Free Climate Change Resources for Kids in PreK–5
This collection brings together more than 40 free, classroom-ready climate change resources for kids in preK through 5th grade. Curated by educators at Share My Lesson and the American Federation of Teachers, it covers the full range of elementary climate education — from the science of weather and Earth's systems to sustainability, biodiversity, environmental justice, and student-led action.
Find climate education resources for middle and high school here.
What's Inside
Resources are organized into six topic areas, designed to meet young learners where they are and build understanding progressively:
- Climate science for kids: weather, Earth, and change: age-appropriate introductions to climate change, seasons, and how scientists study our planet
- Biodiversity, animals, and endangered species: exploring how climate change affects wildlife, pollinators, birds, and ecosystems
- Recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable living: hands-on activities that connect everyday choices to environmental health
- Earth Day, conservation, and nature stewardship: celebrating and protecting the natural world through seasonal and project-based learning
- Environmental justice and our communities: helping young learners understand how climate change affects people and places unequally
- Young climate champions: action and advocacy: empowering elementary students to see themselves as part of the solution
Built for PreK–5 Classrooms
These resources are designed with young learners in mind, emphasizing wonder, hands-on exploration, and hope over fear. Many connect to NGSS and support cross-subject teaching in science, ELA, social studies, and the arts. Whether you teach kindergarten or 5th grade, you'll find flexible, low-prep materials ready to use tomorrow.
Research consistently shows that early climate education builds environmental stewardship habits that last. By introducing climate change for kids through relatable topics like animals, weather, food, and community, elementary teachers can spark curiosity and agency in even the youngest learners.
