National Geographic
Energy Sustainability in the Klamath Basin
High schoolers research the hydroelectric plant removal project that is underway on the Klamath River. They consider the replacement of hydroelectric dams with geothermal power plants and form an argument based on their viewpoints. Since...
Curated OER
High School EcoHouse Curriculum
How has the level of carbon dioxide changed over recent years, and what is contributing it? Groups work together to research and present their findings in a creative way. Also built into the lesson plan is a visit to a sustainable house,...
Curated OER
Sustainability
Here is an in-depth, and incredibly thorough lesson plan on sustainable agricultural practices; specifically, regarding the growth of coffee. After completing and discussing a worksheet called "Thinking About Tomorrow," groups of...
National Geographic
Exploring Sustainable Seafood
Sustainable fishing is important for ensuring the continuation of the various types of seafood that we enjoy. Learners view photos of popular seafood and examine a chart of different fishing methods, the pros and cons, and the types of...
Curated OER
Up for the Challenge?
A general engineering quiz can be given at the beginning of your engineering or technology unit to stimulate interest. A wide variety of topics are touched by engineers, including the medical industry, energy production, building design,...
Curated OER
Hybrid Vehicles: Cut Pollution and Save Money
Math and science meet in this instructional activity on hybrid electric automobiles. This 24-page resource provides everything you need for teaching a instructional activity that compares the use of internal combustion engines to hybrid...
Curated OER
Writing Exercises: The Environment and Sustainability
Sometimes it's good to challenge our kids with thought-provoking topics. They'll have to think hard and use what they know to answer these essay questions. They'll discuss how and why developed nations put a strain on the world's...
Curated OER
AP Environmental Science-Food Fight
The content in this instructional activity is of a controversial nature. Please review to make sure it is suitable for your class. A video, The Meatrix is shown to the class, and then they discuss the emotionally-charged language that it...
Curated OER
Sustainable Forestry
High schoolers evaluate a forest for timber harvest and discuss potential impacts of logging. In this sustainable forestry lesson, they work in groups in a forested plot to choose trees to cut based on species and stem diameter and then...
National Geographic
Spot Where You DON'T Get Your Seafood
When your class is examining the fishing industry or sustainable practices, you can use this brief activity to demonstrate the global impact our food choices have. Overharvesting, overfishing, and bycatch are important topics to address...
Curated OER
Global Water Crisis
Assign ecologists one of five countries that struggle with access to clean water. They research the water crisis in that country and then present information to classmates. A handout was designed for each country, and a worksheet on...
Curated OER
Empty Oceans
In groups of four, pupils brainstorm about seafood. They view the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch website to examine the problems caused by the seafood industry. Learners are then brought back together to discuss what they...
Curated OER
Forest Sustainability
High schoolers study major forests and their history. They see what sustainable forestry and silviculture is and discuss the topics on the attached worksheet.
Curated OER
Toward a Sustainable Agriculture
Your class considers a case study of a sustainable agro-ecosystem and view a PowerPoint presentation about a sustainable farm. They complete a case study worksheet. Extension activities are included.
Curated OER
A Symphony of Decomposers
Students discover decomposition. In this environmental lesson, students explore different types of decomposers and their role within the ecosystem. Students also discover how waste interferes with the decomposition process.
Curated OER
Leschi: Justice in Our Time
Learners examine the lives of the Nisqually people and the resource consumption philosophy. In this Native American philosophy lesson, students use primary sources to understand the resource consumption philosophy and then evaluate their...
Curated OER
Amazing Grazing: Keeping Our Ecosystem Running
Young scholars discover the value of sustainability within our ecosystem. In this ecological lesson plan, students discuss the importance of a food cycle in our society, and how humans can improve the conservation of a healthy ecosystem....
Curated OER
Mobility 2030: Can We Meet the goals
Students examine how various countries meet or do not meet sustainability challenges. They read and discuss an article, complete an informational table, and participate in a group discussion.
Curated OER
COMPOSTING: WHY BOTHER?
Students explore the composting process and participate in a contest to make the most compost the fastest from the school's kitchen and yard waste.
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A Powerpoint Presentation On Sustainability
Learners are introduced to the important geography concept of sustainability by looking at the Roseau River floods of 2002. They discuss the impact of humans on the environment. They explain how sustainability relates to everyday geography.
Curated OER
They're Tilling that Field Behind the Mall
Unfortunately, the article for which this resource was written is not available. You can, however, find another current document on agriculture and urban development for your class to read together, and then still follow the suggested...
Curated OER
Vermiculture Food Waste Compost Program for Touchstone School
Students explore the advantages of composting. In this recycling lesson students complete a worm compost project and collect food waste to feed them.
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Get Smart
Students study sustainability and smart growth. For this geography lesson students identify the benefits that are expected from smart growth.
Curated OER
Photojournalism: Documenting the Four Greatest Threats to Global Sustainability
Students study global sustainability by viewing photos. In this environment lesson students work in groups and create their own photo gallery.