Curricula and Learning Resources
Asian Longhorned Beetle Educator’s Guide
The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is an invasive species that has killed thousands of trees on the East Coast. Community action is critical to stopping the ALB. This website offers lesson plans for upper elementary, middle, and high school students and other activities for youth and families.
Census at School Food Preference Survey
The Food Preference Survey lesson teaches students in grades 5-8 about statistical concepts. Students participate in the Census at School program, complete an online questionnaire and compare results with their class, school, U.S. students and beyond. The lesson addresses common core standards in math, language arts, nutrition, social studies, and family and consumer sciences. The lesson was developed by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and the American Statistical Association (ASA) with guidance from the National Agriculture in the Classroom organization.
Discover the Forest
This campaign aims to inspire tweens (aged 8-12) and their parents to re-connect with nature, experiencing it first-hand. The campaign brings to life the joy and excitement kids have when they discover the wonders of nature, helping create interest in their environment and a lifelong relationship with it. A dynamic website is supplemented with radio and TV public messages. The program also has an active Spanish language component.
Every Kid Outdoors
This federal public lands youth initiative helps help fourth graders and their families discover America’s wildlife, resources, and history. Fourth graders may visit the site to download a free pass good at 2,000+ federal lands and waters sites. Learn more about this and other programs for kids at the USDA Forest Service website.
Forest Service – Various Youth Education Resources
The Forest Service offers a range of resources to engage young people. The Junior Forest Ranger program helps children ages 7-13 enjoy and appreciate nature. The Team Smokey website provides wildfire prevention materials for educators and youth. Woodsy Owl helps the youngest children learn the value of conservation through coloring books, songs, and more.
FSNatureLIVE
The USDA Forest Service, Prince William Network and other partners offer a collection of virtual field trips on topics such as rainforests, climate change, pollinators, wetlands, shorebird migration and more. Each distance learning adventure website offers resources including lesson plans, topic videos, webinars, and citizen science projects. Programs and resources were prepared to help teachers meet national science education standards.
Hungry Pests
The USDA fights invasive pests on three fronts—abroad, at the border and across the United States and its territories. Hungry Pests is USDA’s signature outreach initiative to raise awareness of the issue of invasive pest threats and provide the public with tools to help protect America's natural beauty and agricultural bounty. Educator resources and youth activities help raise awareness of invasive species and the damage they cause.
MyPlate
MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Parents and teachers are invited to use the MyPlate Kids' Place Resources for Parents and Educators for teachable moments that will influence children’s choices at home and at school.
NatureWatch, Interpretation and Conservation Education (NICE)
The NICE database is a searchable clearinghouse of Forest Service education and outreach programs across the United States. In FY17 more than 12 million Americans took part in Forest Service programs such as interpretive services, ranger talks, summer outdoor work opportunities, and educational programs. Most activities are planned and implemented at the field-level, with strategic guidance and support from the national office.
USDA Food Safety Coloring Book
This booklet of coloring pages introduces children to four simple steps to food safety.
