School programs and resources

Council school programs

Programs at environment centres

Our environment centres engage Brisbane students in the natural environment through curriculum-based programs. 

The programs aim to enhance environmental awareness through interactive teaching methods such as role play, games, art and guided walks. The lessons cover topics including:

• habitats, living things and their needs
• life cycles, features and adaptations
• food webs, biodiversity and ecosystems
• waterway health and catchments
• conservation and reserve management
• waste education and sustainability.

Download the full list of school programs for primary and secondary students. 

Online lessons

If you’d rather stay inside the classroom, our environment centre staff have created online lessons available for teachers to use. 

You and your students can learn about:

• mangrove species
• migratory shorebirds
• creek catchments and habitats
• the life cycles of animals including butterflies, dragonflies and frogs.

Lessons in the Gardens (Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha)

Our trained and knowledgeable educators will help students investigate science theory in action, explore geographical concepts and make botanical connections to art and culture. 

Aligned with the National Curriculum, the hands-on outdoor lessons are suitable for early childhood, primary and senior school groups.

Planetarium programs 

The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium offers a range of curriculum-linked school programs that support learning in science and technology.

The programs explore the night sky, the Solar System, robotics, space technologies and more.

Students will have the chance to:

• complete activity sheets while looking for answers in the Display Zone
  
• learn curriculum-appropriate content during the Cosmic Skydome show
  
• have queries answered during question-and-answer time in the Cosmic Skydome.
  

Creek Neighbours online program  

The Creek Neighbours program connects kindy kids, their families and community to their local creek catchment.

It includes 4 sessions linked to the Early Years Learning Framework, as well as supporting materials and staff assistance.

Active School Travel program

The Active School Travel program (AST) encourages students to make school commutes fun and safe by finding active ways to travel. 

Participating primary schools receive free resources to educate and support students to walk, ride or carpool to school.

School traffic management

Find help to develop a school Traffic Management Plan (TMP). A TMP is a tool you can use to identify and address school road safety issues. Developing a TMP can help your school achieve:

• safer roads around schools

• eased traffic congestion 

• smoother pick-up and drop-off periods 

• safer and more efficient school zones 

• more opportunities for students to walk and ride to school

• fewer complaints from the community.

Waste education programs

Explore ways your school can reduce waste through our environmental education programs and learning materials.

Free resources include our:

• School’s Guide to Reducing Waste: A 3-step approach featuring a waste audit kit and assessment tool.

• Waste Smart Kindy program: An active environmental learning program that aims to assist educators to implement waste-management best practices. 
• Towards Zero Waste Education Centre: Visit the Brisbane Landfill site to learn about waste minimisation and land fill operations.

Lord Mayor’s Young Environmental Leadership Network (LMYELN)

This project-based learning and leadership program empowers Year 10 student representatives to create positive environmental change in their school and community. 

Council runs 5 meetings throughout the year to help participants develop skills in project management, communication and leadership.

To find out more about the LMYELN program, email Council.

Arbor Day Free Native Plants for schools 

We offer free native plants to all primary, secondary and special schools in Brisbane to plant for Arbor Day. 

Schools will celebrate the 135th Arbor Day on Tuesday 14 October 2025.

My Resilient Schools 

The My Resilient Schools program aims to build resilience and disaster preparedness among primary school students.

The 90-minute program is suitable for grades 5 and 6 and complements core curriculum studies on natural hazards.

Teachers can request the free program to deliver in the classroom along with take home activity packs for each student.

Lord Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC)

The Lord Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC) is made up of Year 10 students from Brisbane high schools. They act as a voice for raising issues or sharing ideas that affect young people.

Representatives meet with the Lord Mayor 4 times a year and can give their feedback on Council policies, local laws, services and programs that affect young people.

To find out more about the LMYAC program, email the Youth Development team.

Frequently asked questions