Curriculum Guides for Educators
Follow the links below to Web-based curricula. Inclusion of a resource does not constitute endorsement by SARE or the USDA, nor does it imply that other resources are not suitable.
Exploring Energy Efficiency and Alternatives Curriculum was developed by University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service and Montana State University Extension to provide energy education materials for a range of audiences. Educators can access the curriculum online to find over 100 fact sheets supplemented by lesson plans and other materials that can be used to teach producers, homeowners and youth about small renewable energy technologies.
Teaching the Food System, developed by The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, is available for high school teachers. Teaching the Food System explores topics appropriate for integration into classes covering social studies, environmental science, biology, nutrition, English and family and consumer sciences. Slides, handouts, vocabulary builders and other supplemental materials are included in the curriculum. Students will explore questions such as: What are the strengths and limitations of local food systems? How does industrial food animal production compare to alternative approaches? How is our food supply dependent on ecosystems?
Teaching Organic Farming & Gardening: Resources for Instructors. Draws on 35 years of experience at the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems to offer teaching resources based on many of the skills and concepts taught during the six-month apprenticeship training program. This 600-page manual covers practical aspects of organic farming and gardening, applied soil science, and social and environmental issues in agriculture.
Sustainable Agriculture Resources & Programs for K-12 Youth, developed by SARE Outreach. This new guide features more than 50 programs and curricula nationwide, and includes direct links, program contact information and ideas for integrating lessons into school programs.
“Journey to Planet Earth: Land of Plenty, Land of Want” Teacher Materials (PBS). As the population of Planet Earth continues to grow, we need to understand the delicate balance of preserving the environment while feeding the world's inhabitants. Covers drought, loss of topsoil, water pollution, misuse of chemical and pesticides, and loss of farmland to urbanization. The Journey to Planet Earth episode, “Land of Plenty, Land of Want,” was partly supported by SARE.