Celebrate Earth Day With BBC's Planet Earth
BBC Videos + Printable Passport + Quiz
Earth Day is about understanding how our actions affect the Earth — and finding ways to take better care of it. Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 and all month long by teaching your students the importance of protecting the environment and raising awareness about issues like pollution, climate change, and conservation. Start with one of our amazing videos from all across the BBC — each one can be a powerful conversation starter that sparks the kind of curiosity that leads to real action.
Protecting Our Planet
In The Importance of Forests, host Radzi Chinyanganya discusses the importance of forests in regulating the planet’s climate by absorbing CO₂ and producing oxygen. The video explores how deforestation and climate change are interconnected, highlighting the role of trees as the "lungs of the Earth." Learn about the impact of human activities on forests and how protecting these ecosystems can help reduce CO₂ emissions. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
In Can We Stop the Glacier Melt?, geologist Iain Stewart explains the crucial role ice plays in our planet’s climate and how it’s being affected by global warming. Scientists are studying Greenland's massive Jakobshavn Glacier to understand how the ice is melting and the impact that has on rising sea levels. Over just the last few decades, the glacier has retreated significantly, and if Greenland's ice melts completely, it could raise sea levels by 23 feet (7 meters), threatening places like London and Florida. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth: The Power of the Planet, a documentary series in which Dr. Iain Stewart discovers how Earth's forces can shape nature, species, and even the climate.
In Making Smart Choices for Our Planet, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how important it is to understand and take care of the natural world as we rely on it for things like air, food, and even our happiness. As the world’s population grows, we are using more and more resources like water and food sources, which could lead to problems in the future. But there’s hope! If we use science and technology wisely, we can make better choices and live more sustainably, helping the Earth for future generations. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Horizon: How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?, which explores the challenges of supporting a growing global population.
In The Importance of Forests, host Radzi Chinyanganya discusses the importance of forests in regulating the planet’s climate by absorbing CO₂ and producing oxygen. The video explores how deforestation and climate change are interconnected, highlighting the role of trees as the "lungs of the Earth." Learn about the impact of human activities on forests and how protecting these ecosystems can help reduce CO₂ emissions. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
In Can We Stop the Glacier Melt?, geologist Iain Stewart explains the crucial role ice plays in our planet’s climate and how it’s being affected by global warming. Scientists are studying Greenland's massive Jakobshavn Glacier to understand how the ice is melting and the impact that has on rising sea levels. Over just the last few decades, the glacier has retreated significantly, and if Greenland's ice melts completely, it could raise sea levels by 23 feet (7 meters), threatening places like London and Florida. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth: The Power of the Planet, a documentary series in which Dr. Iain Stewart discovers how Earth's forces can shape nature, species, and even the climate.
In Making Smart Choices for Our Planet, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how important it is to understand and take care of the natural world as we rely on it for things like air, food, and even our happiness. As the world’s population grows, we are using more and more resources like water and food sources, which could lead to problems in the future. But there’s hope! If we use science and technology wisely, we can make better choices and live more sustainably, helping the Earth for future generations. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Horizon: How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?, which explores the challenges of supporting a growing global population.
Earth Day Video Response Worksheet
Use these questions with any of our Earth Day videos.
Earth Day is April 20, and we’re celebrating all month long with engaging activities — like our Earth Day video response worksheet! Start by choosing one of the incredible BBC videos from our Earth Day Collection, featuring topics like protecting our planet, innovative ideas for a better future, and inspiring conservation stories.
After watching, have your Grade 3–8 students complete the worksheet questions. You can also give students the option to choose their own video — either from the collection or another relevant clip in our extensive library — since the worksheet is designed to work with any selection.
It’s a simple, meaningful way to spark curiosity and help students connect with real-world environmental issues.
Big Ideas for a Better Future
In Building Urban Havens for Wildlife, narrator Sir David Attenborough shows how urban areas like Milan, Italy, and Singapore are designing spaces to support wildlife. By incorporating nature into city planning, these cities create habitats for wildlife, helping to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainability. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Hope for the Future, host Simon Reeve travels to a rewilding project in Montana and is encouraged by visible hope in the fight to slow climate change. This video is excerpted from BBC's Incredible Journeys With Simon Reeve, a series that highlights one journalist’s travels across the globe and the diverse cultures and peoples he meets along the way.
