Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day brings the world together to celebrate our
home. Even after the holiday has passed, it’s still a great time to educate kids about climate
change and how they can work to protect our living space with fun activities. Deirdre Williams,
owner of Sylvan Learning of Missouri City, has a few entertaining, sustainable ways to get
children outside this spring. All of the projects are easy to do and use materials you can easily
find around your home.
Build An Insect Hotel
Students can build an adorable hotel for bugs using basic materials found around the home —
and recycle some trash in the process!
What’s needed:
● Tree bark
● Pinecones
● A large plastic bottle
● Fallen sticks and twigs
● Any other earthly elements your kids may want to add
What to do:
1. Cut the bottle into two pieces to form separated cylinders. Remove the top and bottom
pieces, as we will not be using them.
2. Push holes in the top of the bottle pieces and thread twine to hang when the hotel is
completed.
3. Put twigs, branches and pine cone pieces inside each bottle. You may need to snap the
twigs to shorten them. Fill the bottles.
4. Spend time outside to allow bugs to enjoy their new home.
Grow a Love for Plants with Seed Jars
Students love science experiments! Involve kids in making seed jars to honor the planet. They’ll
be able to watch seeds sprout and grow into a flower or vegetable, then plant it in a garden
once it’s ready.
What’s needed:
● Water
● Paper towels
● A clear large jar
● Seeds (nasturtium, sunflowers, peas, and beans germinate quickly)
What to do:
1. Fold paper towels and place them inside jars. Allow children to push the paper towels
down into the jar.
2. Add water slowly into the jar but do not overfill it.
3. Put seeds on the wet paper towels near the edges of the glass so kids can watch their
experiments grow before their eyes!
Build a Cardboard Tube Bird Feeder
Here’s a delightful DIY project for parents to try with kids. These cute feeders are completed in
record time for birds to enjoy right away.
What’s needed:
● String
● Scissors
● Birdseed
● Butter knife
● Peanut butter
● Bamboo skewer or a thin twig
● Toilet paper roll or another cardboard tube
What to do:
1. Cut two holes at the top and bottom of the cardboard tube.
2. Push the skewer through the bottom holes as a perch for birds to stand on.
3. Spread peanut butter throughout the outside of the tube.
4. Pour birdseed onto a plate and roll the tube in the seeds until it is completely covered.
5. Thread twine into the top holes and hang outside.
Get Outside
The best way to start an appreciation for the planet is to get outside and explore nature with a
walk or playing in the park.
Sylvan Learning of Missouri City is located at 9119 Hwy 6 #240, Missouri City, TX 77459.
ABOUT SYLVAN LEARNING:
With more than 40 years of experience and more than 710 points of presence, Sylvan Learning
is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming
how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan’s proven tutoring
approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSyncTM technology on the iPad® for an engaging
learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE — STEM and accelerated
courses and Sylvan Prep — college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports families through
every stage of the academic journey. For more information, visit www.SylvanLearning.com.
