Themed around the state’s diverse flora and fauna, Wild Washington lessons and are designed to equip K-12 students with the knowledge, social, and emotional skills needed to think critically, and problem solve around natural resource issues. Activities encourage students to explore various points of view and collaborate with others to find ways to move forward on real-world challenges.
The Department is working with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to ensure lesson plans best meet state and national environmental and sustainability learning standards. Lessons are developed for educators to use in the classroom, and also have modifications embedded for distance learning.
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Elementary school (K-5th grade)
Kindergarten - 5th grade lessons introduce learners to relevant ecological and wildlife-based issues throughout the state. The interactive activities and lesson plans aim to increase problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a variety of disciplines. Lesson vocabulary words and some supplemental materials are available in Spanish.
Middle school (6th-8th grade)
Middle school lessons build on concepts from K-5 lessons and introduce students to careers involving natural sciences. Decision making and collaboration are key social themes as students prepare themselves for high school.
High school (9th-12th grade)
High school lessons focus on teaching students knowledge and skills that can be applied to careers in the natural sciences. Students will focus on sustainability in fish and wildlife, and apply skills in civics to solve problems facing the natural resource industry and balance community interests.
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Photo by WDFW A Family Pack
Elementary school students go on a natural history tour of gray wolves to learn about the largest canid in North America.
Photo by WDFW Endangered Species of Washington
Middle school students enter the world of conservation biology as they learn about what endangered status for a species means. Students watch videos to learn about what species in Washington are considered at risk of extinction and how diverse stakeholders work together to recover species.
Photo by NOAA Green Crab Alert: Invasion in Washington's waters
In this unit, middle school students explore why European green crabs are such a concerning invasive species, how green crabs may impact Washington’s estuaries, economies, and cultural resources, and will evaluate what methods are available for controlling the crabs' population.
Photo by WDFW Hooves and Herds
Middle school students research the ungulates (hoofed mammals) of Washington and figure out why physical characteristics are important for increasing probability of reproduction during the breeding season (rut).
Photo by WSDOT Making Space for Wildlife
High school students discover the world of conservation biology and learn how people build corridors for wildlife to connect species to fragmented areas of habitat.
Photo by Jeanne Hannah Sharing Spaces
Middle school students analyze how their community co-exists with wildlife, and investigate why wildlife can be attracted to urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Photo by WDFW State of Salmon
This learning sequence is anchored in the phenomena: Salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest are declining. Students will explore salmonid life cycles and discover patterns among life cycles of plants and animals who interact with salmon. Students will then learn what makes healthy habitats for salmon.
Photo by Kristen Hartshorn Washington Wildlife
In this first grade unit, students learn the differences between domestic and wild animals and are called to help WDFW protect baby wildlife.
Photo by WDFW Wildlife Conservation and Management
High school students learn about the history of fish and wildlife conservation in the United States and analyze the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Students consider how fish and wildlife managers balance diverse community interests and use data from the best available science to inform management decisions.