Teaching students about protecting the environment equips them to become good stewards of the planet we all share. Including lessons on the environment to existing curriculum, such as English, math, science and history, is also one way of helping students see how these subjects apply to their daily lives. When material is easy to relate to, it is also easier to remember. The tools and materials provided within the links below are just some of the many tools available to help teachers increase environmental literacy among their students.
The California Air Resources Board offers Climate Climate Change Curriculum, which includes activities and lessons for students and teachers.
The Department of Pesticide Regulation encourages schools to use integrated pest management (IPM) practices and assists school districts with implementing the Healthy Schools Act by offering tools, templates, and other resources.
The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) offers services for teachers, districts, and facilities through its California Education and the Environment Initiative. It is a cooperative, statewide effort to help K-12 students learn about the environment and how it relates to their everyday lives. This innovative curriculum was developed by the Office of Education and the Environment in collaboration with various education partners, and school districts throughout the state.
The Department of Toxic Substances Control protects Californians from exposures to hazardous wastes and provides hard copies of the No Waste Anthology, Hazard House Workbook, activity books, crosswords, and pledges for teachers and students.
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment assesses the health risks that chemicals in the environment may present to humans.
The State Water Resources Control Board has collected and reviewed curriculum materials that focus on watershed stewardship and monitoring, and will assist educators in identifying appropriate curricula for integration into K-12 education.
Kids’ Zone
Check out these fun websites and learn more about protecting and preserving the environment to keep California a healthy place for kids.
