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Youth Engagement

Nature Lab

Nature Lab is The Nature Conservancy's youth curriculum platform.

A young girl looks through binoculars directly at the camera.
Connect With Nature Middle school children birdwatch and learn about the species of birds during the First State National Park's Bioblitz outside Wilmington, Delaware. © Devan King/TNC
Rotating logo of various graphics.

Nature is the fantastic factory that makes the building blocks of all our lives—food, drinking water, the stuff we own and the air we breathe. That’s why The Nature Conservancy and its 1000+ scientists have created Nature Lab: to help students learn the science behind how nature works for us and how we can help keep it running strong. Explore lesson plans, family guides, and other teaching tools below.

Nature Lab has been recognized with an Anthem Award and a Telly Award for video content and teaching tools that raise awareness about the challenges facing the natural world—and what young learners can do to help solve them.

Aerial view of British Columbia's southern coast, with a body of water along the edge of dense forests and mountains in the distance.
Preserving Old Growth Forests TNC is working in partnership with local Indigenous communities to conserve over a quarter-million acres of old-growth forest along British Columbia's southern coast in Clayoquot Sound. © Bryan Evans

Discover the Emerald Edge

Discover how Indigenous Peoples have stewarded the Emerald Edge—the world’s largest coastal temperate rainforest—since time immemorial. Students will explore the region’s rich culture and history while reflecting on their own connection to nature.

Download Activity Guide

New Video Series: The Incredible Power of Forests

Borneo Forest Some say that forests “eat” carbon dioxide. How does that super appetite affect our fight against climate change?

5:02

Related Videos

Borneo Forest

Now playing 5:02

Appalachian Forest

4:25

Maya Forest

3:24

Seasonal Activity Guides

Kids can discover the wonders of nature year-round! Each guide shares ideas for exploring the great outdoors in every season.

                                                   Special Resources

coral reef

World Ocean Day

The ocean is home to millions of species, from colorful fish swimming through coral reefs, to majestic whales roaming the deep blue ocean. We invite you and your little ones to dive into the enchanting world of ocean biodiversity.

Watch Video Family Activity Guide
Many hands in gardening gloves in a circle.

Educating Youth for Climate Action

Climate change is here. We can limit further warming and the dangers it poses—if we act now. Those who will be the most affected–the next generation—have an essential role to play in driving change.

Youth Climate Toolkit
Three young girls walk with garden tools
Young people gardening Youth build a school garden © Devan King/TNC

Resources for Building a School Garden

Want to start a school garden? Our lesson plans cover planning, building, and caring for your garden, plus a video on overcoming common student fears.

Build a Garden

Explore Our Youth Curriculum

Access educational tools aligned to The Nature Conservancy's research and designed specifically for a young audience and classroom use.

Stay connected for the latest educational tools from Nature Lab

Don't miss new Nature Lab classroom activities and videos. Sign up to get the monthly Nature Lab newsletter with free environmental education materials for educators and families.

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