Earth Day

Half of the blue marble for Earth Day hero
This view of Earth from space is a fusion of science and art, drawing on data from multiple satellite missions and the talents of NASA scientists and graphic artists. NASA images by Reto Stöckli, based on data from NASA and NOAA.

Celebrate Earth Day (April 22), Earth Week, and Earth Month! 

Since 1970, Earth Day has increased awareness of the planet we live on, and encouraged people to learn more about pollution, climate change, endangered species, and many other environmental issues. Earth Week takes place during the week around Earth Day. 

The NISE Network has compiled a selection of resources to help you plan your Earth Day celebration. 

Earth western hemisphere courtesy NASA credit NASA Earth Observatory Joshua Stevens NOAA National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service Caption Kathryn Hansen

Collections of Public Engagement and Professional Resources Related to Earth Day

 

NISE Network Hands-on Activities 

Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkit resources

Image of markers and paper and other supplies in the Paper Mountains hands-on activity

Sustainable Futures Resources (Learn more: https://www.nisenet.org/sustainable-futures)

More NISE Network activities

Additional Resources for Planning Programs and Events

NASA Earth Day 2021 image with bumble bee in grass

Posters

Cover of the NASA Earth ebook

Images, Videos, Apps, and Interactive Media

DIY Lake Science cover image

Use NASA Eyes to check in on all current NASA Earth missions.
https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/earth/#/

 

Citizen Science Opportunities

Involve your audience in citizen projects that help scientists understand the Earth and its systems.

Advertisement featuring a hand holding a phone with a colorful app being displayed
  • SciStarter Citizen Science Resources
  • GLOBE Observer
    Globe Observer is an international network of citizen scientists and scientists working together to learn more about our shared environment and changing climate. Your visitors, camps, or colleagues can participate by downloading the GLOBE Observer app and submitting observations. Giveaway rack cards are included with the Exploring Earth: Investigating Clouds activity and showcase the four data observations experiences in the app.
    • https://observer.globe.gov
    • https://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app
      • Clouds—By photographing clouds, recording sky observations, and comparing them with NASA satellite data, you can help scientists gain a new perspective on clouds that satellites can't provide: from the ground looking up!
      • Land Cover—By photographing and classifying the land cover over an area the size of a soccer field, you will be assisting those scientists working to enhance global maps of land cover use.
      • Mosquito Habitat Mapper—By identifying potential breeding sites for mosquitoes, sampling and counting mosquito larvae, and using optional equipment to examine, photograph and identify the genus of your specimens, you will be enabling scientists to verify predictive models of mosquito population dynamics.
      • Trees—The trees observation allows citizen scientists to measure tree height (and optionally tree circumference) to track the growth of trees over time. 
    • Zika Zine is a graphic story about how Aedes mosquitoes live and how to reduce the number of places where mosquitoes can survive. Readers will also find out how citizen scientists are helping NASA by documenting mosquito habitats with GLOBE Observer. The Zika Zine is an outreach resource of the GLOBE Zika Education and Prevention Project. A digital version can also be downloaded in multiple languages. You can also download the coloring pages and make your own comic guide.
    • Elementary GLOBE is designed to introduce students in grades K–4 to the study of Earth system science. Each module of Elementary GLOBE includes a science-based fictional storybook, three learning activities, and educator notes and glossary. Elementary GLOBE is a great option to extend your Earth science engagement efforts with young learners. Modules include: Air Quality, Climate, Clouds, Earth System, Season, Soils, and Water. A sample of the Do You Know That Clouds Have Names? storybook from the Clouds module is included in your physical toolkit and can be used with visitor groups before or after Exploring Earth: Investigating Clouds activity. Digital versions of all the modules, available in multiple languages, can be downloaded for free at the GLOBE website. Elementary GLOBE Modules:
    • iNaturalist from Cal Academy and National Geographic (iOS, Android)
    • NestWatch from Cornell Lab of Ornithology
    • Earth Day - Global Earth Challenge
Illustration of the Chemists Celebrate Earth Week logo with a globe in a beaker

Chemists Celebrate Earth Week 

  • Chemists Celebrate Earth Week 
    The American Chemical Society (ACS) sponsors Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) focusing on the role of chemistry in creating a better world. Resources include in person and virtual events, experiences, and activities.
    https://www.acs.org/ccew
  • For NISE Network chemistry activities and resources please see
    https://www.nisenet.org/national-chemistry-week

Library Resources

Museums across the country celebrate Earth Day 

This partner highlight includes links to resources that are still available for anyone to adapt and use in their community:
https://www.nisenet.org/blog/museums-across-country-celebrate-earth-day

NISE Network Sustainability and Earth-themed Online Workshops (Recordings)

History of Earth Day

Finding STEM Experts