When we teach climate change in high school classrooms, students often encounter it through graphs, data, and scientific models, which distances its impacts from their daily lives. They might learn about rising temperatures, the rising sea-level, and extreme weather, but they often overlook the direct impact it has on humans. It is important that students learn that climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a human story about home, loss, movement, borders, and belonging.

Hey, Teachers! Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day by Shaunna and John Stith is a powerful book that explores environmental activism and the origins of Earth Day. Here are four activities inspired by Black Beach that you can do in your classrooms: 

Trees are powerful entry points for teaching systems thinking, climate science, and reciprocal ecological relationships. For educators, stories about forests provide rich opportunities to integrate literacy with science, social studies, and social-emotional learning while helping students develop a more personal connection with nature. Using high-quality children’s literature allows complex environmental concepts to become accessible, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate.

These six books by passionate young climate advocates offer both inspiration and actionable insights, perfect for engaging students in meaningful climate discussions. Together, they can help bring authenticity and actionable ideas into any classroom. Use them to spark discussions on equity, craft persuasive speeches, inspire personal reflections, and encourage leadership and activism projects.

National CleanUp Day and World CleanUp Day are held on the third Saturday in September every year. Whether through organized events or individual efforts, this day encourages everyone to take responsibility for keeping our outdoor spaces clean and free of litter, preventing harmful plastics and other waste from polluting our natural habitats. Here are six must-read books highlighting nature’s beauty and the impact of our actions on the planet.

Biodiversity is the incredible variety of life on Earth, encompassing the vast array of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that inhabit our planet. It includes everything from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals and is crucial for the health and resilience of ecosystems. Here are six excellent picturebooks that celebrate biodiversity in various forms, making them perfect for introducing children to the wonders of the natural world.