Environmental Learning from Home

Content approved by Jerry Parker

Protecting our home and planet is a duty that we all have to contribute to. By working together, we can preserve our forests, oceans, plains, wildlife, and more. The work done to preserve the natural world is called environmental conservation. The best way to start getting involved with environmental activism is to get outside and start learning about the world around you. This learning can begin right in your home.

Take a Virtual Field Trip

Our beautiful planet is full of diverse creatures and ecosystems, but for most of us, it’s impossible to globe-trot and see them all with our own eyes. While you’re waiting for your dream vacation to the tropics or the African savannah, take a virtual field trip! It’s the best way to explore another environment without leaving your house.

• Enjoy a Virtual National Park Visit: America’s national parks offer breathtaking examples of biodiversity and show us why protecting our environment is both important and rewarding. It’s not always possible to take a cross-country road trip, but you can visit any time with these virtual tours.
• San Diego Zoo Live Cams: Zoos with a focus on conservation are great places to learn about animals and their habitats. Visit the creatures of the San Diego Zoo from your home with these live cams.
• The Salt-Mining Elephants of Mount Elgon: All three species of elephants are endangered, even though they’re amazing creatures and an important part of our world. Take this virtual tour to learn why elephants in Kenya travel into the mines of Mount Elgon.
• Africam Streams: Go on a safari without leaving your couch with these live cams.

Backyard Activities

Conservation begins at home! Your own backyard or local park is an example of a habitat in your area, home to its own unique mix of birds, bugs, plants, and mammals large and small. Learn about environmental protection by starting with your own home environment. Explore gardening projects, local law that protects your environment, and small things you can do, like composting and installing birdhouses, that can make a big impact.

• Backyard Conservation Booklet: Conservation begins in your own backyard. This booklet is full of ideas for projects that will make your yard eco-friendly.
• Gardening for Wildlife: Your garden can be a safe haven for wildlife. Learn how to make your garden a paradise for backyard critters.
• Family-Friendly Projects to Improve Your Backyard Habitat: Every activity listed here will help wildlife in your yard and only take an hour or two to complete.

Conservation Education

There’s a lot to learn about the natural world. Learning about climate change and important ecosystems like the rainforest and oceans is a great starting point for becoming an environmental activist.

• What Is Conservation? National Geographic explains what environmental conservation is and why it’s so important to protect our planet.
• Ten Ways to Save the Ocean: Oceans are a key part of our global ecosystem, and keeping them healthy is essential to our survival. Here are ten ways you can help protect the world’s oceans.
• Learning About Rainforests: The rainforests are considered the “lungs” of our planet, but they’re being deforested at an alarming rate. Learn how and why we need to conserve them.
• What Is Climate Change, and What Can I Do? Kids can be warriors in the battle against climate change. Learn what you can do to reduce emissions and slow climate change.
• Environmental Law for Kids: Governments all over the world have laws meant to protect the natural world. Learn some examples of environmental law where you live.

Be a Citizen Scientist

Citizen scientists are volunteers who help gather data that aids in important studies. Many citizen scientists participate in environmental science projects. Find out how you can get involved, and start making positive change in your area.

• What Is a Citizen Scientist? Watch these videos to understand what a citizen scientist is and how you can get involved with your own project.
• Get Started Being a Citizen Scientist: Find everything you need to become a citizen scientist to help conserve the environment!
• Citizen Science Catalog: Explore official citizen scientist projects near you to find ways to help.

Sustainability at Home

Before you take on the world, make sure you’ve made your own home a sustainable and eco-friendly place! There are a lot of things we can all do to reduce waste and limit pollution, from the products we use to finding creative ways to recycle.

• 20 Activities to Learn About Sustainability: There are a lot of simple actions you can take at home to help conserve resources.
• Sustainability DIY Projects: Sustainability is all about conserving materials and using materials that don’t hurt the environment. These fun projects will help you do that.
• Smart Eco-Friendly Activities: These suggestions might make great ideas for a school project, or you can experiment with sustainability just for fun!
• Top Ten Sustainable Lifestyle Tips: Turn your entire family eco-friendly with these ten tips!
• Four Cool Sustainable Science Experiments: Learn about sustainability through these fun science experiments.

Environmental Careers

There’s a whole world of environmental careers that all play an essential role in preserving our environment. There are scientists, botanists, lawyers who focus on environmental law, politicians who develop environmental policies, green energy specialists, and so much more.

• Today’s In-Demand Green Jobs: If you want to be an environmental scientist, here are some of the jobs that you’re most likely to find.
• Top Seven Highest-Paying Environmental Careers: Which jobs in environmental science are the highest-paying? Find out with this guide.
• Top Environmental Science Careers: This list of environmental careers includes descriptions of what these jobs are like.
• Environmental Careers for Young People: If you’re a budding environmental scientist, here are some ways you can decide if this is really the path for you.
• Green Careers: Learn about different scientific careers that help the environment.

Other Fun Resources

• Discover the Forest: There’s no better way to learn about environmentalism than to explore the environment in person. Find the nearest forests and parks to you here.
• Nature Activities: There are plenty of fun games to play outside that also help you learn more about nature. Here are a few ideas.
• Ten Outdoor Nature Games for Kids: There is so much to do outside, but if you’re heading out with friends or family, a game is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
• Outdoor Games for Kids: Have you ever played Eagle Eye or Owl and Crow? Learn the rules and give it a try.
• Nature Games: You don’t always have to go outside to learn about nature. Here are a few games you can try out right on your computer.