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Fresh Air, Fresh Learning

As summer settles in, it's the perfect time to step outside the classroom and into nature to celebrate National Camping Month and Great Outdoors Month. These warmer months offer a great opportunity to spark students' curiosity about the natural world, whether it’s through hands-on outdoor learning, nature-based science lessons, or simply encouraging families to unplug and explore together. Below, you'll find a collection of resources and activities to help you bring the spirit of the outdoors into your teaching all year long—no tent required!

Grades K-8

The AMAYZING Outdoors

Discover free lessons—including STEAM activities, a nature scavenger hunt, and an outdoor bingo game—designed to get students learning and collaborating outside. Use them as school winds down or share them with families for the summer months.

Grades 3-8

Kids Gardening

KidsGardening offers free lesson plans, growing guides, and hands-on activities that get kids outside and tending plants. Share this resource with your families to give them a way to keep students learning through nature once school lets out.

Grades K-12

Ultimate Camp Resources

Check out thousands of free camp games, songs, skits, and icebreakers that are perfect for outdoor summer fun! It's a great tool for educators and camp leaders looking to keep kids active, engaged, and connected to nature all season long.

Grades 4-12

The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks

This Google Arts & Culture resource allows students to explore Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and more through 360° street views and videos. It's a great way to spark excitement for the outdoors and inspire real-life summer park visits and hikes.

Grades K-5

TL! Kids - Pledge and Activities

Lightfoot and friends teach children to explore trails, streams, and the outdoors safely and responsibly. With a free curriculum, hiking checklist, and coloring book, it's a fun way to prepare kids for summer adventures while caring for nature.

Grades 4-8

Nature Guys Podcast

This podcast connects kids and families to the natural world right in their own neighborhoods. It's a perfect summer listen that inspires curiosity about local wildlife and nature, helping young listeners feel calm, grounded, and ready to explore.

Grades K-7

Ranger Rick

The National Wildlife Federation’s Ranger Rick sparks kids' curiosity about wildlife through animal facts, videos, crafts, and outdoor activities. It's a great resource for families and educators looking to inspire a love of nature and the outdoors.

Grades K-12

Kidscamps.com

Discover a comprehensive directory of day, overnight, and adventure camps for kids of all ages. This is a great resource for families and educators looking to connect students with outdoor experiences like wilderness trips, canoeing, kayaking, and more.

Grades K-12

Virtual Yosemite

Virtual Yosemite offers an immersive, interactive VR tour of Yosemite National Park that features 650+ locations, ambient sounds, and educator resources—a wonderful way to inspire students to explore and appreciate the great outdoors and national parks.

Grades 3-8

Junior Rangers Online

Share this resource that allows kids to explore national parks from home through virtual tours, ranger songs, webcams, and conservation activities. It's a great tool for sparking excitement about the outdoors and planning real park visits as a family.

This Week at TeachersFirst

Our summer virtual workshops are open for registration—save your spot today! We're also sharing our Infusing Technology Blog and information about our ISTELive 26 presentations.