There is hardly any aspect of modern life that isn’t affected by the current problems facing the environment. As we learn more about how human behavior is harming the planet, we’re creating new ways to educate, reflect, and innovate. This resource center features 45 noteworthy resources on sustainability by Purdue University Global, last updated March 3, 2022.

Teach Climate

In April, 2019, National Public Radio announced results of an NPR/Ipsos poll regarding attitudes toward teaching climate science. Important findings included:

“More than 80% of parents in the U.S. support the teaching of climate change… Whether they have children or not, two-thirds of Republicans and 9 in 10 Democrats agree that the subject needs to be taught in school… A separate poll of teachers found that they are even more supportive, in theory — 86% agree that climate change should be taught.”

Yet respondents emphasized their frustration in finding climate curriculum to teach to their students or share with their children. Earth Charter Indiana and HEART decided to do their part to fill this gap, and provide the content you’ll find on this Toolkit.

Sunrise Movement

Sunrise is a movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process.

“We’re building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent priority across America, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the health and wellbeing of all people.

We are ordinary young people who are scared about what the climate crisis means for the people and places we love. We are gathering in classrooms, living rooms, and worship halls across the country. Everyone has a role to play. Public opinion is already with us – if we unite by the millions we can turn this into political power and reclaim our democracy.”

Defend Our Future

Defend Our Future, a project of the Environmental Defense Fund, is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering young people of all political persuasions who are interested in advancing climate change and clean energy solutions that grow our economy and protect the world for future generations.

The Zero Hour

The mission of the Zero Hour movement is to center the voices of diverse youth in the conversation around climate and environmental justice. Zero Hour is a youth-led movement creating entry points, training, and resources for new young activists and organizers (and adults who support our vision) wanting to take concrete action around climate change. Together, we are a movement of unstoppable youth organizing to protect our rights and access to the natural resources and a clean, safe, and healthy environment that will ensure a livable future where we not just survive, but flourish.

NextGen America

Since 2013, NextGen America has worked to prevent damage to our climate by transitioning to a clean energy economy, based on equality, inclusion, and a shared and sustainable prosperity. Last year, NextGen America stepped up to fight for immigrant rights, affordable health care, and equality for all.

In 2018, they’ve taken it even further, registering and turning out young voters at an unprecedented rate in eleven states across the country — to help elect leaders that work for us.

iMatter

  Our Children’s Trust

Our Children’s Trust elevates the voice of youth to secure the legal right to a stable climate and healthy atmosphere for the benefit of all present and future generations. Through our programs, youth participate in advocacy, public education and civic engagement to ensure the viability of all natural systems in accordance with science.

Our mission is to protect earth’s atmosphere and natural systems for present and future generations. We lead a game-changing legal campaign seeking systemic, science-based emissions reductions and climate recovery policy at all levels of government. We give young people, those with most at stake in the climate crisis, a voice to favorably impact their futures.

SaveOnEnergy.com Recycling Guide

Enjoy a interactive recycling guide.  Nico is on a quest to help save the planet! He’s passionate about sharing his knowledge of recycling with everyone, so join Nico on his journey to reduce, reuse and recycle with tips and fun activities. Once you have the practices down, you can share your recycling knowledge with your family and friends too!

Climate Generation – Curriculum for Teachers

Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy empowers individuals and their communities to engage in solutions to climate change. Climate Generation understands that climate change is a highly complex issue and that just and equitable solutions cannot be found if we proceed with the climate science and policy lens alone. We must take a comprehensive perspective of climate change impacts and solutions if we are to reach our goal and create the future we want to live in. We are committed to addressing the intersection of climate change and economic, social, and racial disparities, and working closely with partners who understand this interface.

Alliance for Climate Education – Curriculum for Teachers

Alliance for Climate Education’s mission is to educate young people on the science of climate change and empower them to take action. By empowering youth to take action within a frame of justice and optimism, we are growing and strengthening the climate movement, and shifting the national discourse on climate in ways that are proven to affect public opinion and policy.

Energy Education

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed a teachers’ guide for children in grades K-3 on energy and its impact on the environment.
Don’t be discouraged if you are not a teacher.  The guide has worksheets that are printable or can be used with your grandchildren on a computer screen.  The worksheets will be able to spark a conversation with young children about energy and the environment. The guide can be found here.

The Sink or Swim Project 

Created by Delaney Reynolds is a website with fun, engaging, educational materials for kids. The website by this 16-year-old student from Miami highlights sea level rise with information suitable for children in elementary through high school.

EcoKids 

Websitewith downloadable coloring sheets for the younger set and games and puzzles for older kids. Check it out and sit down with a youngster and play some climate change games.

NASA’s Climate Kids 

Sharing with our grandchildren promotes that special bond between grandparents and grandchildren
and here is a fun way to spend that time while learning more about climate and climate change.

NASA’s Climate Kids website brings the exciting science of climate change and sustainability to life. From games to videos this website has something for every kid. For all of you teachers there are teaching resources on climate issues.

Meet The Greens

is an engaging website created by WGBH in Boston with support by the TED Community. It is a site designed for kids looking after the planet. With games, downloads, and videos, you will find something fun to share with your grandchildren. This multigenerational family includes Granny, Mom and Dad, their daughter and the cat.

The Sierra Club has a newsletter for kids who want to make the world a better place. You can subscribe or get the electronic version here.

Learn about Energy Star Kids!

Join the Lorax to learn more about saving energy, water and protecting the planet!

Access lots of great videos and teaching tools to use with your grandchildren to teach them how to save energy in an entertaining way. Check it out!