Educators

The goal for environmental education (EE) is to develop an environmentally literate citizenry. Our EE program supports environmental education in Minnesota by providing resources to both formal and nonformal educators.

General resources

• Learning Resource Center and Library: Provides infomation and assistance on solid waste and other environmental issues. Callers and visitors can have questions answered or obtain research help, get appropriate printed or audio-visual materials, and receive timely referrals for additional information.

• SEEK Web site | www.seek.state.mn.us : Sharing Environmental Education Knowledge
  Minnesota's interactive directory of environmental education resources. Find out about curricula, videos, programs, events and more. Resources from over 100 organizations can be located on SEEK's searchable database.

• Grant funding: Environmental Assistance Grants are used to fund projects which support the office's mission. Environmental education is an important component of the MPCA's grants. Visit the SEEK website to find out about other current grant opportunities for environmental education.

The Psychology of Sustainable Behavior: Bringing about voluntary behavior change

The goal of environmental education is making citizens informed about the environmental effects that come from individual choices. In the handbook Psychology of Sustainable Behavior (2009), Christina Manning introduces research-based tips from psychology that will help empower people in making choices and change behaviors, making environmental improvements a reality.

Key resources for Minnesota environmental education

• A GreenPrint for Minnesota: State Plan for Environmental Education,Third Edition
  The GreenPrint is a ten-year plan that offers guidance to individuals, organizations and agencies that deliver or support environmental education (EE) in Minnesota. The GreenPrint sets out a course for increasing environmental literacy and providing Minnesotans with the knowledge and skills to become active and engaged citizens to help keep our communities healthy and vital.

• Environmental Literacy Scope and Sequence
  The Scope and Sequence is a tool for educators that provides a systems approach to environmental education in Minnesota. | March 2002 

• Minnesota Report Cards on Environmental Literacy
  This research reviews results of statewide surveys concerning environmental literacy of adults in Minnesota. Each report card offers a snapshot of the environmental literacy of Minnesota adults at a particular point in time. Using these findings, educators can review, adapt, and develop efforts that can better serve their audiences.

• Natural Wonders: A Guide to Early Childhood for Environmental Educators
  This is a tool to aid environmental educators in designing developmentally appropriate programs and activities for early childhood. | December 2002

• Multi-cultural Educational Resources
  Environmental education is for people of all cultures, including those for whom English is not the native language. Through grants, we have funded the development of these free resources using environmental issues as their integrating concept. These workbooks are intended for students in English as a second language (ESL) and limited English proficiency (LEP) classes.

For schools

• School Assistance
• Mercury-Free Zone Program
• Green Building
• Integrated Pest Management 
• Minnesota Healthy Schools

For kids

• "Three Rs" coloring books
  Downloadable coloring books for offline use. See other coloring sheets available from MPCA.
• Glossary of environmental terms
  A list of solid waste terms and their definitions.
• Student Guide to Environmental Information
• MPCA’s Kids Page
• Frogs for Kids
• Environmental Book List

Related information

• MPCA training events calendar
• Lake Pepin Watershed Improvement Project
• Household Hazardous Waste Learning Trunk  | This learning trunk and its contents will help educators (both formal and nonformal) explain the importance of proper use, storage, disposal, and safety information of household hazardous products.
• Ground Water Monitoring and Assessment Environmental Education
• Eco Experience