With climate change and environmental issues a heavier emphasis in the news, there is a lot of concern about how we can protect and preserve the planet. To become better stewards of our Earth, we need to start with educating our children at an early age. But how can we get children interested in the environment?
This article will explore how parents can make the topic of the environment more interesting, interactive and relevant to children. We will discuss interesting concepts and activities, child-friendly books and videos, and simple experiments that can be conducted at home.
What are some interesting environmental concepts to introduce to children?
To help children understand the environment, parents can introduce basic concepts such as the cycle of life, ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity.
The cycle of life reveals the connection between living organisms and their environment. Children can learn about how energy and matter moves between producers and consumers. For example, producers absorb energy from the sun to make food and consumers (animals) acquire energy from the food.
Ecosystems are another core concept to introduce. Children can learn about the web of life between living and non-living things including flora, fauna, climate and more. They can explore how a change in one part of an ecosystem can affect the whole.
Natural resources cover the materials and energy that come from the Earth. Natural resources can be found in air, water, soil, rocks and even living organisms. Children can learn how natural resources are essential to sustaining life on Earth.
Finally, biodiversity helps bring the concept of conservation to life. It is a way of emphasizing the importance of protecting the planet’s unique species, habitats and ecosystems so that future generations can enjoy them too.
Are there any child-friendly books or videos about the environment?
Books and videos can be powerful tools to help teach children about the environment. Fortunately, there is an abundance of age-appropriate books and videos available for younger children.
These books and videos shed light on the environment in a fun and engaging way. Popular titles for younger children include The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, The Forging of the Beast by Troy Wagner, The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry and The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.
In terms of videos, A Closer Look at the Ecosystem by National Geographic, A Nature Walk with Stephen Hawking and Sea Turtles: A Real Time Adventure are engaging and interactive.
How can I make environmental topics more relatable for my child?
One way to make environmental topics more relatable to children is to discuss the things they use in everyday life such as food and water. Parents can explain how these items come from nature and how they can contribute to the environment in a positive way.
“By talking to children about the importance of not wasting food or water, we can start to make environmental topics more relatable,” says Shanika Burnette, PhD, an environmental educator at the University of Maryland.
Taking children out into nature is a great way to observe, explore and talk about the environment. This activity can also be educational and encourage conservation.
What are some simple environmental experiments we can do at home?
There are several simple environmental experiments that families can do together at home. These activities are great for reinforcing the concepts that have been discussed and can be used to spark further conversations.
One experiment is to measure the temperature of soil in different areas around the house. By noting the difference in temperatures, children can understand how soil can affect the environment.
Another experiment is to explore the effects of water contamination. Parents and children can observe how pollutants such as oil, detergent and food coloring affect the water.
Lastly, families can create terrariums to observe the day and night cycle. This activity provides an opportunity to discuss photosynthesis, light pollution and the nine planet’s orbit.
Conclusion
Educating children about the environment can help instill appreciation for our planet and spark a fire for conservation. Getting children interested in the environment doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Parents can introduce interesting environmental concepts, explore child-friendly books and videos, and do simple experiments at home.
We can all work to protect our Earth and its ecosystems so that our children and future generations can thrive.
References
Burnette, Shanika. “The Benefits of Environmental Education for Children.” The University of Maryland, 20 Mar. 2018, web.extension.umd.edu/learn/the-benefits-environmental-education-children