In Shifting Toward Greener Renewable Energy, scientists discuss the development of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. They explore advancements in the efficiency of capturing, storing, and utilizing energy, and the need for technological innovation to overcome challenges related to energy production and sustainability. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Climate Change — The Facts, a documentary that delves into the science of climate change and its far-reaching consequences.
Learn how replacing traditional plastic made with fossil fuels with seaweed plastic that breaks down naturally can help reduce plastic pollution. Scientists are still working to bring down the cost of the process, increase seaweed production, and make sure seaweed farming is sustainable and doesn’t harm the ocean environment. This video is excerpted from BBC News.
Historical buildings are often protected by law, but what about older trees? The Woodland Trust is working on a Heritage Trees Bill, planting new trees, and attempting to create a national database to make sure these living legends are also protected by the law. This video is excerpted from BBC News.
In Building Urban Havens for Wildlife, narrator Sir David Attenborough shows how urban areas like Milan, Italy, and Singapore are designing spaces to support wildlife. By incorporating nature into city planning, these cities create habitats for wildlife, helping to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainability. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Hope for the Future, host Simon Reeve travels to a rewilding project in Montana and is encouraged by visible hope in the fight to slow climate change. This video is excerpted from BBC's Incredible Journeys With Simon Reeve, a series that highlights one journalist’s travels across the globe and the diverse cultures and peoples he meets along the way.
In Shifting Toward Greener Renewable Energy, scientists discuss the development of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. They explore advancements in the efficiency of capturing, storing, and utilizing energy, and the need for technological innovation to overcome challenges related to energy production and sustainability. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Climate Change — The Facts, a documentary that delves into the science of climate change and its far-reaching consequences.
Learn how replacing traditional plastic made with fossil fuels with seaweed plastic that breaks down naturally can help reduce plastic pollution. Scientists are still working to bring down the cost of the process, increase seaweed production, and make sure seaweed farming is sustainable and doesn’t harm the ocean environment. This video is excerpted from BBC News.
Historical buildings are often protected by law, but what about older trees? The Woodland Trust is working on a Heritage Trees Bill, planting new trees, and attempting to create a national database to make sure these living legends are also protected by the law. This video is excerpted from BBC News.
Stories of Conservation
In Swimming With Sharks, naturalist Steve Backshall explains why sharks face danger from human activity. He goes shark diving in the Bahamas to learn how shark conservation can help the local economy. This video is excerpted from BBC's Deadly 60, an award-winning nature and adventure show for kids in which narrator Steve Backshall has one mission: to travel the globe in search of 60 of the world's deadliest animals.
In Designing a Digital Campaign to Save Sumatran Tigers, tiger conservation is on display at a zoo’s tiger show and is the focus of a digital campaign designed to educate the public about why it’s important to save this magnificent species. This video is excerpted from BBC’s North America with Simon Reeve, in which the adventurer and environmentalist explores North America to learn all about the animals that make this continent amazing.
In Protecting the Manatee in Belize, host Simon Reeve journeys to Belize, home to one of the last large populations of manatees. These gentle marine giants, surprisingly related to elephants, face grave danger as reckless boating claims around 50 lives annually. Simon visits Wild Tracks, a rehabilitation center, where he meets baby manatees in recovery and witnesses a heartwarming release of one back into the wild. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
In Saving a Humpback Whale Sanctuary, host Simon Reeve reflects on a past trip to a humpback whale sanctuary in Australia. At the time, industrialization threatened their habitat. In keeping in touch with the marine biologists, he now discovers an encouraging development to the whales' story. This video is excerpted from BBC's Incredible Journeys With Simon Reeve, a series that highlights one journalist’s travels across the globe and the diverse cultures and peoples he meets along the way.
In Swimming With Sharks, naturalist Steve Backshall explains why sharks face danger from human activity. He goes shark diving in the Bahamas to learn how shark conservation can help the local economy. This video is excerpted from BBC's Deadly 60, an award-winning nature and adventure show for kids in which narrator Steve Backshall has one mission: to travel the globe in search of 60 of the world's deadliest animals.
In Designing a Digital Campaign to Save Sumatran Tigers, tiger conservation is on display at a zoo’s tiger show and is the focus of a digital campaign designed to educate the public about why it’s important to save this magnificent species. This video is excerpted from BBC’s North America with Simon Reeve, in which the adventurer and environmentalist explores North America to learn all about the animals that make this continent amazing.
