• Make a pledge and a plan to take action -Writing down a commitment and making a plan are two actions that increase the likelihood that someone will follow through. So if you want those Earth Day lessons to stick, this is an easy activity to do with students of any age. This is a great way to incorporate an art project with a writing prompt.

• Integrate art projects - Creating art can also help students feel connected to environmental topics, even if the issues you’re studying are happening far away from home. It’s also a great way to help them imagine the world they want to live in. Also, be sure to check out these art project ideas using recycled materials and Earth Day art activities. 

• Make signs for school and at home - Sometimes we just need a little reminder to help us change our habits. Have students think about what they can do at school and at home to help the environment and how they can encourage others to change their habits.

• Plant a tree - The Earth Day Network has a goal of planting 7.8 billion trees by 2020 – one tree for every person alive. By planting trees, you’re taking a tangible action with your students and you’re taking part in this bigger goal. Don’t forget to check out these tree planting tips before you get started.

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• Make a video or presentation urging others to take action -Students can make a bigger impact if they influence others to do their part to protect the environment. Putting together a video or presentation also helps them internalize the material – they need to understand it before they can explain it to others. Presentations can be given in the classroom or even to the whole school. Eventually, they may be able to present their lessons and research at a local conference, like these students from Two Rivers Magnet Middle School in East Hartford, Conn. 

• Pick up rubbish - Rubbish clean-ups are another hands-on activity you don’t even have to leave the school grounds to do. To make a bigger impact, have students write down what kinds of rubbish they pick up and where. In fact, there’s a new app that can help you do just that. Check out Litterati, the app that makes it fun to pick up litter.