New Jersey Department of Education

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) are designed to prepare students to understand how and why climate change happens, the impact it has on our local and global communities and to act in informed and sustainable ways. The website is designed to foster an interdisciplinary approach to climate change education that is evidence-based, action-oriented and inclusive.

Message From First Lady Tammy S. Murphy

Headshot of First Lady Tammy Murphy

Dear New Jersey Educators,

Year after year, New Jersey’s public education system is ranked one of if not the absolute best in the nation, an achievement that simply would not be possible without the dedication, creativity and skillfulness of our educational professionals. 

You teach each generation to communicate, to think critically and to be curious about the world around them, skills that will serve our students well throughout their lives. Now that New Jersey has fully integrated climate change education across all nine K-12 standards, you are also helping the next generation of leaders prepare to tackle the environmental obstacles and embrace the opportunities of the present and future. As you take on this new challenge, we are committed to helping you prepare and supporting your professional growth. 

To this end, and to ensure this work continues beyond this administration, we have developed this resource page, built out our Office of Climate Change Education, and committed millions in funding to support school districts with the implementation of climate change education. 

Educating our youth and preparing them for the future is among the most important and challenging work anyone can do, and thanks to you, New Jersey is positioned to continue leading the climate movement. Together, we can ensure that our students are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to combat the climate crisis and dominate the green economy, no matter what career they choose. 

I know our students couldn’t possibly be in better hands, and I thank you all!

My very best,

First Lady Tammy Murphy

group of students adding items to bulletin board

Climate Change Education: New Jersey Student Learning Standards

Selected NJSLS organized by grade band and content area as well as sample interdisciplinary connections by grade bands.

Students gathered in an auditorium

Understanding Climate Change

Resources that describe the effects of climate change and what is being done in New Jersey communities.

Students gathered around a table

Instructional Resources

Sample activities, lesson plans and units for K-12 educators.

Two teenagers sitting by a lake and reading

Real World Activities and Challenges

Opportunities for teacher and student involvement in real world environmental advocacy and citizen science.

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Evaluating Climate Change Instruction

Guidance documents to assist the creation, evaluation and selection of climate change instructional resources and practices.

students gathered around a teacher demonstrating a science project

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Advocacy groups, higher education, organizations and NJ state agencies devoted to climate education.

First Lady Tammy Murphy posing with a elementary class

First Lady Tammy Murphy & Climate Change Education

First Lady Tammy Murphy makes climate change education a priority in New Jersey.

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Podcasts, Videos and Webinars

Podcasts, videos and webinars that focus on different aspects of climate change education.

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Responding to Climate Change: What's Happening in NJ Schools

News articles that show how NJ students and teachers engage in climate change education.

Page Last Updated: 05/14/2024

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