Learning from home

Learning never ends, even during the breaks.

For all the parents and teachers who were looking for free resources to keep their students and children engaged when not in school, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has compiled a collection of free resources that can be accessed by anyone at anytime.

In addition, we have put together resources specific to those teachers who might be using their break to plan new units or just want to learn more about wildlife and how to bring it into their classroom. We have archived and live web-based trainings, lesson ideas and even grant opportunities that can provide small amounts of money to implement wildlife education activities.

To learn more about these resources and more, check out the links below.

student resources

The resources below are some education activities that parents or teachers can provide to their students that can be done anytime and anywhere. Some can be printed out (or offered as a digital download), while others can be viewed directly online.

WILDLIFE SCIENCE @ HOME

These short activities using common household materials allow students to carry out wildlife-related science experiments and projects at their home. Each activity includes a two page instruction document for the student and one page of teaching tips to help the parent or educator guide the student successfully through the activity.

DIGITAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Recently, we took some of our paper-based student activities and converted them to digital activities. These activities use Google forms to create an interactive learning tool that can supplement instruction in a variety of topics. They can be accessed anywhere, as long as the student has Internet. Check out our Digital Learning Activities page to access.

ACTIVITY PAGES

Through the years we have published different activity pages centered around a variety of wildlife topics such as migratory birds, endangered species, habitats and adaptations. Click on the links below to explore and download these educational activities.

ARTICLES AND OTHER READING RESOURCES

We have put together collections of wildlife articles that will help children develop nonfiction reading comprehension skills. All articles include text dependent questions and many are set to a variety of lexile levels. Check out our Reading Wild page to download these resources.

EDUCATIONAL YOUTUBE VIDEOS

The Department has an extensive YouTube channel with videos on numerous wildlife and recreation topics. Our educators have perused these videos and compiled a database of classroom-friendly videos complete with comprehension questions. To view these resources, check out our curated video library.

LIVE WILDLIFE WEB CAMS

The Department hosts a number of live streaming web cams that allow an inside look at wildlife in their natural habitat. Many of these are seasonal. So, if you don't see anything exciting, try one of the other cameras. At the same time, we encourage students to use these cameras to learn about animal behavior. Ethograms, which are data charts that allow people to see animal behavior over time, are excellent tools to help with this. See below for more information about ethograms provided by some other organizations.

DATA TOOLS

We want to make it easier for you to explore and learn about nature and wildlife, no matter where you are. As a result, we will be adding different data collection tables and other analysis tools that you can use to help aid you in your outdoor journeys. For most of these tools, they will be available as Google Sheets that will copy directly to your Drive.

DIGITAL MAPPING / GIS TOOLS

The Department has been using GIS technology to help with wildlife management for years. Over that time, we have created a number of great, interactive digital mapping tools. While these were not developed for education specifically, they could certainly be used by students.

  • Environmental Review Tool (Formerly HabiMap) - a map that allows you to select different layers for wildlife species, habitat types, threats, and more. You can also add original layers to the map.

  • Recreational Access Map - free version allows you to select some layers related to land use and access. You can also add your own points of interest (i.e., camp sites, parking, etc.). However, you cannot save these locations.

  • Arizona's Most Valued Locations - this isn't an interactive map. However, it provides a look at the locations that the people of Arizona consider special to experience different wildlife. It could provide some useful information for reports and future explorations.

teacher resources

The resources below are designed specifically for educators who want help with planning or training.


LIVE, ONLINE TRAININGS

We are regularly offering live, interactive webinars and workshops where you can earn professional development credit from the comfort of your home. All you need is a computer with an Internet connection with audio capabilities.


ON-DEMAND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Did you know that we have a collection of recorded presentations designed specifically for educators? You can watch these videos on your own time to get classroom-ready ideas on a variety of wildlife topics. Visit our On-Demand PD page for more information.


LESSON PLANS

Are you using your time off to plan new curriculum units? Check out our wildlife lesson plans. Activities available for all grade levels.


GRANTS

Did you know that the Department offers educators the opportunity to get up to $2000 for their classroom to teach about wildlife concepts? The application is online and relatively easy to complete. Spend a little bit of time planning the activity and see if you can get some funding. Check out the K-12 small grant program page.