Educators
Adults play a key role in connecting young people to the outdoors. Below are resources and tools for you to build skills, find activities, and develop lesson plans to foster a deeper relationship with the outside world.
Featured Programs
Arizona & New Mexico Junior Ranger Books
These junior ranger books are a fun way to learn about the national forests and national grasslands in Arizona and New Mexico.
Fire Ecology Learning Lab
Ignite curiosity in young minds. Place-based K-12 Southwestern fire ecology lessons. Designed to be used by land management agency staff and informal educators.
Gila Film School
The Forest Service is hosting these films about the Gila Wilderness to share with educators and students to celebrate outdoor learning and the power of environmental storytelling. Each film is accompanied by a director statement, biographies of the student filmmakers, discussion questions and vocabulary.
Resources for Parents and Teachers
- Trees are Amazing | Los árboles son increíbles – An observation-based activity about trees. Available in English and Spanish.
- Making Observations – Learners use words and drawings to practice this important skill, just like scientists and those who care for our forests and grasslands. Available in English and Spanish.
- Native Plants – Have fun while learning about their importance. Includes an optional video and a hands-on activity for making seed balls to spread native plants. Choose either:
- Air-dry clay version: ideal for smaller-scale classroom, backyard, or flower pot projects.
- Powdered pottery clay version: ideal for larger-scale community or environmental restoration projects.
- From Ponderosa to Prickly Pear and other curricula about plants (From Institute for Applied Ecology)
- Woodsy Owl – Woodsy's ABCs: A nature-inspired book to practice your ABCs.
- Smokey Bear – Smokey for Educators : Resources for teaching about Smokey Bear and fire prevention.
- Discover the Forest | Descubre el Bosque – Family-friendly activities for enjoying the outdoors.
- Natural Inquirer – Free science education materials for pre-k through high school.
- Project Learning Tree – Tree Environmental education program for indoor and outdoor classrooms.
- Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning and Expertise Sharing (BEETLES) – Resources for student-centered, nature-centered science programs. "I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of" is a great place to start. (From the Lawrence Hall of Science)
- iNaturalist – Practice your observational skills by recording different plants and animals in habitats around your home and across the world. See what others nearby have shared. Connect with experts to help identify your observations.
- BudBurst – Monitor seasonal changes in plants with a national network of participatory scientists.
These organizations provide trainings, certifications and other professional development opportunities in the fields of place-based and conservation education, and interpretation.
- North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE)
- Environmental Education of New Mexico (EENM)
- Arizona Association for Environmental Education (AAEE)
- Project Learning Tree - Online and in-person trainings in their instructional materials.
- National Association for Interpretation
Get Outdoors!
Every Kid Outdoors is a nationwide program that encourages 4th graders to get outside and visit their federal public lands and waters by offering a free pass their entire 4th grade year.
The pass allows free admission at sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees at over 2000 federal lands and waters for a full year beginning September 1 and ending August 31.
- By participating in the Every Kid Outdoors Program, you can connect with nature and learn about your heritage while exploring millions of acres of federal lands and waters for free.
- Bring your family and friends to check out prehistoric dinosaur tracks, explore ancient sites, hike around a volcano or sit quietly and see what animals you observe in their natural habitat.
- Each pass holder is eligible for a free Christmas tree permit as supplies allow.
- This pass does not cover expanded fees so please inquire at the location you will be visiting for more information on pass acceptance.
- Call your local forest service office for exact details on how the pass applies to your adventure.