Earth Day Art Lesson Love the Earth Day Art Activity Earth Day Art Project

This Earth Day Love the Earth Art Project has students draw the Earth and pair it with a textured heart that stands for caring for our planet. Students sketch a large circle and add simplified continents such as North and South America, Africa, Europe and Asia, building confidence with shapes, line and form.

Next, students make their own heart texture rubbing tool by cutting tiny hearts from recycled file folders and gluing them together, then use it to create crayon rubbings. They finish with crayons and watercolor paint in a wax resist technique, so the crayon keeps the Earth details visible while the colorful background blends around it. It suits elementary and middle school art classes and homeschool art.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “Great resource to integrate with our Earth Day project. Reinforce the importance of how to participate in Earth Day.” Lisa K.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Teacher Lesson Plan with learning outcomes, materials and teaching guidance
• Step-by-Step Earth Drawing Worksheets using simple shapes and continent outlines
• Visual Demonstration Images showing each stage of the drawing and art process
• Example Artwork Poster to display before starting
• Student Assessment Rubric for creativity, craftsmanship, effort and completion

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

• Drawing the Earth and continents using simple shapes
• Exploring texture and pattern with crayon rubbings
• How artists use line, color and texture in expressive artwork
• Experimenting with wax resist using crayons and watercolor paint
• Reflecting on Earth Day themes and caring for the planet

The finished artworks make a colorful Earth Day display. The lesson fits Earth Day, environmental awareness, mixed media and texture and pattern units.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers who want an Earth Day art lesson.

How do I teach it?

Demonstrate the drawing while students follow the step-by-step worksheets, then have them make the heart texture rubbing and finish the artwork with crayons and watercolor paint.

How long does it take?

Most classes finish in 2 to 3 class periods, depending on student age, skill level, class behavior, teaching style and available time.

Is it editable?

No. The resource is non-editable.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist, art educator and curriculum designer. She was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine and has appeared on NBC LX, sharing her mission to make art education creative, accessible and inspiring for students. She is the founder of Ms Artastic.

TERMS OF USE

This resource is licensed for single classroom use only.

YOU MAY: use this resource in your own classroom. Additional licenses must be purchased for multiple teachers.

YOU MAY NOT: share, distribute or upload this resource to shared drives or websites.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (6)

★★★★ “Great project!” Stella k.

★★★★ “Thank you!” Tricia A.

★★★★ “These were darling for Earth Day!” Kallyn G.

★★★★ “This was an amazing art lesson for distance learning. It kept the kids engaged with a hands on activity/project.” Victoria M.

★★★★★ “I made this my art center on Earth Day. Super cute and the kids loved it.” Elizabeth H.

★★★★★ “My kids loved this activity! Thanks!” Jacque H.