Want to make a big impression on your kids? Instead of telling them how to care for the environment, show them.

Simple, fun activities you can do at home are a wonderful teaching tool to educate your kids about the earth’s natural resources, says Sean Miller, director of education at Earth Day Network, a nonprofit organization that sponsors Earth Day celebrations around the world.

“Children experience the effects of environmental pollution significantly more than an adult would because their immune systems aren’t fully developed, and so we need to educate today’s youth about what is happening and what solutions are possible,” as he says.

Science teacher Donna Burrus agrees. That’s why she spends a lot of time talking to her students at Fayette Academy in Somerville, Tennessee, about the environment. She also heads the school’s ecology club; last year members gave away compact fluorescent light bulbs at a local Earth Day event. At Christmas they donated 430 of the bulbs to include in care packages for needy families.

“Earth Day is a wonderful day to talk with kids about plants and animals,” she says. “Get outside and enjoy nature and make it a really fun day.” Or pick an age-appropriate experiment to try at home. Just be sure to make it a family affair.