DEP Teaching Green News: Radon Poster Contest; Fort Cherry School District Project Spotlight; Teaching Resources; Summer EE Activities; Protecting School, Childcare Drinking Water

The Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Education Program is excited to reinstate the Teaching Green newsletter as a resource for formal and non-formal environmental educators, partners, and communities across Pennsylvania. 

Teaching Green seeks to create a space for educators and programmers to explore new activities, tools, ideas, and opportunities that support meaningful environmental education in classrooms, communities, and beyond. 

Summer is ideal to connect learners with nature through hands-on discovery and observation. 

Observing wildlife, planting native plants to support pollinators and wildlife habitat, investigating streams, adopting green habits, and more boost environmental connection and awareness. 

Environmental education has a greater impact when learners experience their natural world firsthand.

Grantee Spotlight: Fort Cherry School District

Through funding from the DEP Environmental Education Grants Program, Fort Cherry School District in Washington County launched a district-wide composting initiative to engage students in hands-on environmental learning while reducing food waste and promoting soil health practices. 

DEP Radon School Poster Contest

Did you know radon, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States? 

The Pennsylvania Radon Poster Contest encourages youth to creatively learn about and promote the importance of radon testing. 

Open to Pennsylvania students ages 9-14, the annual contest invites participants to design a poster that raises awareness about radon and the importance of home radon testing. Winning state entries advance to the national competition to potentially share this important health message with a wider audience. 

DEP School & Childcare Water Testing

DEP is offering a free water sampling program for eligible schools and childcare facilities across Pennsylvania to test for lead in drinking water. 

This initiative is funded by the federal Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act’s Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program and is part of the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to protect children from lead exposure.

Click Here for more information.

Featured Resource - Minimizing Waste & Maximizing Impact

Recycle City, created by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, is an interactive, online resource designed for learners and educators of all ages. Users can explore a virtual community to learn how everyday choices reduce waste, conserve energy, and protect natural resources. 

Click Here for free lesson plans from EPA.

Summer EE Resources & Activities

Links are available to six different summer resources on: Wildlife Footprint Tunnel; North American Butterfly Count & Census; Egg Carton Ladybug Craft; Visual Recycling Center Field Trip; Carbon Footprint Calculator; EnviroAtlas Interactive Map.

Summer Book Recommendation

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom is a beautifully illustrated picture book recommended for grades K-5 that introduces learners to the importance of protecting water while honoring Indigenous cultures and traditions. Inspired by real-life, Indigenous-led movements, the story encourages environmental stewardship, respect for natural resources, and civic responsibility. 

This book is an excellent cross-curricular supplement to conservation, Earth Science, environmental justice, history, or social studies lessons and provides opportunities for deeply engaging learner-driven discussion.

Harrisburg Falcons

The 2026 nesting season at the Rachel Carson State Office Building (RCSOB) achieved milestones, experienced challenges, and witnessed the harsh realities young peregrine falcons face in an urban environment.

Read a summary of this season in the newsletter.

Click Here to read the entire Teaching Green Newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

Visit DEP’s Environmental Education Program webpage for more information on educational resources.  To discuss specific environmental education resources needs with DEP and DCNR staff send email to: ra-epLearningCenter@pa.gov. 

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: August 12, 2026]  PA Environment Digest