Our Work in Environmental Education

The Rainforest Alliance helps students of all ages understand the role that each one of us plays in biodiversity conservation. Our educational materials provide kids and teachers with the information they need to understand fundamental environmental issues and to take action that will help protect our planet.

The Rainforest Alliance Curriculum

Our free, kindergarten- through eighth grade curriculum follows state and national learning standards. Classroom lessons teach pertinent science, social studies, math and language arts concepts within the overarching context of environmental education. Each grade-specific unit is based on the Four-Step Plan, a format founded on the latest cognitive research in teaching and learning.

The Kids’ Corner

Our Kids’ Corner is designed to teach kids of all ages about rainforests and the animals and people that inhabit them. Through online games, printable coloring pages and rainforest facts, you’ll meet kids who live in and near rainforests and learn how your world is connected to theirs.

Training Teachers Around the World

Each year, the Rainforest Alliance's education team travels to schools throughout the United States, Colombia, Guatemala, Ghana and Mexico to host teacher-training workshops and share resources.

Learn More

Expand all
What national standards does the curriculum follow?

The curriculum teaches science, math, language arts and social studies essentials while addressing the National Standards for Learning. The multidisciplinary curricula present information on forests, wildlife and local communities. It provides a global perspective on the importance of protecting the world's natural resources and gives students opportunities for direct action. All of these resources are easy to download or view on screen and are provided free of charge.

What is the Four-Step Plan?

Each grade-specific unit is based on the Four-Step Plan, a format founded on the latest cognitive research in teaching and learning. By assisting teachers in arranging and implementing pedagogically sound planned learning experiences, the Four-Step Plan is intended to maximize student understanding. Each unit follows national standards as compiled by the Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning by John S. Kendall and Robert J. Muzano. These standards can be easily aligned to current individual state standards. In addition, each unit includes assessment rubrics that tie learning to state-mandated standards, enabling teachers at all grade levels to gauge students in areas identified as essential for academic achievement. These lessons were created to appeal to various learning styles and multiple intelligences by utilizing the key concepts of Howard Gardner. Please see the brief summary of the Four-Step Plan as the model for the development and use of these materials in the classroom. To learn more about the Four-Step Plan, download Research Supporting the Strategies within the Four-Step Plan.

Who developed the curriculum?

The curriculum development team was coordinated by Dr. Anthony Coletta and Corn Associates. The Rainforest Alliance K-6th grade curriculum was revised and expanded by Cindy Thomashow and her team at the Antioch New England Graduate School. The Rainforest Alliance 7th and 8th grade curriculum was created in collaboration with Project Learning Tree, an award-winning multidisciplinary environmental education program of the American Forest Foundation.

How is the program funded?

Our program is made possible by:

How can I help support the Rainforest Alliance’s education program?

Help keep our curriculum free. Donate today!

Rainforest Survival Challenge iPad App

Rainforests: There’s an App for That!

How much do you know about survival in the rainforest? Try our new app to find out. Download the app »

See the Rainforest Survival Challenge in action. Watch video »

Building Environmental Values in Jacksonville, Florida

From Jacksonville to
the Jungle

Watch the Rainforest Alliance curricula in action in schools throughout Jacksonville, Florida. Watch video »

Boys from a partner school show off their rainforest math problems book

Keep Our Curricula Free!

Did you know that many teachers pay out of pocket for classroom supplies, including curricula? You can help us keep our comprehensive education resources free for teachers: donate now »