Project Wet - Water Education

I was asking colleagues on facebook about resources for a water cycle / environmental unit I may be teaching in Science. A friend suggested I check out http://www.projectwet.org/ and I suggest you do as well!

There are publications, interactive online activities, lesson plans, printables, information on workshop and training, maps, posters, books, events and so much more.

It is appropriate for a variety of grade levels and looks at the importance of water and how we use it and how we can protect it.

Leaf Learning

As the leaves change colour and begun to fall, why not use nature in the classroom?


Collect and graph different colours and styles of leaves, use them for art, math, science....


Here are some awesome ideas from E is for Explore Blog

Books to teach kids about protecting the environment

Earth Day just passed, but learning about the environment is important year round!

Before you can start teaching your children about how to protect the environment, take some time to show they why it’s so important. Choose books that tell a story about what happens to people and animals when the environment becomes unsustainable. Like adults, children need to understand why something matters so much before they can get into how to fix it.


Read more here



The Lorax by Dr. Seuss - Way back in 1971, Dr. Seuss saw the potential for a problem in the future and tried to reach our generation while we were still impressionable. Now, his timeless story about the dangers of destroying the environment and driving away everything that makes an area unique and beautiful still resonates. The beauty of The Lorax is that it uses colorful illustrations and fun made-up words to really engage young children. After over 40 years, it still remains one of the best kids books about protecting the environment. It is a great book to start your conservation journey, as it gives a good overall picture of why it’s so important.

Read the rest of the list here

How to raise happy kids, according to science

Eating dinner as a family, though dated, leads to happier kids.

Sometimes it's hard to balance what's best for children with what makes them happy — but the two don't have to be mutually exclusive. Happier kids are more likely to turn into successful, accomplished adults.
Science shows us some ways to raise happy kids..

Here are the ten steps:

1. Get happy yourself
2. Teach them to build relationships 
3. Expect effort, not perfection
4. Teach optimism5. Teach emotional intelligence6. Form happiness habits 
7. Teach self-discipline
8. More playtime 
9. Rig their environment for happiness 
10. Eat dinner together

Source: http://theweek.com/article/index/259364/how-to-raise-happy-kids-according-to-science

Retain Good Teachers

Advice for new teachers here

Awesome Idea for mini planters