In Protecting the Manatee in Belize, host Simon Reeve journeys to Belize, home to one of the last large populations of manatees. These gentle marine giants, surprisingly related to elephants, face grave danger as reckless boating claims around 50 lives annually. Simon visits Wild Tracks, a rehabilitation center, where he meets baby manatees in recovery and witnesses a heartwarming release of one back into the wild. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
In Saving a Humpback Whale Sanctuary, host Simon Reeve reflects on a past trip to a humpback whale sanctuary in Australia. At the time, industrialization threatened their habitat. In keeping in touch with the marine biologists, he now discovers an encouraging development to the whales' story. This video is excerpted from BBC's Incredible Journeys With Simon Reeve, a series that highlights one journalist’s travels across the globe and the diverse cultures and peoples he meets along the way.
Passport and Playlist
Next up: Take a trip around the world with our playlist of the eight most popular video clips from the iconic BBC nature documentary series Planet Earth, perfect for ages 8–14 and adults too! Make sure you download our passport printable, which will serve as a guide and a check for understanding for kids as they make their way around the world to learn about incredible animals. Finally, have them take our comprehensive quiz to see how much they learned!
This Planet Earth Passport is your students' perfect guide (just right for ages 8–11) to exploring some of the most-watched videos clips from the iconic BBC series Planet Earth. And it's right in time for Earth Day on April 22!
You can take part by showing your class our playlist of eight amazing animal videos and using our passport as a companion. Students will follow the map to each location and answer questions at each stop. They'll explore:
- Polar Bears in Antarctica
- Bobcats in the Rocky Mountains
- Catfish in France
- Marine Iguanas in the Galápagos
- Cave Swiftlets in Borneo
- Mouse Lemurs in Madagascar
- Dolphins in Western Australia
- Emperor Penguins in Antarctica
To make copies of the passport, print on both sides flipped on the short edge. Make sure you collate and then cut them in half (there are two passports per set).
March 5, 2026, marks the 20th anniversary of premiere of BBC's Planet Earth (and it's just in time for Earth Day on April 22, too!). The breathtaking and award-winning documentary series, narrated by none other than Sir David Attenborough, highlights the natural wonders of our planet. In honor of this momentous occasion, we've put together some of the most popular clips from this beloved natural history show for students ages 8–14.
Get up close and personal with hydroplaning dolphins. Witness an iguana hatchling's terrifying race to survive, pursued by racer snakes. Watch the first steps of two polar bear cubs emerging from hibernation. More of the real-life magic of our blue marble awaits in this video playlist, part of our Planet Earth Collection. Grab your Planet Earth Passport and start exploring!
This Planet Earth Passport is your students' perfect guide (just right for ages 8–11) to exploring some of the most-watched videos clips from the iconic BBC series Planet Earth. And it's right in time for Earth Day on April 22!
You can take part by showing your class our playlist of eight amazing animal videos and using our passport as a companion. Students will follow the map to each location and answer questions at each stop. They'll explore:
- Polar Bears in Antarctica
- Bobcats in the Rocky Mountains
- Catfish in France
- Marine Iguanas in the Galápagos
- Cave Swiftlets in Borneo
- Mouse Lemurs in Madagascar
- Dolphins in Western Australia
- Emperor Penguins in Antarctica
To make copies of the passport, print on both sides flipped on the short edge. Make sure you collate and then cut them in half (there are two passports per set).
March 5, 2026, marks the 20th anniversary of premiere of BBC's Planet Earth (and it's just in time for Earth Day on April 22, too!). The breathtaking and award-winning documentary series, narrated by none other than Sir David Attenborough, highlights the natural wonders of our planet. In honor of this momentous occasion, we've put together some of the most popular clips from this beloved natural history show for students ages 8–14.
Get up close and personal with hydroplaning dolphins. Witness an iguana hatchling's terrifying race to survive, pursued by racer snakes. Watch the first steps of two polar bear cubs emerging from hibernation. More of the real-life magic of our blue marble awaits in this video playlist, part of our Planet Earth Collection. Grab your Planet Earth Passport and start exploring!
