Sparking students’ curiosity with Wild Washington curriculum
As a new school year gets underway, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is celebrating the incredible work of teachers across our state. We know that curiosity about nature often begins in the classroom and grows even more when students step outside. That’s why WDFW has developed Wild Washington curriculum units: free, ready-to-use lesson bundles that connect students with Washington’s wildlife and ecosystems, while helping teachers develop the next generation of wildlife stewards.
So far, more than 300 teachers have participated in WDFW curriculum workshops and four school districts have officially integrated Wild Washington into their core science curriculum. That brings the potential reach of Wild Washington to over 18,500 students from across the state!
This school year, WDFW is expanding opportunities for teachers to connect directly with our curriculum experts. Teachers are invited to attend a free workshop on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30 or Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 for a training on the new Biodiversity and Pollinator Unit plan.
Curriculum for every classroom
WDFW’s Wild Washington curriculum units help teachers bring conservation topics to life. These units aren’t just for science — they also align with math, social studies, and English Language Arts standards, making them a natural fit for a variety of teaching settings and grade levels. Each unit comes with detailed slide decks and printable student materials, available in both English and Spanish, ensuring teachers have flexible tools to engage students in Washington’s diverse classrooms.
Student-led science
What sets Wild Washington curriculum units apart is their student-led, inquiry-driven approach to learning. Units explore engaging topics such as pollinators and biodiversity, baby wildlife, salmon, and invasive species — while aligning with the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for easy classroom adoption. Teachers consistently praise Wild Washington curriculum units for their accuracy, classroom usability, and ability to spark student curiosity:
“These are the absolute best science curriculum plans for Next Generation Science Standards I have seen ever.” — Holly B., first grade teacher.
“WDFW units are SO engaging and interesting for kids. The potential for learning and growth is very high because of all the time, attention, and expertise invested.” — Teacher attending a WDFW Wild Washington workshop
Science beyond classroom walls
Science learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Wild Washington curriculum units include activities designed for outdoor exploration. Whether creating a model of the salmon lifecycle, going on a scavenger hunt to learn about animal features, or observing pollinators on the school playground, each unit plan has suggestions for outdoor learning on your own schoolyard. Each unit also connects lessons to real-world conservation actions, giving students the chance to protect wildlife through hands-on projects and stewardship activities.
Wild Washington curriculum units are available for first, second, third, and seventh grade, with options to adapt for other grades. New units are in development for Kindergarten, fourth, and fifth grade. Any educator interested in free, NGSS-aligned, curriculum that inspires wonder and stewardship can find everything they need on the WDFW website.
Every teacher and student is a vital part of Washington’s conservation future. By inspiring curiosity and empowering action, the Wild Washington curriculum units aim to help students become lifelong stewards of Washington’s diverse wildlife and habitats.
For more information about the Oct. 28 and 30 or Nov. 19 and 20 workshops, refer to our website. WDFW will also be presenting about its Wild Washington curriculum at the Washington Science Teachers Association conference and E3 Washington Conference. Additional opportunities for educators to explore, adapt, and collaborate will be added to the events page.
