Wildlife and Nature Lesson Plans and Resources for Educators

According to studies, children’s academic performance in science, math, English and social sciences increase when they have hands-on experiences with nature and the outdoors—not to mention their sense of ownership and responsibility to their surroundings.

National Wildlife Federation works to provide educators with easy-to-implement, trusted curriculum and activities that help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Curriculum and Resources

• Ranger Rick Magazine - National Wildlife Federation's award-winning children's magazine is packed with engaging content and activities for kids. Download educator guides for each issue, and learn how to order back issues and classroom subscriptions.

• National Wildlife Week - Learn how you can celebrate National Wildlife Week with your class, using NWF's ready-made, themed curriculum, activities, posters and more.

• Lesson Plans - Download lesson plans and curriculum ideas for teaching about wildlife, habitat, conservation and more.

• More Tools and Ideas - Connect with even more useful links to help incorporate nature and wildlife-themed materials into your curriculum.

NWF Programs That Help Connect Kids With Nature and Conservation

• Schoolyard Habitats - Learn how to start or develop your Schoolyard Habitat into an engaging outdoor classroom filled with fun lessons about plants, wildlife and ecosystems.

• Eco-Schools USA - Take action to green your school buildings, grounds and student experience by registering your school and working toward various levels and awards.

• Trees for Wildlife - Teach your students about the important role of trees through this program's curriculum and option to host your own tree-planting event using trees donated by NWF supporters.

• Young Reporters for the Environment - Find out how your class can enter this environmental journalism competition.

Unique Opportunities and Ideas

• Adopt an Animal - Let your class pick an animal to adopt through National Wildlife Federation's Adoption Center. Receive a poster and certificate of adoption and spend time learning about the animal with your students.

• Start a Camping Team - Inspire your students to spend a night under the stars by participating in NWF's Great American Backyard Campout.

• Ranger Rick Photo Contest - Bring photography into your classroom by challenging your students to take photos of the nature around them and enter Ranger Rick's "Your Best Shot" Photo Contest.

• Fundraise to Help Wildlife - Kids are some of NWF's most passionate supporters. Learn a few options for channeling this passion into action and let us know what you're up to!