Greening STEM Projects
Examples of hands-on environmental investigations that show how Greening STEM makes STEM learning relevant and connected to young people’s lives.
making STEM learning local
NEEF’s Greening STEM projects engage youth in hands-on STEM activities on public lands of all sizes—from creeks and canyons to prairies and mountains. NEEF works with community partners, educators, and land management agencies to create learning experiences that connect students with real-world environmental challenges. By making STEM learning local, these projects equip young people with the skills and curiosity to explore, protect, and shape the world around them. These projects reflect NEEF’s Greening STEM approach to environmental education in action.
Explore our interactive StoryMap to see where Greening STEM projects are connecting learning to local environments across the country.
Successful Greening STEM Projects
Greening STEM projects provide authentic learning experiences that deepen learning while reinforcing a sense of belonging and pride in the local environment.
Students from Central High School in Grand Junction, Colorado, discovered the rugged beauty in their backyard while collecting scientific data and learning about the impact of invasive species. NEEF partnered with the Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado Canyon Association to give these students an unforgettable experience.
Students from Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BFMS) in Teaneck, New Jersey, learned about the local watershed through hands-on water quality monitoring and biomonitoring studies in a nearby river. NEEF partnered with Teaneck Creek Conservancy, Samsung, and BFMS to help students make important connections between the health of the river and the community.
Partner Success Stories
These partner stories highlight collaborations that support Greening STEM projects and hands-on environmental learning.
How One NEEF Grant Kickstarted an Idaho Student’s STEM Career
Abella Cathey's journey from One Stone School to Boise State University showcases the power of hands-on...
Revisiting Teaneck Creek: Lessons Learned for Lasting Collaboration in Greening STEM
Lessons learned from a collaborative Greening STEM partnership between Teaneck Creek Conservancy, New Jersey...
Water, Wasps, and Wonder: How Environmental Education Changed One Student’s Life
What started as a weekend trip to monitor invasive species became a turning point for one high schooler...
Quad Cities Students Capture Creativity Through Greening STEM Project
What role do the arts play in STEM learning? Thanks to a partnership between NEEF and Arconic Foundation...
In Their Backyard, Yet Out of Reach: Local Students Discover the Smokies for the First Time
Middle schoolers connect science to nature in the Great Smoky Mountains through NEEF’s Greening STEM program, supported by Arconic Foundation.
Your financial support provides youth with the opportunity to connect learning to real-world issues in their community and appreciate, understand, and positively impact it while meeting learning objectives.
Learn more About Greening STEM
Greening STEM Hub
What is Greening STEM? Learn the approach, who is involved, and find resources to get started.
Greening STEM Success Stories You Can Adapt for Use in Your Classroom
Explore real-world Greening STEM projects that help educators connect STEM lessons to local parks, waterways...
Greening STEM and Inquiry-Based Education
A conversation with Terrence Williams, Principal at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Teaneck, New Jersey...