School Grounds Curriculum Connections

eight pathways schoolgrounds

Utilizing a schoolyard habitat to teach is a key aspect for the School Grounds Pathway of the Eco-Schools program. Students learn by participating in the planning and installation of the habitat. Equally important, educators can use the habitat as an outdoor classroom for hands-on learning. National Wildlife Federation provides science, math, and language arts lesson plans to assist educators in maximizing their outdoor classroom time and meeting learning objectives.

 


Organization Resource, Activity, or Lesson Plan * Grade Level
National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat Planning Guide - Provides a complete Schoolyard Habitat planning guide, lessons and activities Elementary, Middle, Secondary
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lawn Care Energy Usage Calculator for Lawn Equipment - Provides an online energy calculator for lawn equipment Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Prince William Network and National Wildlife Federation Happenin' Habitats - Provides an online distance learning course for teachers Elementary, Middle, Secondary
National Wildlife Federation Habitat Web (PDF, 1.42 Mb) - Allows students to explore the web of connections among living and non-living things Elementary
National Wildlife Federation Tree Detective (PDF, 503 Kb) - Provides a lesson plan for students to practice observation skills and apply them to identifying trees in their neighborhood Elementary
Trees for the 21st Century Tree Kits - Provides everything a youth group needs to take action and enhance learning through tree planting and related activities. Elementary, Middle, Secondary
National Wildlife Federation Habitat For Sale (PDF, 315 Kb) - Provides a lesson plan to help students understand the concept of habitat and what living things need to survive Elementary, Middle
Robert Rinck, ASLA Restorative School Landscaping - Provides an article on how school facilities managers and maintenance staff can balance the relationship of use, maintenance, quality, and budget Elementary, Middle, Secondary
National Wildlife Federation Access Nature - This for-purchase curriculum offers an inclusive curriculum for grades K-8 with more than 60 hours of hands-on, habitat-based activities. Download a few of the lessons to try it out.  Elementary, Middle
Slow Food USA Slow Food in Schools - Provides background on the slow food movement and guidance on how schools can start slow food projects. Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity Making Schools the Model for Healthier Environments Toolkit - Provides tools and resources to help ensure that school environments become the standard for healthy eating and active living. Elementary, Middle, Secondary

 

* Elementary (K-5)
Middle School (6-8)
Secondary (9-12)