1.Climate Readiness in California’s TK-12 Schools: A Resilience and Adaptation Toolkit
 | Description: This Climate Resilience and Adaptation Toolkit for CA TK-12 Schools has been developed by Ten Strands and UndauntedK12, in Partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), with a focus on tools and resources that can support school communities and leaders to build resilience to the impacts of climate-related events. California’s TK-12 School communities are already experiencing the impacts of our changing climate and are having to navigate the challenges related to these impacts such as disruptions in learning, abscesses, emotional trauma, physical damage to buildings and infrastructure, and costly repairs. Climate driven disasters can often result in damage to school buildings, thereby putting strain on the physical infrastructure of a school and on limited school district budgets. Schools need to think differently about climate and weather related emergencies, and transition to a climate ready paradigm. This toolkit places a specific emphasis on how school leaders can adapt school buildings and grounds to be resilient to the impacts of climate change. |
2. CA Data Initiative – Climate Impacts of Extreme Heat
 | Description: The purpose of the Data Initiative for Environmental and Climate Action in California’s TK–12 Schools is to develop and maintain an interactive database (filterable by county or district), that communicates data related to scale, equity, context, and progress on indicators of environmental and climate action in schools. This initiative supports using data to increase awareness of the current state of environmental and climate action in California’s TK-12 schools, to analyze gaps and opportunities; and to increase agency at the state, regional, and local level for strategic investments in action. Ultimately, this data initiative aims to center environmental and climate action as a core tenet of public education. The data for this initiative is being collected and analyzed by Ten Strands, with support and contributions from UndauntedK12, the UC Berkeley Data Discovery Program, the California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI), and other advising partners. Climate Impacts Data Extreme Heat – As the climate changes in California, one of the more serious threats to the public health of Californians will stem primarily from the higher frequency of extreme conditions, principally more frequent, more intense, and longer heat waves. Check out the website to learn more. |
3. Depaving California Schools for a Greener Future
 | Description: Published by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, this report explores policies and other historical developments in California with a focus on Los Angeles USD, one of the largest landowners in California. The strategies that emerge from LAUSD may serve as models for schoolyard greening. Read why so many California schools are hardsurfaced, about the policies keeping asphalt in place, and recommendations to support depaving of schools |
4. National Audubon Society – How to Start Birding
 | Description: It’s fall migration. Are you ready to join the millions of people who enjoy birds? Are your students interested in the birds flying around near school? If so, there is no better time than the present to start. Where should you go? How do you even find the birds? Do you need binoculars? The Audubon Society provides some helpful tips on how to find birds and how to identify them, where to go, safety tips, gear needed, and which field guides or apps you can consider purchasing. Visit their website to learn more. |
5. Seeds to Solutions – 8th grade unit on Air Quality
  | Description: This unit starts with engaging students’ prior understanding and emotions around air quality, and introduces the phenomenon of air pollution in the San Bernardino-Riverside area. This elicits wonders about what air pollutants are made of and how they impact humans and the environment. Students investigate the sources of air pollution in the area, connections between climate change and pollutants, and the influence of the local landscape and weather. Students also explore how some groups are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, including how it is possible for people who live near each other to have different experiences. Students investigate solutions that are available to improve air quality, including actions taken individually, within businesses, and at the community and government level. The unit culminates with students developing an action plan to address one or more aspects of poor air quality in California. Browse the unit HERE. |
6. Justice Outside Podcast Series – Joy Outside Season 2
 | Description: The Joy Outside Podcast centers the experiences and wisdom of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the outdoors and environmental movements. Season 2 | Episode 1: Here’s why everyone should care about the EXPLORE Act with special guest Tykee James. Tykee is an avid birdwatcher and environmental justice advocate. Tune in to hear about his love for the outdoors, misconceptions about bird watching, the EXPLORE Act, and one of the most controversial hot takes we’ve ever heard! Season 2 | Episode 2: The Unoriginal Eeland Stribling. This episode features comedian, flyfisher, and wildlife biologist Eeland Stribling. Get ready for an episode filled with laughter and healing! Tune in to hear Eeland share his unique perspective on the outdoors, comedy, and everything in between. You won’t want to miss it. |