Every year on 5th June, schools around the world celebrate World Environment Day. It's a fantastic opportunity to help children understand the importance of caring for our planet and to explore how small actions can make a big difference.
The good news? You don't need to plan a huge event or dedicate an entire day to make World Environment Day meaningful. Even a simple classroom activity can spark valuable conversations about sustainability, climate change and protecting the natural world.
Whether you're teaching KS1 or KS2, here are some easy-to-organise World Environment Day activities your class will love.
Download a free set of 3 Climate Change lesson packs
What is World Environment Day?
World Environment Day is an annual event led by the United Nations to encourage people across the globe to take action to protect the environment.
It raises awareness of issues such as:
- Climate change
- Pollution
- Biodiversity loss
- Deforestation
- Waste and recycling
- Sustainable living
For primary-aged children, it's an ideal opportunity to help them understand how their everyday choices can have a positive impact on the world around them.
World Environment Day Activities for KS1
1. Nature Treasure Hunt
Take your class outdoors and challenge them to find natural objects such as:
- A leaf
- A flower
- Something rough
- Something smooth
- Something that insects might live in
This simple activity helps children connect with nature and appreciate the environment around them.
2. Recycling Sorting Challenge
Collect clean household packaging and create a sorting activity.
Can children decide which items can be:
- Recycled
- Reused
- Composted
- Sent to landfill
This is a practical way to introduce discussions about waste and sustainability.
3. Design a Superhero for the Planet
Ask children to invent an environmental superhero whose mission is to protect the Earth.
They could create:
- A superhero name
- A costume
- Special powers
- A mission statement
This combines creativity with environmental awareness.
4. Plant Something Together
Whether it's sunflower seeds, herbs or cress, growing plants helps children understand the importance of caring for living things.
Children can keep a simple plant diary and observe changes over time.
World Environment Day Activities for KS2
1. Classroom Carbon Footprint Investigation
Ask children to investigate ways the classroom uses energy.
They might explore:
- Lights left on unnecessarily
- Devices on standby
- Heating and cooling
- Paper usage
Challenge them to suggest improvements and create an action plan.
2. Environmental Debate
Choose a topic such as:
- Should single-use plastics be banned?
- Should cars be banned from city centres?
- Should schools have meat-free days?
Children can research different viewpoints before presenting their arguments.
3. Create a Campaign Poster
Ask children to design a persuasive poster encouraging others to take positive action for the environment.
Possible themes include:
- Saving water
- Reducing plastic waste
- Protecting wildlife
- Recycling more
4. One Small Change Challenge
Challenge children to make one environmentally friendly change for a week.
Ideas include:
- Walking to school
- Using a reusable water bottle
- Turning off unused lights
- Reducing food waste
Children can record their experiences and reflect on the impact of their actions.
Teach Climate Change with Free Lessons
World Environment Day is also an excellent opportunity to explore the topic of climate change in an age-appropriate way.
Many children hear terms such as global warming and carbon emissions in the media but don't always understand what they mean. Structured classroom discussions can help children develop informed, hopeful and practical responses to environmental challenges.
🎁 Download Three Free Climate Change Lessons
To help you teach climate change with confidence, we've made three complete lessons available for free from our Education for Social Responsibility (ESR) collection.
These lessons help children:
- Understand what climate change is
- Explore the causes and effects of climate change
- Consider actions individuals and communities can take
- Develop critical thinking and discussion skills
- Build a sense of responsibility and hope for the future
Each lesson includes engaging slides, differentiated activities and teacher guidance, making them perfect for World Environment Day or wider sustainability learning throughout the year.
Why Environmental Education Matters
Children are naturally curious about the world around them. By giving them opportunities to explore environmental issues in a positive and practical way, we can help them become thoughtful, informed and responsible citizens.
World Environment Day doesn't have to involve elaborate planning. A simple discussion, outdoor activity or sustainability challenge can help children develop a lifelong appreciation for our planet.
Whatever activities you choose, World Environment Day is a wonderful reminder that even small actions can make a big difference.
Happy World Environment Day!