From Antarctica to the Galápagos
In What Happens When Polar Bears Wake Up Hungry?, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that a mother polar bear must hunt seals before the spring ice melts. However, a blizzard threatens her two young cubs, and the sea ice is a dangerous place for them. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In The Bobcat in the Rockies, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the extreme cold and snow-covered ground of winter in the Rocky Mountains. He follows a bobcat as it hunts a mouse in the snow. A nearby valley teems with life, thanks to a river fed by a volcanic hot spring. The bobcat hunts ducks in the river and then succeeds in killing a squirrel in a tree. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Pigeons vs. Catfish, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the unusual predator-prey relationship between urban pigeons and an invasive catfish that uses its whiskery barbels to sense the movements of its victims. Learn more about the interaction between the pigeons and the catfish, including the catfish's unique predatory behavior. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Marine Iguana Hatchlings vs. Racer Snakes, narrator Sir David Attenborough describes the dramatic and high-stakes journey of marine iguana hatchlings as they emerge from their nests on the Galápagos Islands. With racer snakes lying in wait, the hatchlings must rely on their instincts and speed to evade capture and reach the safety of the rocky shoreline. This video is excerpted from Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In What Happens When Polar Bears Wake Up Hungry?, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that a mother polar bear must hunt seals before the spring ice melts. However, a blizzard threatens her two young cubs, and the sea ice is a dangerous place for them. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In The Bobcat in the Rockies, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the extreme cold and snow-covered ground of winter in the Rocky Mountains. He follows a bobcat as it hunts a mouse in the snow. A nearby valley teems with life, thanks to a river fed by a volcanic hot spring. The bobcat hunts ducks in the river and then succeeds in killing a squirrel in a tree. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Pigeons vs. Catfish, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the unusual predator-prey relationship between urban pigeons and an invasive catfish that uses its whiskery barbels to sense the movements of its victims. Learn more about the interaction between the pigeons and the catfish, including the catfish's unique predatory behavior. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Marine Iguana Hatchlings vs. Racer Snakes, narrator Sir David Attenborough describes the dramatic and high-stakes journey of marine iguana hatchlings as they emerge from their nests on the Galápagos Islands. With racer snakes lying in wait, the hatchlings must rely on their instincts and speed to evade capture and reach the safety of the rocky shoreline. This video is excerpted from Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
From Madagascar to the South Pole
In Mouse Lemurs Are Sneaky Nectar Thieves!, narrator Sir David Attenborough highlights lemurs enjoying a two-course meal in the branches of the baobab tree. First, the lemurs drink nectar meant for pollinating moths; then the lemurs attack the moths! This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In How Dolphins Hunt in Shallow Water, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that shallow water is no problem for smart and skilled bottlenose dolphins. See the many strategies they have for hunting fish in just centimeters of water. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Hatching Penguin Chicks, narrator Sir David Attenborough visits the southern end of the Earth, where male emperor penguins endure the coldest conditions on the planet while protecting their eggs. The fathers, who have been fasting for months, feed their newly hatched young one last time before the long-awaited return of the females. With bellies full of fish, the mothers call out to identify their mates and reunite with their chicks. The fathers must reluctantly surrender their young, ensuring their survival as the Antarctic winter begins to ease. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Mouse Lemurs Are Sneaky Nectar Thieves!, narrator Sir David Attenborough highlights lemurs enjoying a two-course meal in the branches of the baobab tree. First, the lemurs drink nectar meant for pollinating moths; then the lemurs attack the moths! This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In How Dolphins Hunt in Shallow Water, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that shallow water is no problem for smart and skilled bottlenose dolphins. See the many strategies they have for hunting fish in just centimeters of water. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Hatching Penguin Chicks, narrator Sir David Attenborough visits the southern end of the Earth, where male emperor penguins endure the coldest conditions on the planet while protecting their eggs. The fathers, who have been fasting for months, feed their newly hatched young one last time before the long-awaited return of the females. With bellies full of fish, the mothers call out to identify their mates and reunite with their chicks. The fathers must reluctantly surrender their young, ensuring their survival as the Antarctic winter begins to ease. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
QUIZ Test Your Knowledge
20 years ago, audiences around the world were introduced to the breathtaking beauty of our planet through BBC's Planet Earth. Narrated by the legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough, the documentary series brought viewers face-to-face with creatures from every corner of the globe.
Now, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this unforgettable show, it’s time to test your knowledge! Do you remember how animals survive in the harshest environments? Or the surprising tricks they use to hunt and protect their young? Try this quiz with your students ages 8–14.