EarthGen’s programs equip teachers and students with essential knowledge and skills, and give them meaningful opportunities to improve their communities.
EarthGen offers professional development opportunities for teachers; customizable environmental science programs for students from kindergarten through high school, and resources for schools and districts to take action for sustainability and justice.
Science-Based Units
EarthGen’s educational programs engage students, educators, and school communities with science-based, hands-on environmental learning projects that align with Next Generation Science Standards. They also incorporate student-led action projects in the local community and are customized to meet the needs of participants. The programs prioritize sustaining and nourishing students’ cultures and well-being by centering their unique backgrounds and experiences in the learning resources and tools.
Monarch Mystery
Monarch Mystery is a science-based program that follows the story of Violeta, a young girl from a migrant community in central Washington. Through engaging STEM activities and outdoor field experiences, students learn about natural phenomena such as metamorphosis, pollination, and migration while exploring their own family journeys. The program encourages students to lead action projects that support biodiversity in their community and celebrate cultural connections to the environment.
Zombie Guacamole
Zombie Guacamole teaches upper elementary school students about the science of decomposition; energy cycling in ecosystems; and how to reduce waste at home and school. Featuring a hands-on “Race to Decomposition,” Zombie Guacamole’s lessons about food cycles can complement garden-based learning programs in schools. The program also teaches students about natural and human-made systems of food production and waste management, encouraging them to take action in their school community to protect the environment.
Breathing Easier
Breathing Easier introduces upper elementary school students to the impact of local air quality issues on families and communities. While investigating air pollution in their neighborhoods, students learn the causes of air pollution and why some communities are more impacted than others. Students lead their own action project to improve community health.
Energy Matters
Energy Matters is a middle school science unit that explores energy use; energy sources and their impacts; and the connection between climate change and energy. As a capstone activity, students complete energy audits and take action to reduce energy use at home or school. Connections with local energy professionals enhance the learning and introduce students to careers in energy fields.
Stormwater Stewards
Stormwater Stewards is a program for middle and high school students to learn about watersheds and how to reduce the impact of stormwater. Students investigate their local watersheds, and then design and implement green stormwater infrastructure projects to improve water quality in their community. EarthGen facilitates connections to stormwater professionals who introduce students to pathways into environmental careers.
EarthGen School Certification
School Certification
EarthGen’s school certification program provides a framework for students to investigate environmental issues and apply their learning to make a meaningful, lasting change at school or home. Projects include activities like establishing recycling programs, cultivating food gardens, or switching to green cleaners. To be recognized as an EarthGen Certified School, schools complete projects in at least one of seven environmental categories every two years. School communities achieve higher levels of certification when they complete additional projects.
Professional Development for Educators
Climate Science Professional Development
EarthGen’s ClimEd program trains teachers in the science of climate change, its local impacts, and potential solutions, and equips them with resources to bring climate science into their classrooms. Through participating in student activities, teachers learn how to engage their students and address academic standards. Trainings feature university scientists and local experts who emphasize locally relevant topics such as wildfires, agriculture, and coastal hazards.