Classroom Resources
Focus Wild Arizona offers a variety of educational resources. Most are available online. In addition, many others are available through each regional office or the department’s main office in Phoenix.
workshops, video training and school inservices
In person trainings hosted throughout the year.
Archive of webinars and presentations.
AZGFD can come to you with training.
new educational resources
- Easy Science Experiments – a collection of wildlife-related experiments and simulations that can be carried out at home or at school using common household materials
- Reading Resources – a collection of nonfiction texts and other reading resources that can be used to integrate literacy into the science classroom
- Video Guides – a curated collection of streaming videos appropriate for classroom use
- Wildlife Phenomena – a database of wildlife-related phenomena that can be used to engage students in three-dimensional teaching as outlined in the K-12 Science Education Framework.
Contact
Eric Proctor
eproctor@azgfd.gov or 623-236-7243
Resource Types Available for Educators
Unless noted, the following resources are available for free.
Student activity pages
- Focus Wild Arizona – Short educational activities that appeared in the Department’s Arizona Wildlife Views magazine from 2006-2013.
- Wild Fun – Fun printable activities such as word searches and coloring pages appropriate for younger children.
- Wild Kids – Grade level specific, printable activities that are aligned to current science standards and three dimensional teaching.
wildlife fact sheets
- Field Notes – a collection of one-page animal fact sheets originally appearing in the Department’s Arizona Wildlife Views magazine
- Research Abstracts – technical information on many of the plants and animals found in Arizona
maps and mapping applications
Maps Database – a collection of downloadable and digital maps related to wildlife
videos
- Arizona Wildlife Views – the YouTube channel for the Department’s emmy-winning television show
- Focus Wild Arizona – a collection of Department videos specific for educators
- Live Web Cams – links to the various Department-operated web cams
- Video Guides – a collection of Department videos that have been reviewed by educators for use in the classroom
education grants
Heritage Education Grants – a grant program specifically for educators to help improve wildlife education in their classrooms.
publications
- Arizona Wildlife Pocket Guides – a set of older publications which can be printed, cut and stapled to fit conveniently in a pocket
- Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine – the Department’s award-winning, full-color magazine that includes subscription information and sample articles
- Desert Birding in Arizona – a curriculum guide focusing on birds found in urban areas
- Diné Guide to Traditional Teachings on Wildlife – a book that provides the natural history, cultural beliefs and practices, and appropriate classroom activities for wildlife found within the Navajo Nation
- Exploring Arizona’s Natural Resources – an interactive computer program that introduces the biotic communities of Arizona. This is a ZIP file. Once you click on the link, find the download arrow in the upper right hand corner to download it to your computer.
- Landscaping for Desert Wildlife – a very popular brochure that was converted into an interactive website to help select native plants
- Schoolyard Habitat Design – a book with all of the information you need to plan, develop and use your very own schoolyard habitat
- Department Publications – a complete listing of the books that have been published by the Department, including information on how to order
- Conservation Education Toolkit – a collection of education guides from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Education through AZGFD
See resources for teachers, including lesson plans. Learn about hunter education, and classes to earn bonus points.
teacher resources
The goal of the AZGFD education program is to promote awareness, appreciation and stewardship of the state’s wildlife resources by using wildlife as a context for learning.
hunter education for bonus points
Classroom and online instruction, and field days for hunter education. Online “Ethically Hunting Arizona” class allows hunters to earn a lifetime bonus point.