Green Schools National Network
Virtual Learning Resources for Sustainability-Minded EducatorsGreen 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
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...
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...
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...
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...
Field Research: Land Ecosystems
In this field research lesson, students learn what an ecosystem is, collect and record information on local plants and animals in a Land Journal, compare the natural versus built landscape in their...
Field Research: Food Systems
In this field research lesson, students learn about our food system, conduct a survey to determine what types of edible plants grow in their neighborhood, trace food origins and calculate food...
Resources for Grades 6 – 12
Transportation Analyst 101
In this lesson, students learn about climate change and modes of transportation, create a sustainable dream vacation, and conduct a personal transportation assessment. Grade Level: 9 - 12...
Solar Design 101
In this lesson, students learn the basics of solar science and site assessment, conduct research for a solar site analysis, and design a solar array using SketchUp, a computer automated design...
A Problem is a Solution in the Wrong Place
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...
Knowledge to Action Framework
World Savvy’s Knowledge to Action framework is a design thinking-based process that helps students build knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors for global competency. Students research issues...
Framework for Independent Solutionary Project-Based Learning
This framework is a “take and teach” guide for implementing student-centered learning experiences where students analyze real-world environmental and social justice issues and develop solutions that...
Building a Biodiversity Timeline
In this lesson, students gather, organize, and interpret data to create a biodiversity timeline for a species of their choosing, identify causational relationships between human activities and...
Apps
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...
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,...
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...
National Wildlife Federation Nature Guide Apps
The National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Nature Guide apps are “field guides for the 21st century.” Each guide is jam packed with features including expert-curated content, high-quality professional...
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...
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,...
Member Resources
GSNN Members have access to additional curated resouces
The Latest from the GreenNotes Blog
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A Journey to Plant 1,000 Trees
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Fun and Educational Outdoor Learning Experiences for Students and Their Families
The move to virtual learning means students are spending more time in front of computer screens. Why not break up screen time with a little family green time? While visiting some of our favorite outdoor spaces and places may not be possible right now, there’s plenty...