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A set of free, solutions-oriented instructional resources for grades K–12 on California environmental issues. Developed in response to teacher and community demand, the lessons empower students to address real-world environmental issues, from food waste to water use to wildfire management. Age-appropriate, solutions-focused, and trauma-informed, Seeds to Solutions prepares students to be environmentally literate, engaged community members.
Seeds to Solutions Watch Intro VideoThis podcast collection highlights stories of California TK-12 educators who teach reading, writing, listening, and speaking through the lens of environmental literacy and justice, giving a glimpse into what this type of work might look like in TK-12 classrooms.
Environmental SuperHeroes of the ELA ClassroomAmigos Alados (Winged Friends) connects classrooms across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, turning students into international pen pals who explore the lives of shared migratory birds. The project brings science, culture, and conservation together, empowering students to learn collaboratively, think globally, and take action to protect wildlife across borders.
Learn MoreProject Super Plants is a youth-led environmental education program that empowers elementary and middle school students to learn about climate change and biodiversity by growing “Super Plants”—often native species that capture carbon and support local ecosystems. Through interactive lessons and engaging, youth-created videos, students explore climate science, plant biology, and real-world action while growing and tracking their own plants at school or home.
If you use the videos for instruction, please let the organization know as they want to track their use
projectsuperplants@gmail.com
Watch Intro Video Learn MorePhoto Learning Cards: Chileno Valley Newt Brigade
These photo learning cards support a place-based, project-based unit focused on protecting California newts and other wildlife along Chileno Valley Road. Designed for grades 4–5, but easily adaptable for other grades, students learn about local ecosystems, educate others, and explore ways to support the Chileno Valley Newt Brigade. 15 sets available.
Contact Kirsten Franklin at kfranklin@petk12.org for more information and/or to borrow photo card sets.
Learn MoreComplied for the CREEC Statewide Meeting in January, 2026- a spreadsheet of integrated math and environmental education lessons
View DocumentFree climate resources for K-12
Subject to ClimateA resource designed as a starting point for teachers to address climate change at the appropriate developmental level for the age of the students.
Climate Change Resources for TK-8A new animated series from NOAA, grades 4-6, weather and climate change topics.
Ocean TodayThese films highlight passionate ocean advocates who creatively address the challenges facing our seas—from turning beach plastic into art, to protecting marine life while fishing, to documenting coral reef decline through photography. Their stories reveal our deep connection to ocean health and inspire viewers to take action.
Film Link: https://vimeo.com/1029778888?share=copy
Password: TOAfilm
Three Ocean AdvocatesTeacher guide, student activities, and a music video designed for students in grades 5-8. The goal of these materials is to provide teachers with resources to use in the classroom to supplement their climate change curriculum to support students’ climate emotions.
Part 1 - Climate Emotions Toolkit for Educators Part 2 - Climate Emotions Toolkit for Educators: Activities Part 3 - Music Video, Behind the Beat: A Whole Lot MusicThe Climate Mental Health Network serves as a vital resource hub, offering tools, programs, and guidance to help communities better understand how climate-related emotions influence collective and individual well-being and how to respond effectively.
Climate Mental Health Network Parent Resource GuideNEEF's SunWise program is a free environmental and health education program that teaches K-8 children about sun safety, UV radiation, and stratospheric ozone. Educators, parents, caregivers, and others who register for the SunWise program receive a FREE toolkit with over 50 cross-curricular, standards-based activities that encourage young people to explore, assess, and understand their natural environment and how it affects their health.
SunWise CurriculumActivities to do during the month of May to celebrate green schoolyards. California passed a resolution in 2014 to promote this event.
May Living Schoolyard MonthBEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing) develops research-based resources to strengthen environmental education. Their work includes adaptable professional-learning materials, field-based student activities, and a collaborative network for sharing tools and best practices. Designed originally for residential outdoor science schools, BEETLES resources have been widely tested and successfully applied across many outdoor science education settings. They support field instructors, program leaders, and classroom teachers in creating engaging, effective learning experiences grounded in how people learn.
Learn MoreThis is a free nature Journal video series with John Muir Laws created in partnership with the Children’s Creativity Museum. Each video is between 10 and 15 minutes long and helps you build essential nature journaling skills step-by-step. Perfect for classroom and home learning.
Learn MorePORTS—Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students—brings California State Parks directly into classrooms through free digital learning experiences. More than 60 presenters from 55 parks offer live virtual programs and PORTScasts that explore nature, science, history, and culture. Educators can easily schedule a park expert to join their class or access a wide range of supplemental materials, including worksheets, 360° tours, recorded lessons, and videos. All resources are searchable through the PORTS finder, and past PORTScasts are available on the program’s YouTube channel. PORTS makes it simple for students to connect with California’s parks anytime, whether through live interaction or on-demand content.
Learn MoreFrom October 28 to December 19, 2025, a free online collection of ocean-themed films will be available to spark students’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems. Each film is carefully selected to match appropriate age levels and bring engaging, ocean-inspired stories into the classroom. This year’s lineup includes: Above Sinai, Deep Look: A Coral is Born, Deep Look: Watch This Starfish Protect Her Babies from Danger, Peixinho (Little Fish), Roots, and The Mother of Diamonds – Kimberlite.
Learn MoreSafe Routes to School (SRTS) educates children and communities about the safety, health, and environmental benefits of walking or biking to school, addressing common concerns through resources, lessons, and programs. It empowers students to navigate their neighborhoods safely while promoting active, sustainable transportation.
Safe Routes to SchoolsFree sustainability lessons to use in your class and upload your own lessons to share.
Sustainability Lesson ClearinghouseA TK-12th grade education program that provides educators with the tools and resources to help their students build the knowledge and skills needed for a changing energy future.
Energy is EverythingNative curricula by Native people
Redbud Resource GroupTraditional ecological teaching resources with a focus on protecting salmon and their habitats and ecosystems.
Save California SalmonA Statewide Partnership Effort Funded through the California Department of Education
View Curriculum Learn MoreDaily K-12 activities throughout the month of April
Earth Month
