Cities Connecting Children to Nature

The LA STEM Collective is part of the nationwide initiative Cities Connecting Children to Nature, a partnership between the Children & Nature Network and the National League of Cities

 

Cities Connecting Children to Nature Los Angeles is dedicated to increasing equitable access to nature and green space across LA County by fostering partnerships between municipalities and community-based organizations. 

LA STEM pulled together a diverse group of community leaders across multiple sectors to form an Advisory Council to guide this work.

  • Education (environmental education, green schoolyards)
  • Infrastructure (parks, transportation, planning)
  • Health & Wellness (physical and mental health)
  • The Land (habitat restoration, native plants, conservancy, community gardens)

The first phase of our work was to conduct a landscape analysis, assessing the gaps in services, the accessibility of green space, and the impact of its absence on our communities. This map is intended to serve as a tool for community-based organizations in Los Angeles, helping them make the case for access to nature.  

The map is currently under construction. Stay tuned!

The next phase of our work is to develop a Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBOR) for LA County.  A COBOR is a symbolic list of outdoor activities that are important for all children to experience.  The LA County COBOR will be specific to the outdoor resources and activities that are available in our region; things that every child in the greater LA area should have the opportunity to experience.

The public comment survey to determine that list of activities is still open. Please lend your voice and help us create a COBOR for LA County.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" – Martin Luther King Jr.

Our LA STEM Collective members commit each day to sharing the joys and opportunities of science, tech, engineering and math education to students. Today as we remember Martin Luther King Jr., we should each ask ourselves - how are we servicing a greater good: in our families, in our communities, and for our world.

The LA STEM Collective is a growing network of 150 organizations dedicated to serving the greater good by sharing STEM learning opportunities with students and learners of all ages around Los Angeles County. 

How are you spending your Martin Luther King Day? Let us know in the comments ⬇️

#MLKDay #MartinLutherKingJr #DreamBig #ServeWithPurpose #TeachTheDream
Happy Holidays, LA STEM!

Wishing you and your loved ones a bright holiday season and New Year -- may your code compile, your chemical reactions have no waste, and your triangle ruler be always within reach. It's been an incredible 2025, and we are excited for 2026!

With joy,
The LA STEM Collective team 🥳

#LASTEM #STEM #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
Happy Holidays, LA STEM! Are you still searching for the perfect gift for that special someone? 

Maybe they’ll love…

A chromebook from @human_i_t to learn how to code 🧑‍💻

A rainbow lightbulb from @museumofneonart to provide a spark of inspiration 💡

A Catalina bison from @emeraldbayoutdooracademy to share their love of CA wildlife 🦬

A DNA ring from @etsy to show off their STEM style 💅

Or an “I’m a Scientist” tee from @hiphopscienceshow to let the world know how awesome they are! 🔬

Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide

#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram #etsy
Wrap science or engineering in this year’s gifts – from 13 year olds to 18 year olds, we’ve created a specialized list of fun and engaging hands-on gifts.
 
🎧 Explore all facets of STEM with a Eureka Create – build a set of headphones, a working laser speaker or printing press with this box of fun

🧬 Celebrate loving STEM in small and large ways with a set of STEM enamel pins, perfect for a lanyard or backpack

🪓Get crafty with @parksandrec’s Nick Offerman with the Little Woodchucks book, perfect for the maker in your family

🪺Dive into the world of birds with Wingspan - build habitats and create a strategy to protect your birds!
 
Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide

#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram #parksandrec #parksandrecreation
Do you have an inquisitive 8 year old at home? Does your pre-teen neighbor get SUPER excited about tech? 

You may be the perfect person to inspire them with a STEM gift this holiday season!

Check out our gifts for 8-12 year olds, including:

A spider robot from @nhmla to bring Spiderman and technology together 🕸️

A Crystal Garden from @nationalgeo to wow them with beautiful chemistry 🧪

Jane’s Endangered Animal Guide by JJ Johnson and Christian Simms  from @rootsandshoots to inspire them and learn about animals around the world 🦍

Or a Circuit Maze Board Game to spark their logical thinking and challenge themselves ⚙️

Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide

#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram
📚Quotes from the Classroom 📚

Expanded learning and afterschool programming offer opportunities for students to explore their interests, see role models, and practice what they’ve learned in the classroom. This Spring, LA STEM brought hands-on STEM programs to 46 afterschool programs at LAUSD schools this spring.

Afterwards, we asked the afterschool educators to share an “a-HA” moment that their students had during their programs. Here’s what they said:

📐 “I recall a student [who] was a special ed student. Although the activity was challenging, he tried and was able to participate. This was a rewarding experience for all involved.” 📐

The LA STEM Collective brings challenging and rewarding hands-on STEM activities to schools around LA County. Learn more at www.LASTEMCollective.org

#STEM #LASTEM #ExpandedLearning #StudentLearning #Education #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning