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Get Started

This section provides you general resources for how to frame your environmental education program starting with how to build knowledge around the history of the place you are teaching, sharing and exploring that history with students. In addition, it will help you design experiences for young children to explore, play and learn in equitable, inclusive and culturally-relevant outdoor environments.

History of Places

These resources will help you build background knowledge of the place you teach and how to share and explore that history with your students.

Children’s Books

These children’s books can be used as read alouds to inspire students to explore the outdoors and how to look closely when they are outside. Many of these titles can be found at your local library.

Tools for Outdoor Learning

These tools enhance young children’s outdoor experiences by teaching them how to observe and use tools like a REAL scientist!

Nature Play

The most important work of a young child is non-structured, open-ended play time. These resources help you develop and create playful outdoor learning opportunities and spaces.

Nature Journaling

Young children are naturally curious about the world around them. Nature journaling is a great way to teach children how to record their observations.

Digital Content

The following links are useful online resources and programs that help you teach environmental concepts. They include a library of phenomena, online resources from the California State Parks, resources for outdoor science programs and opportunities for students to ask questions to REAL scientists!

Nature-Based Curriculum Guides & Lesson Plans

These curriculum guides and lesson plans cover topics such as the science and engineering practices (NGSS), the earth, the sky, water, plants, and animals.

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