Here is my updated and expanded list of vocabulary words that might be useful for Earth Day puzzles, games, or other activities – along with a few suggestions for activities using the word list. You can download the list below.
Vocabulary List
biodegradable
renewable
carbon
carbon footprint
fossil fuel
organic
renewable
non-renewable
conserve
conservation
ecology
ecosystem
habitat
resources
watershed
wetlands
endangered
extinct
pollution
pollutant
hazmat
toxic
non-toxic
biodiversity
biodegradable
climate
climate change
global
global warming
greenhouse gases
Polar icecap
herbicide
pesticide
litter
soil
botanical
wilderness
oxygen
salvage
carbon dioxide
sustainable
ozone
activist
agriculture
solar
revitalize
marine
precipitation
projections
landscape
migration
Activity Ideas
Concentration Game – Have individual students or groups create these matching games with words from the list and their definitions. Students can then exchange their games for other students to solve.
One-Minute News Report – Divide students into groups of three. Each group of three kids chooses one word from the list and presents a “news report.” For their report, the first kid in the group tells what the word means. The second kid continues – “This is what is happening with (their word) on our world today – .” The third kid ends with – “This is what some environmentalists predict will be happening with (their word) in the future – .”
Word Sort – Divide students into groups, and give each group the whole word list. Each group then sorts the list into categories of their choice, and then explains why they chose those categories.
Crossword Puzzle or Word Search – Plug the word list into a puzzle maker program for a quick Earth Day crossword puzzle or word search.
Get the word list: Earth Day Words
If you are interested in an Earth Day informational text activity, check out this one in my Informational Text – Celebrations packet. Click on an image to see previews of the holiday activities: