Earth Day for Science Lovers: Create a Cloud

Let's celebrate the wonder of our planet and all the tremendous gifts it brings us on Earth Day! It's also the perfect opportunity to get kids of all ages excited about learning how to take meaningful steps toward improving the world.

In 1969, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, a passionate protector of the environment, put forward an idea for a national teach-in to educate people on the pressing dangers of pollution and other environmental problems. He chose April 22nd because it was a perfect time—after students' spring break and before they had to dive deep into final exams.

And so, on April 22, 1970, the first ever Earth Day was celebrated. People around the country took part in events such as rallies and marches to bring attention to the importance of protecting our planet. This event helped create certain laws and regulations, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Clean Air and Water Acts.

Earth Day is now an international affair, with over 1 billion people from 192 countries participating in activities that advocate for environmental preservation and sustainable living.

Helping children understand the science of our earth is one way to help celebrate. Try this “Cloud in a Jar” experiment to start a discussion about our atmosphere.

And if you want more experiments for kids, check out SiE Books.