How to Teach Sustainability Using Green Technology in Elementary Schools

There’s never been a more important time for schools and districts to take the lead in teaching sustainable practices. Younger generations are far more likely to be concerned with the effects of climate change, and that urgency increases with social media use. As the so-called generations Alpha (2010–2024) and Beta (2025–2039) are likely to face the most severe consequences of climate change, they will look to educators for guidance on how they can make local impacts to protect and support their families and communities.

Here’s how educators can work with students to help them understand the importance of sustainable development, the use of green technology, and how they can play a significant role in determining their future.

Introduction to Sustainability & Green Technology in Education

What is sustainability?

Generally, sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process over time without depleting resources or causing harm. Sustainability doesn’t have to directly relate to the natural environment—something as practical as how a class can repurpose and reuse limited classroom resources so they last the whole semester is a perfectly acceptable application.

Because so many of our resources—energy, water, land, etc.—are tied to the environment, we often discuss environmental sustainability, which is the balance between human development and the natural environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), everything necessary for human survival and well-being is tied to the natural world. Sustainability practices often involve creating and maintaining conditions where humans and nature can coexist in a way that ensures the success of both present and future generations.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) builds on this idea by defining sustainable development as meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This definition, originating from the Brundtland Commission’s report, Our Common Future (1987), emphasizes long-term thinking and responsible decision-making.

Educators can use this approach as a framework for teaching students how to approach challenges in a way that promotes equity, resilience, and innovation.

What is green technology?

Green technology, also known as environmental technology or clean technology, refers to innovations, practices, and advancements designed to minimize environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development.

At its most simple concept, green technology focuses on reducing environmental harm while improving efficiency and sustainability. Some key examples include:

• Renewable Energy Systems: Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power sources that generate clean, renewable energy with minimal carbon footprint
• Energy-Efficient Devices: LED lighting, smart thermostats, and advanced appliances designed to reduce energy consumption
• Water and Waste Management Systems: Technologies that purify water, reduce waste production, and promote recycling
• Sustainable Construction Practices: Eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient architecture, and green urban planning that reduce environmental impact

Green technology presents an opportunity for educators interested in sustainability to teach real-world problem-solving, environmental stewardship, and innovation. Whether through STEM projects, discussions on sustainability, or hands-on activities, integrating green technology into the classroom can inspire students to explore future careers and long-term solutions.

Importance of incorporating these concepts in elementary education

It’s never too early to take action. Teaching sustainability at the elementary level is more than just an environmental lesson—it is a foundation for shaping responsible, informed, and compassionate future citizens. By integrating sustainability into the curriculum, educators can provide young learners with essential skills and mindsets that will serve them throughout their lives. Here’s why it matters:

• Nurtures Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
  Sustainability education encourages students to ask questions, analyze real-world challenges, and develop creative solutions. Whether they’re brainstorming ways to reduce waste in the classroom or designing an energy-efficient model house, they will learn to think critically about environmental issues and their role in solving them.
• Empowers Students to Be Change Advocates in Their Communities
  When children understand sustainability, they feel empowered to make a difference. Whether it’s starting a recycling program at school or encouraging their families to conserve water at home, they become active participants in building a more sustainable world.
• Brings Real-World Examples into the Classroom
  Sustainability connects directly to subjects such as science, math, social studies, and language arts. For example, studying renewable energy can tie into physics, while learning about ecosystems enhances biology lessons. These connections make learning more meaningful and engaging for students.
• Builds Social Skills, Empathy, and Emotional Intelligence
  Teaching sustainability fosters collaboration, teamwork, and empathy. Students learn to consider the impact of their choices on others, the environment, and future generations. These experiences build emotional intelligence and a sense of global responsibility.
• Equips Learners With Knowledge and Skills for Climate Action
  Sustainability education, including lessons on green technology, provides students with the tools to address climate challenges in ways that help them feel empowered. They gain an understanding of climate change, learn about renewable energy solutions, and can develop adaptive strategies for a more resilient future.

