As teachers, we have wonderful opportunities to share our knowledge on how to take care of our planet. In our Earth Day lesson plans, we’ve done tried-and-true activities about recycling, had students take a pledge to the planet, and organized outdoor trash collection. But I wanted to come up with something new and engaging to get students motivated, and that’s when it hit me – let’s take the class on a wild Earth Day adventure! I know it isn’t always feasible to jump on a bus and head to the zoo. Many factors can come into play, from funds and transportation to permission slips and finding chaperones. Instead, opt to take your students on a virtual field trip featuring fun, team-building lessons about our planet’s wildlife.
Group students according to the animal on their nametag. Within their groups, students would have access to several different sets of books.
Set classroom computers to videos on TeacherTube regarding African animals and how their habitats are being destroyed. Give each group of safari explorers the name of an endangered African animal: African elephant, mountain gorilla, pygmy hippopotamus, black rhinoceros, cheetah, or the African lion. Empower each group to work together to fill out the printable about their endangered animal. 
After the students have researched and completed their printable, give each group a DIY shield. The information they collected would then be incorporated onto the group's "Defend the Animal" shield. ( DIY Shield 12 pieces or 48 pieces ). Students can use whatever supplies you have available – paint, markers, colored pencils, craft supplies – to add the information to their shields. 
Ask each group to present their shields to the class. Finally, display your Defend the Animals Shields on a bulletin board in your classroom.
