climate kids
connects
Connectivity
Habitat fragmentation and development, as a result of building roads and human influences, is affecting the amount of space animals have to live and move around. As the climate changes, animals and plants will need to move around to find the resources (food, water, and mates) they need to survive.​
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These activities will help you explore the importance of a connected ecosystem and how you can help plants and animals in your local area.
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The Mountains: California's Climate Protectors
Mountains are vital to California's ecosystems and biodiversity. They also provide climate change escapes for species that need cooler, wetter conditions.
As climate change creates new temperature and precipitation patterns, the ranges that some species occupy -- particularly in mountainous areas like the Sierra Nevada -- are changing. Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have been re-surveying birds and mammals at sites in California that were first surveyed nearly 100 years ago by Joseph Grinnell. The results show how species' ranges have shifted in association with climate change. At the same time, staff at Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park are working to apply the science to park management and to engage the public in understanding what change means for future biodiversity in the park.
Ecosystems: Fallen Leaves as Wildlife Habitat
Have you ever wondered why fallen leaves are important? They are a vital part of the ecosystem and help create a microhabitat for wildlife in Southern California.
Draw a Neighborhood Connectivity Map
As the climate changes, animals will need to move, sometimes closer to human development, to find the resources that they need to survive. Learn how you may be able to help by creating a more connected landscape.
Exploring Native Plant Adaptations
Learn about plants and the adaptations they have to San Diego's climate!
Why Native Plants Are Important
Learn about the importance of native plants at San Dieguito County Park.
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Keeping a natural journal allows you to see and remember your environment with a different perspective.
Making Cardboard Animal Puppets
Learn how to make your own move-able carboard animal puppet!
Drawing the Sounds Around Us
Draw inspiration from your surroundings and create art from the sounds that surround you.
Observation-based meditations like this are a great way to connect to your environment and experience it using all of your senses.
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Can Wildlife Adapt to Climate Change?
With rising temperatures and seas, massive droughts, and changing landscapes, successfully adapting to climate change is increasingly important. For humans, this can mean using technology to find solutions. But for some plants and animals, adapting to these changes involves the most ancient solution of all: evolution. Erin Eastwood explains how animals are adapting to climate change.
Why Should I Protect Nature?
A class takes a field trip to the countryside and learns about nature's delicate balance and how small acts can have big consequences.
Kumeyaay songs and stories, as told by Stan Rodriguez. Video is part of the Learning Landscapes curriculum produced by the Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy.
Photo of Birdsingers courtesy of Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy.
Temperatures all over the world are rising due to climate change, effecting the plant and animal life. Learn about the Earth, the changes in climate and its affects on the plants and animals, and what you can do to help preserve our planet with Fever on the Land.
Coyote: A Trickster Tale from the Southwest
Coyote finds trouble wherever he goes. Now he wants to sing, dance, and fly like the crows, so he begs them to teach him how. The crows, however, decide to teach Coyote a lesson instead.
Time to read stories about nature out loud. Educators read two children's books: Tiny, Perfect Things by M.H. Clark and Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd. We'll follow up with some easy at-home crafting projects.
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Climate Kids Traveling
Trunks
Climate Kids Traveling Trunks provide all the resources you need - background information, lesson plans, powerpoints, activities, and materials - to teach climate science in the classroom.
General Climate Kids
Resources
Check out our educational materials, coloring books, and fun activities that cover numerous subject topics!
partner resources
Connecting Wildlands and Communities Project
Earth Discovery Institute
Living Coast Discovery Center
San Diego Management and Monitoring Program
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