Virtual Learning Resources for Sustainability-Minded Educators

Green Schools National Network remains steadfast in its commitment to provide K-12 schools and districts with the resources and support they need to educate for sustainability during this time of virtual learning. On this page, we have assembled a selection of age-appropriate lessons from our PD Collaborative Partners and others that are well-suited for virtual learning. We vetted these lessons against a set of criteria we developed that looks at aspects such as deeper learning, 21st century skill building, authenticity, and sustained inquiry using a real-world context.

 

Resources for Grades K – 5

ITZA

ITZA

ITZA is a youth-focused digital learning platform that empowers independent learning centered around environmentalism, sustainability, and worldwide cultural history. They provide students and...

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What Can We Do with All This Stuff?

In this lesson, students consider the idea of “zero waste” and their part in making this a reality. Students go on a waste hunt to survey and document items that are thrown away. Then, using the...

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Speaking Out

Speaking Out

In this lesson, students learn about taking civic action for a cause they care about, identify an environmental issue they want to address, and develop a campaign that they can implement to create...

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Project Hero Pollinator Quest

Project Hero Pollinator Quest

In this project-based learning experience, students learn about the vital role that pollinators play in our food chains and ecosystems, identify pollinators that live in their region and the threats...

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How Can We Take Care of Our Commons?

In this lesson, students learn what a Commons is, how to take care of a Commons, and the importance of everyone doing their part to keep their Commons healthy and beautiful. They apply this learning...

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Resources for Grades 6 – 12

ITZA

ITZA

ITZA is a youth-focused digital learning platform that empowers independent learning centered around environmentalism, sustainability, and worldwide cultural history. They provide students and...

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FoodSpan

FoodSpan

In this curriculum (17 lesson plans and a Food Citizen Action Project), students explore critical food system issues related to human health, the environment, equity, and animal welfare. The...

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Menacing Microbes

Menacing Microbes

In this curricular unit (three lesson plans), students learn how communities prevent and respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases. After analyzing a historical case study, students select a...

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Social Justice Resources

IWitness

IWitness

Overview Developed by University of Southern California Shoah Foundation – The Institute for Visual History and Education, IWitness is a classroom tool that provides teachers and students access to...

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Facing History and Ourselves

Facing History and Ourselves

Overview Facing History and Ourselves aims to “use lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to bigotry and hate.” This resource integrates the study of history,...

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Apps

TreeSnap

TreeSnap

TreeSnap lets you contribute to the study of tree health and resiliency by tagging trees around your home, in your neighborhood, and out in the wild. It’s as simple as snapping a photo of a tree and...

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Water Quality Mobile App

Water Quality Mobile App

Use the Water Quality mobile app to record, share, and interpret water-quality monitoring data. You can also use the app to learn more about chemical (e.g. dissolved oxygen, E. coli, pH, nitrate,...

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iNaturalist

iNaturalist

iNaturalist is one of the world’s most popular nature apps. Use the app to record observations, learn about nature by talking with others in the iNaturalist community, and connect with scientists...

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GLOBE Observer

GLOBE Observer

The GLOBE Observer app lets citizen science volunteers contribute data to the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program, an international science and education...

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Merlin Bird ID

Merlin Bird ID

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin Bird ID app is a virtual field guide with over 6,000 bird species found in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Upload a photo of a bird,...

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Member Resources

GSNN Members have access to additional curated resouces

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