WWF works to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife, collaborating with partners from local to global levels in nearly 100 countries.
Conservation in the Classroom Archive and Resources
Archived Sessions
Why rivers need to flow
Natalie Shahbol,
WWF Freshwater
Healthy rivers are extremely important to the survival of people and nature around the world. They provide habitat and food for plants and animals, and provide protection and livelihood for humans living near and far. But when human infrastructures like dams, roads, and buildings prevent rivers from flowing freely, it prevents them from being able to support all of the organisms that depend on them. During this talk, Natalie Shahbol, Freshwater Specialist at WWF, will explain the importance of using freshwater resources responsibly so that it doesn’t cause devastating impacts to the environment. She’ll break down all of the benefits we get from rivers and how students can do their part to take care of the rivers in their communities.
Josefina Braña Varela
Vice President and Deputy Lead, Forests
Forests are vital to the health of our planet and play a critical role in fighting climate change. They help regulate the Earth’s temperature and nature cycles by storing greenhouse gases that would otherwise collect in our atmosphere. However, when forests are not properly cared for and are degraded and deforested, they can contribute to climate change rather than reduce the impacts. Join us for a live stream event with Josefina Braña Varela to learn about the connections between forests and climate change and what she and her team are working on to protect forests.
Wolakota: The Return of Buffalo to the lands and lifeways of the Sicangu Lakota people
Sage Fast Dog | Founder and Director, Wakanyeja Tokeyahci Wounspe Tipi (Children First Learning Center), Lakota Nation
Sage Fast Dog Sr. is a member of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and lives on the land that is now known as the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. In his role as the Founder and Director of the Wakanyeja Tokeyahci Wounspe Tipi (Children First Learning Center), Sage incorporates important cultural values into everyday teachings so that Lakota students will learn the history, skills, and traditions of their people. In this presentation, Sage will share the richness of the Lakota language, history and culture with viewers while explaining the significance of the recent efforts to return their relatives, the buffalo, to Lakota lands and the lifeways of their people.
Francesca Pancaldi | Shark Conservation Officer, WWF Mexico
In the bay of a small town located in Baja California Sur, the largest fish on the planet arrives. Not one, but many! Join Dr. Francesca Pancaldi—scientist, ecotourism guide, and shark conservation officer—to learn all about the magnificent whale shark! Dr. Pancaldi will share the conservation efforts her and her team have implemented to protect whale sharks in Mexico, as well as how you can do your part to care for these incredible animals.
Ryan Zlatanova | WWF Activism and Outreach Reid Chapman | WWF Activist/Panda Ambassador
Students can often feel powerless in the face of environmental crises, but there is tremendous potential for young people to make a difference. Start off the school year empowered by tuning in to learn tangible ways for your students to help the planet. At this talk, Ryan Zlatanova, Activism & Outreach Specialist at WWF, will talk about why youth voices are so important and be joined by Reid Chapman, a current high school student who has been advocating for nature since he was a child.
Dr. Tshering Tempa | Program Director of the Bhutan Tiger Center, Bhutan
Tigers are essential in maintaining the health of their ecosystems and when we protect them, we also help protect other forest-dwelling species. This year of the tiger marks a milestone year for tiger conservation, as organizations around the world are working harder than ever to bring awareness to these fascinating big cats. In honor of Endangered Species Day on May 20th, join Dr. Tshering Tempa, tiger conservationist, as he shares highlights from his work protecting tigers and their habitats in the mountains of Bhutan. He’ll discuss different tools and practices used in the field and share ways that you can help protect tigers from where you live.
Pierre Perifel | The Bad Guys Movie Director and Noelle Guernsey | WWF Northern Great Plains Program Officer
WWF and DreamWorks Animation have teamed up to raise awareness about the plight of the real wildlife depicted in the new animated movie The Bad Guys. Join us for a discussion with the film’s director, Pierre Perifel, and WWF’s Northern Great Plains program officer Noelle Guernsey about how these and other “bad guys” really aren’t bad at all. We’ll learn why animals, from wolves to prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets, are important despite their misguided reputations and why biodiversity is essential for the health of our planet.
Prepare for the session with The Bad Guys Content Pack that includes Wild Classroom activities, puzzle pages, and a Kahoot game.
Suggested grade level: 4th – 8th
Millions of Monarchs: A Journey Through the Monarch Butterfly’s Winter Home
Deep in the mountains of central Mexico, a strange and wonderous phenomenon occurs each year: millions of monarch butterflies gather in “groves” to spend their winter. Join Court Whelan, scientist, ecotourism guide, photographer and author, on an exploration through the monarch butterfly’s overwintering colonies. Hear from Court first-hand about the journeys he leads, some of his personal discoveries and highlights as an expedition leader, and how you can do your part to care for these remarkable insects in your area.
When you hear the term ‘endangered species’, what animals come to mind? It may not be animals like crocodiles and snakes, but did you know that over 20% of reptiles are threatened with extinction? Arnaud Lyet is a conservation scientist and an enthusiast of all things scaly and slithery. Join us as he sheds some light on species that shed their skin and why they need our protection.
Erin Simon | Senior Director, Plastics, Packaging, and Material Science
Plastic is a material we use every day – it makes our hospitals safer, our food last longer, and our packages lighter to send. But plastic becomes a big problem when it’s thrown away and ends up as trash, which harms the environment and wildlife. At WWF, Erin Simon leads a team who works on solutions to stop the plastic waste crisis. In celebration of International Women in Science Day, join us as Erin breaks down the problem of plastic not breaking down, and what you can do to make sure plastic doesn’t end up in nature.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Bizarre Sharks and Rays
Jasmin Graham | WWF Conservation Leadership Award Winner and President and CEO of Minorities in Shark Sciences
In celebration of International Women in Science Day, join shark scientist, Jasmin Graham, to learn about some of the strangest sharks and rays in our oceans. Participants will learn all about these animals, how Jasmin studies them and how she works to protect them.
Take a journey with WWF to the most remote and wild region on the planet – Antarctica. Emily Grilly, WWF’s Antarctic Program Manager, will share her personal experience working with Adelie and gentoo penguins, explain how WWF is working to protect this unique region and the animals that call it home, and also teach you everything she knows about the amazing emperor penguin!
Monica Rattling Hawk is a Native Nations liaison for WWF-US and a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation. Through her work with WWF, she carries out Indigenous conservation efforts and works to bring the will of her people to the management of their land. During this unique, interactive presentation, Monica will share her story and connection to the Northern Great Plains and will explain to students how they can view their connection to nature from a different perspective, encouraging a sense of empathy.
Nikhil Advani | Director of Climate, Communities, and Wildlife
Species all over the world are being affected by changes in weather and climate including heatwaves, drought, and flooding. Join Nikhil to learn what's causing these changes; how animals like one-horned rhinos, African penguins, and tigers are impacted; and what WWF and partners are doing to protect these species. During this livestream, students will be able to ask their questions and learn what it takes to help wildlife in a changing climate.
Alex Nichols-Vinueza and Julia Borland | WWF Food Waste Team
Each year, up to forty percent of all food produced for people globally is lost or wasted. A significant contributor to this statistic is food waste from school cafeterias. Start your students on the right foot this school year by introducing responsible food habits for them to put into practice every day. Kids will learn the connection between how they treat food and the health of our planet, in hopes that they will think twice before sending their leftover lunch to the garbage. Suggested grade level: 2nd – 6th