By introducing sustainability concepts early, educators lay the groundwork for lifelong environmental awareness and action. Education is a fundamental pillar of how UNESCO is working to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals, and we all have essential roles to play.

9 Tips for Teaching Sustainability in the Classroom

Sustainability doesn’t have to be sequestered as its own curriculum or used only as an extra credit project. By incorporating sustainability into everyday lessons, educators can create engaging and meaningful learning experiences that empower students to take action. Here are some practical strategies to integrate sustainability into an elementary classroom:

1. Start With the Basics
   Young learners may not understand—or might not have heard about—the essentials of sustainability. For K–2 learners, begin by introducing foundational concepts in simple, relatable ways.
   
   • Teach the Three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and discuss how small actions impact the environment.
   • Use real-life examples that learners can practice in the classroom and at home, such as turning off the tap while brushing their teeth, opting for reusable water bottles, or bringing lunch in reusable containers.
   • Engage students with hands-on activities, such as sorting recyclables or brainstorming ways to reduce classroom waste.
2. Integrate Technology in Everyday Lessons
   Technology can make sustainability engaging and interactive. Consider incorporating:
   
   • Gamified apps that track energy usage, water conservation, or carbon footprints
   • Videos and simulations to explain complex environmental processes, such as the carbon cycle or how wind turbines generate electricity
   • Digital tools to integrate sustainability into various subjects, such as interactive maps that showcase climate change impacts

Example Activity: In SmartLab’s “Harvest Hauler” project for Kindergarten students, learners take on the roles of agricultural engineers and robotics experts, designing and building a model food truck that travels from farm to community, bringing nourishment to food deserts. The project utilizes robotics and computational thinking to engage young learners and inspires them to think critically about food distribution to communities.

3. Employ Hands-On Projects and Activities
   Experiential learning deepens students’ understanding of sustainability concepts. The more educators can incorporate projects that align with project-based learning and STEM education, the more they can make sustainability an engaging and practical subject. Consider the following projects:
   
   • Classroom composting initiatives to teach waste reduction and soil health
   • School garden projects where students learn about plant growth, nutrition, and biodiversity
   • Waste audits where students analyze classroom waste and create reduction strategies

4. Take an Interdisciplinary Approach
   By integrating sustainability across subjects, students develop a well-rounded understanding of its significance. Sustainability can be woven into all subjects, especially STEM or STEAM education:
   
   • Science: Study ecosystems and biodiversity by examining local habitats, discussing how human activity impacts the environment, and exploring conservation efforts.
   • Technology: Use apps or software to calculate carbon footprints or track energy consumption in the classroom, helping students understand sustainable practices in everyday life.
   • Engineering: Design and build simple renewable energy models, such as solar ovens or wind turbines, to demonstrate sustainable energy solutions.
   • Art: Create art projects using recycled materials, encouraging students to repurpose items and raise awareness about waste reduction.
   • Mathematics: Calculate the environmental savings of sustainable practices (e.g., energy-efficient appliances) by analyzing data and performing calculations on energy use and costs.
   • Social Studies: Explore global sustainability policies and historical shifts toward greener practices.

Example Activity: SmartLab’s “EcoAg Innovators” project for fourth-grade learners asks them to utilize science, engineering, and design skills to reimagine agricultural tools, equipment, and structures to utilize the power of renewable energy. Learners read about the mechanics of farming, then partner up to redesign these essentials using sustainable materials and cutting-edge energy solutions.

5. Focus on Positive Developments
   Students may feel overwhelmed by climate or environmental challenges, so look for ways to emphasize solutions and success stories:
   
   • Share examples of local and international “wins” in how countries, organizations, and people are working toward carbon neutrality, advancing the cause of conservation, or innovating green technologies.
   • Celebrate small classroom victories, such as how the class is reducing paper use or has improved its recycling habits.
   • Recognize and encourage students in how they’re creating positive change, fostering optimism and motivation.

