For principals and school leaders
Prepared lessons every teacher can lead on your own grounds, with guidance for staff new to teaching outside.
Free for teachers. No child accounts.
Objectives, background notes, materials and a lesson preview.
Pictures, spoken prompts and printable resources.
Practical points to review for your site, conditions and children.
Minutes outside by class and term, plus curriculum links.
Sustainability plan
Nature Class combines habitat improvements, student observations and ready-to-lead outdoor learning into one practical school program. It can support the environmental education recognized by Eco-Schools USA and the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award.
Eco-Schools USA from the National Wildlife FederationFunding
Many states and local partners fund schoolyard habitats and outdoor classrooms, such as the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant and California’s CAL FIRE Green Schoolyards grants. We help you find a fit and shape the project, alongside free Nature Class lessons.
A study of two classes found better engagement after lessons in nature. Read the study
Children can observe, move, make and discuss what they find.
Study plants and habitats on your grounds, then return to see what changes.
Start with a tree, planter or patch of vegetation. Choose lessons that suit your space. Use children’s observations to decide what to care for or improve.
Teachers review the activity guidance alongside the school’s own site assessment, supervision arrangements and children’s needs.
Check lesson objectives and NGSS links against your state’s standards and district curriculum.
Nature Class is free for teachers. Check each lesson’s materials before you start.
For support across your school, tell us about your teachers, schedule and schoolyard.