Getting kids involved in hands-on activities is a great way to cure summer boredom and expand their knowledge during their summer break. Read on for some creative resources and ideas to teach your family about environmental conservation this summer!
These educational resources can be a great starting point to introduce your kids to the importance of conservation. They can learn about important topics like conserving water and energy, keeping our air and water clean, and reducing waste.
Lessons & Activities – Use our environmental lesson plans to enjoy hands-on learning experiences and find information on how you can Take Care of Texas. Many of the lessons offer accompanying worksheets.
Educational Publications – Educational items like activity books, posters, and bookmarks are available for both parents and children.
Additional Education Resources – Check out the information from other organizations to expand your environmental knowledge.
Use the conservation cue cards activity during a rainy summer day and discuss the many ways we can conserve water and energy at home. Print the provided sheet and have kids write down some ways to conserve, add their creative touch, and laminate or cover the cards with clear packing tape for a lasting effect. Place the cards near light switches, dishwashers, and even sinks as reminders!
Another way to get kids involved is using chores to start discussions on conservation. When kids help with washing dishes, discuss turning off the faucet when not in use. When doing laundry, talk about the importance of only washing full loads. If you have pets at home, use your neighborhood walk as an opportunity to discuss the importance of picking up pet waste or focus on ways your neighbors are taking care of the environment. These are all great ways to learn and pass on knowledge!
Find ways to get your kids involved in gardening. Start by using the Guide to Yard Care to find helpful information and landscaping tips.
Start a compost pile in your backyard. This is a hands-on way to get kids involved and it can start discussions about reducing food waste. Use the video How to Compost in Your Backyard for step-by-step instructions. Using the information in the Guide to Yard Care, help your kids identify food scraps and other items that can be used in your new compost pile.
See water conservation in action by adding a rain barrel to your garden or landscape. Follow along with this How to Build a Rain Barrel video for instructions and let your kids assist with the process.
Teach your kids about the recycling process—and let them experience it for themselves—by making recycled paper! This is a fun project for kids and adults of all ages and uses items you likely already have around the house. The Making Recycled Paper video offers easy steps to follow, or you can use these written instructions.
Send your kids on a field trip without leaving the house! Through this series of Virtual Field Trips, kids can follow along with scientists as they explore interesting topics like estuary systems, weather and climate, and electronics recycling. Each video also provides helpful conservation tips your family can use around the house.
