Explain that garbage that is not put in the proper place will harm animals and plants. Give each child a paper bag and explain that is important to keep the playground clean and healthy for the plants and animals that live there. Let the children explore the playground and pick up any trash in and around the schoolyard. To make this a collaborative effort, split your class into teams. Offer a prize for the team that picks up the most pieces of trash on the playground.
In the week before Earth Day, provide a science lesson on trees and plants for children that explains how plants create oxygen for our Earth. Find an unused corner on your playground and plan a garden with your preschool class. Allow children to look through seed catalogs to decide which plants will grow well in your playground environment. Help children plan the shape of the garden, discuss which tools you will need to dig and plant as well as the importance of sunlight and water. On Earth Day, work on planting the seeds the children chose in the garden. Provide seeds, soil, watering cans and real gardening tools for children to work with.
In the weeks leading up to Earth Day, begin an aluminum can recycling project. Tell all of the parents as well as the other classrooms that your class will be collecting aluminum cans for recycling. During the weeks before Earth Day, count the number of cans your class has collected. Wash the cans and allow the cans to dry as a sensory activity. Weigh the entire collection each week and discuss how much the collection has grown. On Earth Day, plan a field trip with your class to the recycling center. Explain to children that the cans will be broken down and used to create other items or even new cans. Use any money you receive from the recycling center to buy seeds for your class garden.
In the weeks preceding Earth Day, discuss the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable items with your preschool class. In an unused section of your playground, bury several items a few inches underground. Be sure to label each area of the ground with the item buried underneath. Some things you may try burying are an apple core, a few potato peels, a plastic sandwich bag and a Styrofoam cup. On Earth Day, try to dig up the items you buried a few weeks ago. Discuss the differences between the biodegradable items and the non-biodegradable items.