Citizen Science

William Finley, Wildlife Photography Pioneer

The historian Douglas Brinkley credits William Finley as being one amongst a group of photographers that helped popularize wildlife photography. Growing up in Northern California and Oregon, Finley spent his time roaming the wilderness and developed an interest in birding. He would often collect specimens of rare bird species and eggs.

Schoolyard Habitat Projects

This spring, schools across the U.S. will undertake a Schoolyard Habitat Project as part of an educator professional development initiative known as PBLU.

U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition award honors schools that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs; improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.

Lichens as Air Quality Indicators: A Beginning Lichen Identification Study

Students study lichens as indicators of air quality. They learn to use GPS units, track their lichen research using scientific data collection methods, and determine the air quality of a region based on their findings. This lesson is best suited for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Science Education Standards.

I-STEM Resource Network

The I-STEM Resource Network supports K-12 teachers and leaders working to implement high academic standards towards STEM literacy for all students. Their resources include lesson plans, curriculum units, professional development opportunities and more.

Resources pertaining to environmental education:

–Do You See What I See? Plant Identification

–Avalanche!

–Creating a 3D Model and Corresponding Topographic Map

TeachEngineering

The TeachEngineering digital library provides teacher-tested, standards-based engineering content for K-12 teachers to use in science and math classrooms. Their library is organized by subject areas, curricular units, lessons and activities.

Resources pertaining to environmental education:

–Energy-Efficient Housing

-Test and Treat Before You Drink

–How Far Does a Lava Flow Go?

PBS Teachers STEM Education Resource Center

The PBS Teachers STEM Education Resource Center offers television and online content to help students explore new ideas and new worlds related to STEM. The site provides nearly 4,000 science, technology, engineering and math resources as well as access to STEM education news, video collections, professional development opportunities and additional STEM resource providers.

NSDL STEM Gateways and Resources

The STEM Gateways and Resources collection is comprised of web portals, websites and individual digital resources. The resources focus on ideas and practices in the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as the uses of technology in the classroom.

Green Reading List

One of the best ways to teach about the environment is to incorporate environmentally-themed fiction or non-fiction books into classroom lessons and activities. Check out the list below to find a diverse list of “Green Reads” for your students.

Center for Ecoliteracy

The Center for Ecoliteracy (CEL) provides information, inspiration and support to educators and other members of the educational community who are helping young people gain the knowledge, skills and values essential to sustainable living. Through CEL’s initiative, Smart by Nature: Schooling for Sustainability, the organization offers both a theoretical framework and practical resources for combining hands-on learning in the natural world with curricular innovation in education.

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