Fund-Raiser for Earth Day

Teaching Theme of the Week

from Education World®

Students hold a fund-raising activity to raise money to buy seeds, plants, or tree seedlings to beautify school grounds.

Subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science

Grade Levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Objectives
Students will:

• define the term fund-raiser,
• choose the seeds and plants they want to put in the schoolyard,
• research the costs for the seeds and plants,
• choose and organize a fund-raising activity, and
• work together in a cooperative group.

Keywords
Earth day, fund-raiser, seeds, trees, plants, environment

Materials Needed

• None

Procedure
This project should be completed over several lessons. The teacher decides the length of time needed to complete the project; the length of the project depends on the ages and abilities of the students. You may want to ask parents or members of your school's PTA/PTO for assistance on this project.

Part 1

• Discuss the meaning of the word fund-raiser and different types of fund-raising activities. Write students' ideas on the board. Ideas might include a bake sale, a used book sale, or a walk-a-thon.
• Tell students that they are going to hold a fund-raiser to raise money to buy plants and/or a tree to be planted on school grounds. Discuss different types of plants and/or trees to consider.
• Have students use library or online sources to research information about the plants they are considering. Two suggested sites:

  National Arbor Day Foundation
  The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Clearinghouse

• Have students research costs for plants, seeds, and gardening utensils, such as shovels or watering cans. Let students determine how much money they need to raise for the project.

Part 2

• Let students choose the type of fund-raising activity they want to sponsor. Help students plan the fund-raiser. For older students, organize the class into groups to plan and organize the fund-raiser.
• Solicit assistance from parents and/or school staff.

Part 3

• Hold the fund-raiser. Let students count the money they raise.
• Have students determine whether they have enough to buy the plants and seeds. If there is a surplus, let students determine how to spend the money.

Lesson 4

• Purchase the plants and seeds.

Lesson 5

• Hold a gardening party to plant the seeds and plants. Enjoy the fun!

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