Individuals analyze tree rings to determine the health of an ecosystem. They then look at otoliths of fish, hard calcium carbonate structures located behind the brain, in the same manner. 

What matters to your pupils? What values do they hold dear and how does that shape your classroom community? These are some the questions you'll get your class thinking about when they engage in this lesson from the US Mint. They will...

Students explore the characteristics of their community. For this communities lesson, students read Humphrey the Lost Whale: A True Story and discuss how the community came together to solve a problem. Students identify services within...

Students summarize the findings of the Pew Ocean Commission report "America's Living Oceans," contrast it to an opposing viewpoint, and recommend a fisheries policy based on their understanding. It includes a scoresheet that was created...

Students pantomime the book Swimmy. In this philanthropy lesson, students discuss the main character in the text and how Swimmy participated in philanthropic acts. Students role play the book.

Learners prepare for a unit on aquarium maintenance by naming all the different kinds of fish they have seen either in aquariums, at home, or in the community. They use classroom computers to email other classrooms around the world for...

By engaging in an arts-based activity, 2nd graders explore peace in the classroom. They listen to the story The Rainbow Fish, then create their own fish to hang in the classroom. They write three things that make them happy on...

Students possible sources of water pollution, and explain the effects that water pollution can have on the food on the food chain. They Name human and other animal (i.e. fish) illnesses that can be contracted from drinking polluted...

Role play community members who are both for and against the construction of a dam. Research the pros and cons and then hold a classroom debate. This activity ideally follows a series of stream studies, links to which are included. Use...

Students determine the rate of travel through Ohio based on mode of transportation: walking, horse bak riding, railroad, and car. They are asked to write a sentence explaining how they would determine how long each trip takes. Students...

Viewers of the short documentary Santa Cruz Del Islote consider how changes in climate and overfishing impact the life style of the 1,200 residents of a small island off the coast of Cartagena, Columbia.

As part of their study of the restoration projects on Santa Cruz Island, class members demonstrate their understanding of the connections among plant life, animals, and the actions of humans by crafting a model that reveals these...

Young scholars view a documentary called, Uncommon Americans, a special presentation of Biography, highlights the efforts of three extraordinary average citizens who have made a difference in their communities. Discussion and a creative...

Students design and lay out a map of a coastal area that includes a bay, an estuary, an ocean entrance, and prime beach lands. They write a plan outlining solutions to the economic problems of their community and present their map and...

Students study seasonal weather and interview elders in their community about how weather affects traditional activities. For this seasonal weather lesson, students talk about the seasonal, traditional activities they participate in....

Students compare ways in which people form different cultures think about and deal with their physical environment and social conditions. They identify examples of change and recognize examples of cause and effect relationships. Students...

Students identify producers and consumers from marine ecosystems and describe the balance among them in the environments. After constructing a food chain from a marine ecosystem, they examine human activities that can upset the balance...

Ninth graders use the internet to research the history of the Atlantic Canada Fishery and how it was different from today. Using this information, they write a research paper and share it with their classmates. In groups, they...

Students are taught how to format and enter data into an Excel spreadsheet. They make a graph, and interpret graphed data. Students discuss the possible impacts of zebra mussels on the Hudson river. They graph zebra mussel data.

Did you know that modern Chinese literature “grew from the psychoanalytical theory of Sigmund Freud”? Designed for a world literature class, seniors are introduced to “One Evening in the Rainy Season,” Shi Zhecun’s stream of...

Youngsters examine how people show respect and care for the land. Specifically, learners see how the Native Americans truly did care for and respect the land, and still do so to this day! They also explore how they themselves can care...

To conclude a unit on family life and sexual health (FLASH), class members use the skills they have practiced in previous lessons to develop strategies for getting information or help when they need it.

"Waiting to Move," a photo essay by Ciril Jazbec, brings into sharp focus the threats posed by climate change. Class members examine images of Shishmaref Island and the Native Alaskan Inupiate coastal villages that are impacted by rising...

Students place the Ohio river in its historical and geographical context. They listen to the radio stories, and are asked what postive and negative influences does the Ohio River have on nearby communities>