CIRES Education Resources

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is an extensive network of scientists engaged in cutting-edge research on environmental challenges. The scientists’ research addresses topic areas such as climate change, water resources, forest health, pollution, ocean health, the chemistry of the atmosphere, and the special environments in the Arctic and Antarctic. At the CIRES Education and Outreach web pages, teachers can access educational resources for K–college audiences inspired by recent scientific research. The resources include a mix of lessons, curriculum units, videos, workshops, and publications, all of which are designed to support teachers in addressing environmental issues in the classroom. 

Of particular interest is the collection of Data Puzzles for middle and high school levels. In these stand-alone activities, students analyze authentic data to gain deeper understanding of current environmental issues surrounding wildfires (e.g., Megafire—Rare Occurrences or the New Normal?), environmental changes in the Arctic (Tracing Carbon Through the Arctic Food Web), and renewable energy resources (Wind Farms of the Future).

NASA + Streaming Service

NASA + is an on-demand, no cost, ad-free streaming service featuring live coverage of NASA happenings (e.g., in-flight events on the International Space Station, spacecraft launches, conference talks) and video series developed by NASA showcasing various space-related themes and topics. The material is suitable for learners of all ages from kindergarten to adult. Highlights from the collection of available video series include animated children’s programs on topics such as the planets (e.g., Mars in a Minute), mysteries of the universe (Other Worlds), and intergalactic worlds (NASA’s Traveler); a video series sharing the personal stories of Black NASA astronauts (Down to Earth); and Spanish-language content, such as video series highlighting Hispanic and Latino NASA employees (Surprisingly STEM) and climate content for kids (Climate Tales).

Bird Conservation Activities K–8

An article from educators at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology shares ideas and activities to engage students in grades K–2, 3–5, and 6–8 and their families in bird conservation and nature exploration. The article presents a slideshow and guided questions to teach students about bird conservation and what can be done to help protect birds. For each grade level, the slide show includes age-appropriate embedded hands-on activities to help students learn more about the topic. 

For example, students in grades K–2 draw a pictures of a favorite bird and suggest two actions to help protect it; students in grades 3–5 design a piece of bird-friendly clothing and discuss the choices made that make it bird-friendly; and students in grades 6–8 create a diorama of a Whooping Crane habitat and demonstrate what they’ve learned by teaching you or their parents about the Whooping Crane using their diorama. The article also includes a Wrap Up and Share section for each grade level, providing questions for teachers or parents to ask to conclude the activities.

Children’s Environmental Health Network’s 2025 Nsedu Obot Witherspoon (NOW) Youth Leadership Awards

This award is for outstanding youth who have displayed exceptional leadership on behalf of children's environmental health, equity, or climate justice. Nominees must be between the ages of 10 and 21 (inclusive) and demonstrate exceptional environmental health leadership—protecting human health, especially of our most vulnerable populations. Winners will be honored at the annual Children's Environmental Health Day awards on October 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The nomination deadline is March 16. 

Sally Ride EarthKAM Mission

Sally Ride EarthKAM is a free STEM educational program managed by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. During February 4–7, EarthKAM will allow students to take images of Earth from space using a camera aboard the International Space Station. Educators can use EarthKAM as a teaching tool for Earth science, space science, environmental science, geography, social studies, mathematics, communications, and art. Educators, educational institutions, and students may participate. Sally Ride EarthKAM is intended for middle school students, but all ages are welcome. The website’s activities section features lesson ideas for teachers.

Climate and Equity Education: A Summer Institute for Learning and Teaching

The nonprofit TERC, in partnership with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, invites high school teachers to apply for a one-week, all-expenses-paid intensive on Climate and Equity Education on the coast of Maine, July 20–26. Teachers will discuss equitable pedagogy; hear presentations about the global — and psychological — impacts of climate change; explore climate change impacts firsthand through guided field trips; and have free time to pursue additional topics. Apply by March 3.