature walk and collect more organic items to sort.

PK3 Questions:

• What do you see in this picture from our book?

• Which things come from nature (like leaves or flowers)?

• Which things are made by people (like plastic or metal)?

• How does it feel to touch something from nature?

• Can you help sort these things into “from nature” and “not from nature”?

PK4 Questions:

• What happens to leaves or fruit peels if we put them in the ground?

• Why do we need to recycle things like plastic or metal?

• How can we tell if something is from nature or made by people?

• What can we do to help the Earth when we see trash outside?

• Can you sort these items into organic (from nature) and non-organic (not from nature)? Which group has more?