Pollution education resources for grades K-12

Pollution for every age: learn, care, take action

This page is your starting point for helping kids and teens understand pollution – what it is, why it matters, and how we can all make a difference. Whether you are an educator or a parent, you’ll find age-appropriate resources to spark awareness and inspire action.

Pollution (4 to 7 years old)

Young children will begin to understand pollution by looking at something they see every day – trash! They’ll learn why it’s important to throw things away properly, make less waste, and how small actions at home and school – like recycling and reusing – can help keep our planet clean.

Pollution (8 to 12 years old)

Kids will explore what pollution really means and how it affects our environment. They’ll discover different types of pollution in the soil, water and air, and learn how our everyday choices can help reduce waste and protect the planet we all share.

Pollution (13 to 17 years old)

Teens will take a closer look at the many forms of pollution – like air, water, soil, plastic and noise – and where they come from. They'll explore how pollution affects ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, and dive into the actions we can take to reduce it, from personal choices to community solutions.

Resources on pollution

Find images, graphics, and other visual tools about pollution. This section makes it easy for teachers and parents to download and print everything you need to support learning – at home, in the classroom or on the go!