Welcome to the Woods Institute for the Environment's home for K-12 educational resources. Our goal is to provide educators and students with resources to increase the number of environmental topics being taught in the classroom. Stanford University and the Woods Institute provide a variety of training opportunities, curriculum and other resources for teachers and students at all levels. Please use the links below to access additional information on the opportunities available.

Student and Teacher Resources

K-12 Environmental Science Curriculum - The materials provided by the Woods Institute have been developed in collaboration with the Stanford University School of Education and are based on current environmental research at Stanford. Teachers can download curriculum units appropriate for grade levels 6-12 on climate change, contaminated sediments and Hawaiian ecosystems.

Office of Science Outreach - Contains information on outreach and training programs for teachers, students (all levels through college) and the general public throughout the university.

School of Education Teacher Development - The School of Education offers a variety of professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers

School of Earth Sciences K-12 Programs - Offers programs that focus on basic knowledge of Earth sciences. GeoKids provides first-graders hands-on activities about rocks, minerals, fossils, and soils. For teachers of older students, we offer check-out kits and workshops to supplement science curriculum and strengthen teacher confidence when presenting scientific material.

School of Engineering Teens and Teachers - Provides a variety of engaging way for students to learn about the science of engineering as well as career and education advice for students who aspire to pursue a career in engineering. Also includes information on how teachers can engage the School of Engineering.

Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education - Provides multidisciplinary curriculum materials on international themes and teaching workshops for K-14 schools.

Ocean Science Videos and Teacher Tools - Short science videos, featuring Professor of Marine Science Stephen Palumbi, on different ocean topics, including various teacher resources.

Smart Energy Show - Online videos and blog on various alternative energy topics from Professor of Energy Resources Engineering Margot Gerritsen.

Stanford Teacher Resources - A general Stanford web page that contains links to different teacher resources found at Stanford University.

Stanford Tours

Jasper Ridge Class Tours - Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve is located near Stanford University's campus in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The preserve encompasses remarkable geologic, topographic, and biotic diversity within its 1,189 acres and provides educational experiences for students 14 and older.

Y2E2 High Performance Building - Since its inauguration in March 2008, the Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Environment and Energy Building (Y2E2) has been a popular tour site for students and researchers as a landmark of sustainability in building design. Trained docents offer tours about the building's history, design, and function (appropriate for high school or college-level students). If you are interested in a tour, email Y2E2 Building Manager Jetta Tatum at with a specific time and date. Tours can be scheduled between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays.

Stanford Campus/Building Tours - Links to a variety of tours offered on architecture, plant life and general walking tours.