From climate change to energy to ecosystems, sustainability is one of the main multidisciplinary themes stressed by the Next Generation Science Standards.

Here are some resources for teachers:

• EarthEcho International, an environmental education nonprofit founded by explorer Phillipe Cousteau, has compiled videos, lesson plans, virtual field trips, and other educator resources designed to engage and empower middle and high school students to take action while covering academic standards. Topics include plastics and other marine debris, environmental justice, (in English and Spanish), and a Water Quality Challenge.

• Earth Day Resources. An eGFI Teachers’ sampler of classroom activities and useful sites with educator resources, ideas for projects, and events.

• Western Washington University’s Facing the Future archives include free downloadable curricula on teaching sustainability in the early elementary years, protecting the endangered snow leopard, and other lessons designed to help students develop critical thinking skills and global awareness.

• Green Roof Resources. eGFI’s compilation of activities, websites, and other information on green-roof design, ecology, watering systems, and materials.
• Meet Mike Town, high school sustainability teacher and founder of the National Wildlife Federation’s Cool School Challenge.

• Sustainability Counts! Activities, contests, model lessons and more from Mathematics Awareness Month 2013.

First published on 9/27/13. Updated 4/21/14

Filed under: For Teachers, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, Grades K-5, Lesson Plans, Special Features, Web Resources