Printable Story with Interactive Review Questions.
Read and test reading comprehension online or print and use offline. For 4th or 5th Grade and up.
The First Earth Day
Earth Day was first celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970.
The idea for a nationwide demonstration in support of Earth's environment came from Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. After there was a damaging oil spill off the California coast, Senator Nelson was inspired to make people more aware of the environment.
After a lot of local organizing, almost 20 million people, including thousands of schools and communities, took part in the 1970 Earth Day events. The huge turnout for the first Earth Day made it the largest organized celebration in the history of the United States.
Earth Day’s success helped influence the government of the United States to create the Environmental Protection Agency and led to the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
On March 21, 1971, the United Nations made Earth Day an international celebration. But it wasn't until April 22, 1990, that it was officially celebrated. On that day, almost 200 million people from 141 nations took part in a day to recognize the importance of the environment.
The global event showed national leaders how important protecting Earth is to people. And every year on April 22, Earth Day, everyone is reminded again.
In which country was the very first Earth Day? Canada Denmark United States United States
When was the first Earth Day celebrated in the United States? April 22, 1970 March 21, 1971 April 22, 1990 April 22, 1970
When was the first Earth Day officially celebrated around the world? April 22, 1970 March 21, 1971 April 22, 1990 April 22, 1990
When did the United Nations make Earth Day an international event? April 22, 1970 March 21, 1971 April 22, 1990 March 21, 1971
Whose idea was Earth Day? President Richard Nixon Senator Gaylord Nelson The United Nations Senator Gaylord Nelson
From which state was Senator Nelson? Maine Washington Wisconsin Wisconsin
The Environmental Protection Agency was created before April, 1970. True False It doesn't say in the story. False
The first Earth Day celebration was unsuccessful. True False It doesn't say in the story. False
How many countries recognize and celebrate Earth Day? 19 41 more than 140 more than 140
What happened as a result of the first Earth Day event? The US government created stronger environmental laws. The US government stopped all further Earth Day celebrations. The event leaders were arrested. The US government created stronger environmental laws.
