Cottonwood Institute is committed to providing online resources to connect students with nature virtually, teach essential outdoor skills, and connect students with hyper-local environmental issues and solutions. Please use, enjoy, and share these resources we love!
Nature Connection:
- 360-Degree Tours of our National Parks: Interactive National Parks tours. Google Earth has them as well!
- E Movement Activities: Provides grade level inspiration for how to connect students to the natural world through meaningful learning and experiences
- Juan Martinez TED Talk: The New Nature Movement
- Live Animal Cameras: Also, check out the Denver Zoo’s Virtual Safari.
- Nature Works Everywhere: Virtual video field trips from The Nature Conservancy.
- Out of Eden Learn: A free online program for students in over 60 countries with lessons and activities.
- Outside Every Day Challenge: Activities and a pledge to get the children you care for outside every day.
- What’s Good In My Hood: Service-learning workbook for investigating urban communities
Outdoor Skills:
- Animated Knots: If you have ever struggled with knots, this is your new go to website.
- Friction Fire: Starring our friend Robin Blankenship from Earth Knack
- Gone Feral: Doug Hill has some great posts and videos for learning primitive skills
- Leave No Trace: LNT has a lot of online videos and resources for treading lightly while exploring the great outdoors.
- Citizen Science: Help the Biodiversity Heritage Library transcribe historical field notes and identify animals in the library’s many illustrations!
Environmental Issues and Solutions:
- Derek Sivers: How To Start A Movement: This is a great short TED Talk about how to start a movement.
- Patagonia Action Works: Connect with local environmental nonprofits in your neighborhood
- Story of Stuff: Can you make a living from recycling?
- Top 10 Apps for Sustainable Living: 10 apps that will help you live a more sustainable life
