What We Do
K-12 Education
NEEF partners with organizations nationwide to advance K–12 environmental education through hands-on learning, community engagement, and stewardship-focused experiences.
educating & empowering youth
Environmental education is essential for equipping youth with skills for the future. It improves their understanding of the environment while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and community awareness. NEEF’s programs and resources support environmental educators in both formal and non-formal settings.
NEEF’s K–12 work is centered on Greening STEM, our core environmental education approach, and supported by targeted tools and resources that help educators and promote student well-being.
Greening STEM in Action
Greening STEM brings classroom learning to life through hands-on, place-based experiences in communities and on public lands.
NEEF partnered with the Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado Canyons Association for a Greening STEM project along the Colorado River.
NEEF partnered with Teaneck Creek Conservancy and Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Teaneck, NJ, to engage students in a water quality monitoring project at their local watershed.
EE in Focus Newsletter Sign Up
Our monthly Environmental Education (EE) newsletter keeps educators updated on grants, resources, and professional development opportunities.
Educator Resources
These resources complement NEEF’s K–12 environmental education work by offering flexible tools educators can use in a variety of learning environments.
Get Dirty! Learning Expedition Toolkit
This guide is designed to assist in planning an instructive and memorable outing that incorporates best...
Rooted in Math Educator Toolkit
This educator toolkit contains lesson plans, activity ideas, and informational resources to help you continue...
Surrounded by Science Educator Toolkit
NEEF has compiled this collection of lesson plans and curriculum guides to help educators introduce students...
These fun and informational environmental education activities are designed to get children and adults outside and involved in nearby nature —at school, home, or anywhere in between.
Environmental Education Stories
Environmental education encompasses a wide range of activities that help individuals understand and appreciate the natural world, such as engaging in citizen science activities, spending time outdoors, and participating in hands-on learning experiences.
Benefits of Environmental Education
Explore the transformative benefits of Environmental Education, from academic excellence to increased...
The Importance of Environmental Education in K-12 Curriculum
Amy Nakamoto of Discovery Education discusses how environmental education builds important skills, strengthens...
Explore Career Opportunities in Environmental Science
Learn how a background in STEM and a passion for the outdoors can prepare you for a career in environmental...
