K-12 Learning
K-12 Learning
Hands-On Education for
students and teachers
Cooper Center for Environmental Learning
Connecting children and learners of all ages with the Sonoran Desert through immersive, education-based, outdoor adventures.
The Cooper Center for Environmental Learning is an outreach program of the University of Arizona College of Education, in partnership with Tucson Unified School District. The center works to increase ecological understanding and deepen feelings for nature by providing hands-on, research-based programs in science and earth education, by creating lifelong memories, and by inspiring learners of all ages to live more lightly and sustainably on the Earth.
School Garden Workshop
Collective action for social justice and a more sustainable community
The School Garden Workshop connects PK-12 students in public schools with Tucson’s long agricultural legacy by planting, maintaining, and engaging in school gardens. Using gardens as dynamic educational tools, we help cultivate community, connect students with their local food system and use gardens as place-based STEAM learning labs.
Arizona Project WET
Developing water stewards through student-centered instruction and Arizona-specific content.
Arizona Project WET builds water-literate leaders, educators, professionals and stewards by developing and providing teacher professional development that deepens water-related content knowledge and evolves instructional practice; delivering direct student and community outreach that inspires students through relevant, water-focused experiences; and using their expertise as educators to connect community water stewards and the k-12 education system.
BIORETS Santa Cruz River Program
Connecting community with the Santa Cruz River, a unique resource and riparian habitat.
The NSF-funded Research Experiences for Teachers Sites in the Biological Sciences (BIORETS) was designed to give grades 6-12 science teachers an immersive summer research experience along the Santa Cruz River to demonstrate the complexity of our regional water cycle, including re-use of treated wastewater, and how that benefits the biodiversity of aquatic and riparian plants and animals in our city.
University of Arizona Sky School
Learn about the unique Sky Island ecology and astronomy using authentic, hands-on scientific tools and methods.
Sky School provides immersive, inquiry-based science programs to Arizona K-12 students. Field experiences focus on core University of Arizona science areas such as Sky Island ecology, earth sciences, dendrochronology, hydrology, and astronomy, and meet Arizona State Science Standards.
Curriculum Resources
Making Arizona
Lesson plans for middle and high school help fill teachers' need for engaging teaching material on climate change.
The Bio/Diversity Project
Modules intended for any educator to use within the 3rd-8th grade environment.
Santa Cruz River Lessons
Lessons and activities are grouped by broad themes: water, biodiversity, and data inquiry.
Student Stories
Hear from current students and alumni about their experiences with environmental-related programs at The University of Arizona.
