Photo Credit: ©️ R.J. Hinkle.
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April 8, 2025
Ximena Marquez, The Nature Conservancy’s associate director for education, shares resources that can help students learn the science behind how nature works and how we can help keep it running strong during Earth Month and all year long.
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This April, young change-makers can take small actions that create a big impact for our planet. Celebrate the power of young people by helping your students learn about climate change and other environmental challenges; how nature can help solve these problems; and actions they can take at school, in their own communities and at home to get involved. Teaching young people about the power of nature can help them increase their care and concern for nature, making it one of the most impactful ways to celebrate Earth Month.
Ages: 0-5
There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day, but perhaps the most impactful is to help a young child bond with nature. Research shows that spending time outside not only increases kids’ health, happiness, curiosity, creativity, and resilience, but their connection to and concern and care for the natural world. The activities in our Earth Month guide are designed to help little learners engage with nature.
Ages 8-12
Citizen Science projects not only give students an opportunity to learn more about the incredible diversity of life on Earth, they also provide all kinds of STEM skills while contributing to global conservation efforts. Watch this video to learn how Citizen Science got its start back in the 1840s, and how technology helps scientists today track how development, climate change, and other environmental stressors impact species and the natural world.
Ages 10-15
With just 20 minutes per day, you can introduce your students to a wide range of topics throughout Earth Month, including climate change, reforestation, biodiversity, water security and regenerative agriculture. Geared towards ages 10-15 or older, these guides provide engaging activities and discussions that inspire curiosity and critical thinking about our planet’s future.
Ages 14-18
Forests provide so much, from the air we breathe to the water we drink to shady places to rest on a hot day. Take your students on a tour of three forest ecosystems in Borneo, Appalachia and Central America—to learn how they support life on Earth and help tackle environmental challenges like climate change. These videos also show how everyday choices can make a difference for forests across the globe. Watch our new three-part series on forests, and download the activity guide to discover the power of forests with learners of all ages.
All ages
Want to teach students about the importance of pollinators? How dirt works? The relationship between food and carbon? A school garden provides the foundation for all of these lessons—and many more. Our multipart lesson plan covers planning, building and caring for your garden, plus a video on overcoming common student fears.
Research shows that young people are feeling increasingly anxious about climate change and the state of the natural world. One way to help is to give them a sense of agency and ability to effect change, whether at the local, state or global levels. With Earth Month on the horizon, there’s no better time to get started.
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Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with these engaging preK–12 lesson plans, activities, and classroom resources. Help your students explore environmental education topics and discover meaningful ways they can take action in their community to build a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Explore more resources for educators to find a wide-range of relevant preK-12 lessons on climate change or supporting young people as they continue to lead the conversation around the climate change crisis.