6. Utilize Digital Resources and Tools
   Online platforms and digital tools can be powerful—and flexible—ways to enhance sustainability education. Whether you’re assigning interactive quizzes or going on virtual field trips to explore environmental topics, digital resources can help students better understand the consequences of environmental choices. Example digital resources include:
   
   • EcoChallenge: An interactive platform where students take on sustainability challenges and track their impact
   • NASA Climate Kids: A kid-friendly website with games, videos, and activities that teach climate science and sustainability
   • Google Earth Engine: Allows students to explore real-time environmental changes, deforestation, and climate impacts worldwide
   • Carbon Footprint Calculator: Helps students measure their own carbon footprint and learn about sustainable lifestyle choices
   • iNaturalist Seek: A nature identification app that allows students to explore local biodiversity and understand the importance of protecting ecosystems
   • PBS Learning Media: Offers videos, lesson plans, and interactive games on various topics, including renewable energy and climate action

7. Foster a Sustainable Classroom Environment
   Lead by example by encouraging small actions that value sustainability in everyday routines. Implementing eco-friendly classroom practices that aren’t directly tied to lessons or projects can help students see that everyday practices have long-term effects.
   
   • Reduce paper use with digital assignments and e-books.
   • Use reusable materials for arts, crafts, and science projects.
   • Set up recycling bins and encourage students to turn off lights and electronics when not in use.

Example Activity: In SmartLab’s “Energy Experts” activity for second-grade students, learners are asked to become energy consultants, learning the principles of energy conservation to create more eco-friendly structures. They’ll use scientific testing and data analysis to demonstrate how their designs can save both energy and money. Their research can also include energy use within the classroom, with presentations on how the class can work together to conserve energy.

8. Look for Ways to Collaborate With the Community
   Creating out-of-school clubs, lessons, and projects that connect students with local sustainability efforts can enhance learning beyond the classroom. Educators can also look for ways to support out-of-school programs and clubs that build community engagement.
   
   • Invite local environmental experts for guest lectures or workshops.
   • Organize field trips to recycling centers, organic farms, or renewable energy facilities.
   • Partner with nearby schools for sustainability challenges or awareness campaigns.
   • Engage families in community clean-ups, tree-planting drives, or school-wide sustainability initiatives.

9. Invest in Continuous Professional Development
   Teaching and understanding sustainable practices can fall outside of an educator’s expertise. To stay updated on best practices in sustainability education, educators can explore the following resources:
   
   • Workshops and Conferences: Research sustainability-focused education conferences such as the Green Schools Conference or National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) events.
   • Sustainability-Focused Educator Networks: Engage with groups like the National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools USA or U.S. Green Building Council’s Learning Lab to connect with like-minded educators.
   • Take Online Courses and Webinars: Platforms such as Coursera, EdX, and PBS Learning Media offer courses on environmental education and sustainability. There’s also UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) resources.
   • Collaborate with Local Environmental Organizations: Partner with conservation groups, national parks, or local sustainability initiatives for hands-on learning experiences.

The importance of sustainable practices will only increase in the coming years as other countries innovate on green technologies and we need to find solutions to address dwindling resources. Young learners will not only be the most impacted by future challenges, they’re actively looking for ways they can do more. 

Sustainability projects can be integrated into classrooms through the curriculum, extracurricular activities, or even daily routines. SmartLabs are designed to promote interdisciplinary projects so learners are able to put lessons into practice and work together to develop solutions that address real-world problems.

Talk to us about how SmartLab can offer support to educators and engage learners of all ages. To experience how it works, schedule a lab visit today.

FAQs

What is sustainability in education?

Sustainability in education refers to integrating environmental, social, and economic responsibility into teaching and learning. Interdisciplinary lessons, hands-on projects, and eco-friendly practices can foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students to be responsible citizens and create a more sustainable future.

What are some resources for teaching sustainability?
See these pages for more resources on how to support lessons and projects on sustainability: 

• Education for Sustainable Development: A roadmap from UNESCO
• NASA’s page on Climate Change
• EarthDay.org’s list of educational curricula, teaching guides, and toolkits
• The United Nations’ page on student resources for teaching sustainable development goals
• Resources from the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation
• The North American Association for Environmental Education’s Guidelines for Excellence: Professional Development Environmental Educators