Grade 5 students from Philbrick Elementary School exploring Blue Hills Trailside Museum

Resources for Educators

Mass Audubon is proud to offer educators free online teaching units and curriculum.

For Early Educators 

Mass Audubon is pleased to share activity-based teaching units aimed for students ages 2.9–5. By observing and learning about the natural world in classroom learning stations, outside in the school yard setting, and in their local communities, children can acquire an increased understanding about natural science and the world. 

EnglishSpanish
download Birds: Our Feathered Friends (1.5 MB)
download Nuestros Amigos Emplumados (1.4 MB)
download Soil: Digging into Soil (1.4 MB)
download Vamos A Excavar El Suelo (1.5 MB)
download Trees: Tree-mendous Trees (2.5 MB)
download Los Árboles Formidables (2.6 MB)
download Weather: Wicked Cool Weather (1.6 MB)
download El Tiempo Es Fascinante (1.6 MB)

The publication of this Innovative Preschool STEM Curriculum was made possible through a competitive grant awarded by the Department of Early Education and Care.

For Grades K-5

Teaching Units

Through activities, prompted group discussions, role play, explorations, design projects, and observation, these 4-lesson units will help you introduce students to birds, observe birds in the school yard, establish and monitor a school yard bird feeding station, and help students observe birds in their own neighborhoods. These units are aligned with Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

download Birds Lesson Plan Gr K-2 (2.7 MB)
download Birds Lesson Plan Gr 3-5 (1.2 MB)

Science of Massachusetts

These 5-7 week science units are jointly taught by you and an experienced Mass Audubon teacher-naturalist. They are designed to complement existing science topics while building your skills in teaching outdoor, inquiry-based science.

For Middle & High School 

Youth Climate Leadership Program

This one-year program brings teams of middle and high school students together to create and manage Climate Leadership Projects for their schools and communities. 

"Our Coast, Our Future" Climate Curriculum

This 7-part unit framework for middle school students presents a snapshot of Massachusetts coastal communities in the face of climate change, then uses a challenge-based structure to provide students an opportunity to dig into locally relevant issues. 

iPlan: Mapping the Future

iPlan is a free online game in which players work with maps to construct land use plans and investigate and solve simulated urban and regional planning problems. 

Programs for Schools

Our award-winning fun and educational nature-based school programs can bring the natural world to you and your students year-round.

Explore Options

Professional Development

Teachers can attend workshops offered on a variety of topics or our education staff can design a workshop to meet your specific needs. 

Learn More