Looking for a way to make Earth Day and Arbor Day more than just dates on the calendar for your students? I want to share an engaging activity that will have students practicing essential nonfiction reading skills, staying actively involved, and completing meaningful work instead of busywork. My Earth Day vs. Arbor Day Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Scavenger Hunt gets students up, moving, and learning about these important holidays while strengthening their nonfiction comprehension skills!
A Fun & Engaging Alternative to Worksheets
Instead of completing another worksheet, students embark on a scavenger hunt, reading a high-interest passage about the similarities and differences between Earth Day and Arbor Day. As they move through the activity, they reread, analyze the text, and apply their knowledge to answer comprehension questions all while having fun!
How It Works
This scavenger hunt is designed as a self-checking activity, meaning students must find the correct answer before moving on to the next clue. Here’s how it works:
- Read the nonfiction passage: Earth Day and Arbor Day: How We Celebrate Our Planet. This scavenger hunt is available at 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade reading levels.
- Search for question cards hidden around the room.
- Answer a question and use the answer to locate the next card.
4. Check for accuracy: If students answer incorrectly, they won’t find a matching card. This signals them to go back to the passage, reread, and find the correct answer.
This format encourages rereading, builds stamina, and keeps students engaged from start to finish. Best of all? Since it’s self-checking, you don’t have to grade a thing!
What’s Included?
Each grade-level version (3rd, 4th, and 5th) includes:
✔ A Nonfiction Passage – Written at an appropriate reading level for each grade
✔ 10 Question Cards – Designed to reinforce key comprehension skills
✔ Answer Sheet & Answer Key – For easy reference
✔ Black & White & Full-Color Print Options – To fit your printing needs
Why Your Students Will Love It
✔ No more boring worksheets! Instead of sitting at their desks, students move around the room, making learning interactive.
✔ Built-in motivation to reread. Since they must find the correct answer to move forward, they naturally reread and analyze the text more closely.
✔ Holiday-themed learning is meaningful. Earth Day and Arbor Day are often overlooked, and many students have limited prior knowledge about them. This activity helps them understand key similarities and differences while learning why we celebrate each one.
Why You’ll Love It
✔ No grading required! The scavenger hunt is self-checking, saving you time.
✔ Low prep. Just print, cut, and hide the cards—then let your students dive in!
✔ Flexible use. Perfect for reading centers, partner activities, independent work, or sub plans.
Which Grade Level Is Right for You?
The Earth Day vs. Arbor Day Nonfiction Scavenger Hunt is available at three different reading levels, with adjusted vocabulary and sentence complexity to match your students’ needs:
No matter which level you choose, your students will benefit from an engaging, meaningful, and skills-based learning experience!
Get Your Students Excited About Reading & Our Planet!
Transform your classroom into an interactive learning space this Earth Day and Arbor Day! Grab the Nonfiction Scavenger Hunt today! Your students will love the challenge, and you’ll love seeing them engaged, learning, and having fun while strengthening their reading skills.
