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Learning Lab

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What is Learning Lab?

Learning Lab is USGBC’s online education platform for K–12 teachers to find a robust selection of sustainability curricula. Learning Lab provides teachers and school leaders with a comprehensive, project- and STEM-based curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), encouraging student leadership, sustainability literacy, and real-world action. Learn more.

How can I tell whether a Learning Lab lesson is aligned to learning standards?

Most lessons in Learning Lab are aligned to at least one relevant learning standard. On a lesson page, the information is under the "Assess" tab.

On the Learning Lab page, you can view a chart of all Common Core State Standards and all Next Generation Science Standards, supported by lessons in the Learning Lab catalog.

What is the average length of lessons found on Learning Lab?

Lessons in the Learning Lab catalog generally range from 0.5 to 3.5 hours, oftentimes split into multiple class periods.

In what languages are Learning Lab lessons available?

Lessons are currently available in English and Spanish. There are drop-down filters available on the left side of the Learning Lab catalog for both languages.

How can I purchase a subscription to Learning Lab, and how much does it cost?

The Learning Lab subscription – which currently includes over 500 lessons for K-12 educators – is available for purchase for $40/year.

Schools and districts seeking to purchase subscriptions for groups of 5 to 74 individuals receive graduated discounts on this scale:

# of subscriptions % Discount
1-4 0%
5-9 3%
10-14 4%
15-19 5%
20-24 6%
25-29 7%
30-34 8%
35-39 9%
40-44 10%
45-49 11%
50-74 12%

School systems interested in purchasing 75 or more annual subscriptions receive even greater discounts. Interested in learning more about purchasing large bulk subscriptions to Learning Lab? Contact learninglab@usgbc.org.

Is the Learning Lab subscription for a calendar year or 365 days from the date of purchase?

Learning Lab subscriptions are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. They're not based on calendar years.

Does a Learning Lab subscription include access to the USGBC course catalog subscription?

No, the Learning Lab subscription is separate from the USGBC course catalog subscription, and purchase of one of the subscriptions does not include access to the other. The two subscriptions must be purchased separately.

I want to purchase access to Learning Lab for my organization. How do I share access with my colleagues?

At https://www.usgbc.org/resources/learning-lab-subscription, you are able to purchase any number of subscriptions using a credit card.

To purchase multiple subscriptions and distribute them to colleagues, simply change the number of subscriptions on the purchase page to the amount you want, and the price will automatically update. Once your purchase is complete, you can manage (distribute) subscriptions via your Learning Lab profile account. Simply enter the email address of the individual to whom you want to provide a subscription, and they will receive instructions for accessing their subscription.

Multiple subscriptions for distribution can also be purchased via invoice. To request an invoice for purchase, please email learninglab@usgbc.org. The subscriptions will be added to your account after the invoice payment has been cleared.

How do I access my Learning Lab subscription?

Upon purchase, you will receive an email with access to your subscription. If you are paying with a check, you will receive an email with access as soon as your payment has been received and processed. You can access your subscription at any time on the Learning Lab platform by navigating to https://www.usgbc.org/education/learning-lab.

With whom may I share my Learning Lab access?

Learning Lab subscriptions are licensed for individual use and may not be shared.

What content is included in the Learning Lab subscription, and how often is new content added?

The Learning Lab subscription contains more than 500 lessons in English and Spanish that support a sustainable future... and is growing. We expect new lessons from our Education Partners to be added to the subscription on a regular basis throughout the year. Browse content.

Can I get a better sense of what Learning Lab lessons look like without a subscription?

Yes! Our partners have made some of their lessons fully available for viewing without a subscription. Create an account on USGBC.org, then use the free filter in the Learning Lab catalog. There are free lessons available for both English and Spanish. 

If I don't want to buy a Learning Lab subscription, can I still purchase an individual module?

Yes, each module that is included in the Learning Lab subscription is also available for purchase for $10. Costs vary for courses and modules outside of the subscription. Once you have created a user account, login and navigate to a module page to see its price.

Can I download videos posted on Learning Lab for offline viewing?

Most videos can be downloaded for offline viewing, but check with the video services directly for instructions on how to do so: YouTube and Vimeo.

Are continuing education credits or certificates of completion for Learning Lab lessons available?

Currently, all content on Learning Lab is curriculum designed to be taught to K-12 students. However, we anticipate adding professional development and teacher training content in the future. When we do, we'll make certificates of completion available.

What does it mean to be a Learning Lab Education Partner?

Learning Lab Education Partners are leaders, trusted voices and reputable providers of K-12 green building and sustainability education. They are the authors of content on Learning Lab. USGBC and its Center for Green Schools support the Learning Lab Education Partner network to make sure they have the resources, knowledge, and skills to produce best-in-class K-12 sustainability education. Partners' content reaches schools around the globe, as USGBC highlights and promotes our partners' education as the go-to source for preparing students to develop sustainable communities, a relevant career, and a fulfilling future.

Education Partners are typically organizations with a track record of designing and delivering K-12 curriculum. However, we encourage individuals to contact us about opportunities to engage and contribute to Learning Lab efforts.

USGBC Education Partners receive several benefits, including access to USGBC’s intellectual property, industry data, and marketplace analytics, as well as educational development resources, enabling them to create content that meets the needs of schools and educators.

If you are interested in becoming an education partner, please contact learninglab@usgbc.org, with the subject line "Learning Lab Education partner."

What modules and lessons will no longer be in the Learning Lab catalog after December 2022?

Modules by Beyond Green Partners:

Modules by Earth Island Institute:

Modules by Global Oneness Project:

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