April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and even though you may be at home and social distancing, you can still educate your kids about Mother Nature with these fun activities from Dominion Energy:

Go on a pollinator hunt. You can teach your kids about pollinators right in your own home. Explain to them what a pollinator is—an animal or insect that transfers pollen from one plant to another—then go on a scavenger hunt to find them in your backyard and neighborhood. Teach your kids to identify the plants and flowers that attract pollinators, as well as how to spot bees, butterflies, birds and other creatures responsible for transferring pollen.

Get crafty. A host of household items can be recycled into artistic creations with a bit of ingenuity—and a great craft blog! Turn large plastic bottles into planters, make a collage out of old newspapers and magazines, use an egg carton to plant seeds, or make a wreath out of soft branches and leaves. You can also have a simple rock-painting party.

‘Bake’ solar s’mores. If you’re in store for warm, sunny weather, build a solar oven by carving a hinged opening out of the top of a pizza box, covering the underside with aluminum foil and the cut-out space with plastic wrap. Line the bottom of the box with black construction paper, then top with graham crackers layered with marshmallows and chocolate. Set your oven in the sun with the aluminum ‘door’ hinged open, and watch solar power start working it’s magic.
 
Experiment with wind and water. For the budding scientists in your home, search online for some simple experiments that will help teach them about the importance and power of wind and water. Learn how to create wind- or water-powered cardboard boats and cars; or build a simple aquifer by layering sand, then gravel, then water into a plastic cup—and seeing the effects of ‘pollutants’ when you add some colorful sprinkles.