Greening STEM Hub

Welcome to the Greening STEM Hub! Whether you are an educator, a parent, or simply want to know more about environmental education, you've come to the right place. Here you can find a plethora of tools and resources to help engage learners of all ages with practical lessons in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that focus on real-world challenges within the natural environment.

At NEEF, we believe our natural environment is a ready-made classroom for teaching STEM. That is why we developed the Greening STEM approach to make environmental issues more relevant and accessible for both educators and learners. Greening STEM promotes partnerships where formal and informal educators can gain experience and confidence by collaborating to design, develop, and co-deliver standards-based STEM learning activities.

The Greening STEM approach is an adaptable framework for creating a series of integrated and holistic learning activities. It is broad enough to accommodate the various educational standards and competencies, yet adaptable enough to operate outside of that framework. Educators and learners who follow the Greening STEM approach are likely to apply it to other real-world scenarios, and often become champions for organizational or systemic change within their communities.

Use the links on this page to learn more about Greening STEM, including information and resources to help you get started.

 

Greening STEM

What is the Greening STEM approach?

Greening STEM is an education program model that bridges formal and non-formal STEM education. It integrates experiential learning of STEM, place-based environmental education, project-based learning, and community-based learning.

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Greening STEM Case Studies

Case studies of after-school programs are presented to illustrate the various components of Greening STEM. Overviews of the programs are complemented with short videos.

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Implementing the Greening STEM Approach

For the Greening STEM approach to be effective, it must be a collaborative endeavor. Here’s some information on how to begin the partnering process, including how to find and connect with local schools or organizations.

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Collection of Resources

Looking for some ideas to get started? This curated collection of examples includes curriculum, lessons, and activities reviewed by Achieve, Inc. and NSTA.

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Greening STEM Idea Journal for Educators

We created this handy PDF to guide you through each section and provide you with a space to jot down ideas for planning your own Greening STEM project.
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Greening STEM in Action
Central High School students rafting down the Colorado River as part of GreeningSTEM project

NEEF Video Series: Greening STEM in Action Colorado

NEEF partnered with the Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado Canyon Association for a Greening STEM project along the Colorado River.
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Benjamin Franklin Middle School students at Teaneck Creek in New Jersey

NEEF Video Series: Greening STEM in Action

NEEF partnered with the Teaneck Creek Conservancy and Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Teaneck, NJ to engage students at their local watershed.
Watch the Series
Funding Opportunity
Photo of Bureau of Land Management and nonprofit partners arm in arm smiling.

2022-2023 Bureau of Land Management Greening STEM Grants

Funding is provided for STEM programming on BLM lands using components of NEEF’s Greening STEM model.
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NPS ranger on tidal flat point out things to children who have clipboards taking notes.

2022-2023 NPS-21st CCLC Greening STEM Grants

Funding is provided for STEM programming using NEEF’s Greening STEM model for National Park Service sites and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
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Forest Service staff pointing to announcement board instructing group of middle school students.

2022-2023 Forest Service Greening STEM Grants

Funding is provided for STEM programming on USDA Forest Service lands using components of NEEF’s Greening STEM model.
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Resources
Ecologist at a riverbank

Environmental Educator Resources

Check out these resources tailored for educators, citizen scientists, and more!
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Environmental-Education in an outdoor classroom

EE and the Next Generation Science Standards

The Next Generation Science Standards emphasize the development of skills students will need in for the future.
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EEWeek-GirlInNature

EE and the Common Core Standards

The Common Core State Standards aim to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn.
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NEEF Programs & Initiatives
Teacher holding a seedling in glass jar while teaching young students in a garden

National Environmental Education Week

EE Week has changed, but our dedication to providing resources and support for EE has not. Sign up for our EE in Focus Newsletter and stay connected.
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Climate Superstars Students smiling in different locations

Samsung Climate Superstars

Presented by Samsung, ENERGY STAR®, and NEEF, Climate Superstars is an online environmental challenge to get kids excited about the environment.
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