The National Wildlife Federation provides educators with easy-to-implement, trusted curriculum and activities that help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
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. These experiences in nature also help foster a strong sense of ownership and responsibility over their surroundings.
Take a look at our list of tools and resources educators can use to help students learn about wildlife, wild places, and conservation.
School Resources
EcoSchools U.S.
Through EcoSchools U.S., students join a global movement of over 19 million environmental leaders engaging in project- and place-based learning to explore climate, biodiversity, and community-centered solutions to the climate crisis and advocate for climate justice. Once a school joins the program for free, they can explore over 50 action cards which include curriculum connections and implementation resources.
Schoolyard Habitats® Planning Guide
The Schoolyard Habitats® Planning Guide is available for schools to download and follow a clear, step-by-step process to plan, build, and maintain a NWF Schoolyard Habitats® garden. As part of the EcoSchools U.S. program, schools can support pollinators like native bees and monarch butterflies through participation in the Schoolyard Habitats campaign.
EcoSchools U.S. YouTube Channel
Explore the EcoSchools U.S. YouTube channel to find educational videos along with short, how-to program videos and the Schoolyard Habitats Planning Guide webinar series.
EcoLeaders Community
High school, college students, and teachers can connect with other environmental leaders through the EcoLeaders community. Participants can access project planning tools including EcoTopic pathways and earn certification for project-based leadership skills and impacts on the environment. EcoLeaders also includes our Career Center featuring career development tools and resources that help young leaders explore and map out their own personal career paths and develop key competencies necessary to achieving their sustainability career goals. Explore the EcoCareers video archive on YouTube.
Connecting Kids and Nature
Today the amount of time kids spend outside is alarmingly low, while screen time is at an all-time high. So the National Wildlife Federation is working to get American children, teens, and young adults out of their indoor habitat and into the great outdoors. By working with the major influencers of children's time, including teachers and caregivers, the goal is to make the outdoors a bigger part of kids' everyday lives. Through programs like Green Hour, EcoSchools U.S. and Trees for Wildlife™, the National Wildlife Federation is making this goal a reality.
Magazines
Ranger Rick®
Our flagship children's publication is an award-winning, photo filled nature magazine designed for kids ages 7 to 12. Named for the National Wildlife Federation's raccoon mascot, Ranger Rick has connected kids to nature for decades through the magazine and, more recently, online activities, crafts, and videos. Ranger Rick® magazine is a great tool for building nonfiction reading skills and conceptual science understanding in children.
Ranger Rick Jr.™
Specially designed for 4- to 7-year-olds, Ranger Rick Jr. magazine is filled with wildlife facts, easy-to-read stories written for developing readers, links to animal videos, and fun activities. Throughout the magazine, a character named Ricky Raccoon helps kids make connections between the wildlife content and their prior knowledge. Use the reader’s guides for each issue to expand children’s engagement with the magazine and the natural world.
Ranger Rick Cub™
Ranger Rick Cub is a monthly publication designed for children ages 0 to 4. In addition to educating toddlers about wildlife, Ranger Rick Cub teaches young children numbers, letters, and colors, as well as physical properties such as soft or big.
Ranger Rick Dinosaurs™
The latest addition to the Ranger Rick family of magazines is for dinosaur fans ages 4 to 7. Each issue combines the latest in dinosaur research, scientifically correct illustrations, and exciting time-travel stories featuring Ranger Rick and his friends.
Zoobooks®
Each issue of Zoobooks offers readers a deep dive into a single animal through captivating photos, illustrations, diagrams, and descriptions. Designed for readers ages 7+.
Movies
The National Wildlife Federation partners with major motion pictures to offer educational materials for use in the classroom and at home. Through our educator guides and family activities, teachers and parents have the tools they need to increase kids' awareness of wildlife conservation and help them be better connected with the natural world long after the end credits have rolled.
Books
The National Wildlife Federation offers Ranger Rick books for kids ages 0 to 3, 4 to 6, as well as 7 and up. Each Ranger Rick book is an invitation for kids to explore the natural world around them with Ranger Rick and friends as their personal guides.
Get Kids Involved with the National Wildlife Federation
Ready to take the next step toward getting your students involved? Check out these unique opportunities and ideas for educators.
- Adopt an Animal—Let your class pick an animal to symbolically 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 the National Wildlife Federation's Great American 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.
