Curated OER
Sonoran Desert
Students discuss the complicated environmental issues that face different people today. They establish legal positions surrounding several different scenarios.
Curated OER
Gotta Have Energy
Young scholars explore energy. They discuss the types and uses of energy and research an assigned energy source. They create a "benefits versus potential environmental impacts" chart that lists energy sources and possible impacts. ...
Curated OER
All Wrapped up and Nowhere to Go
Students consider the impact of legislating exessive packaging. In this environmental issues lesson, students visit selected websites to discover information about packaging and UK laws to reduce it. Students determine the effect that...
Curated OER
Effects of chemical use in Agriculture
Students research environmental data to create a bar graph. In this agricultural ecology lesson, students research the pros and cons of chemical use in farming. Students debate on passing a law to reduce chemical use.
Curated OER
The Environments of Big Sur -- Which Do We Protect?
Learners investigate the geological, climatic, and biological features of Big Sur. They watch a video, conduct Internet research, and create a script and images in the form of an outline in a simulation of an environmental group.
Curated OER
Evolution of Sea Creatures
Students identify and describe the mechanisms of natural selection. They study Cambrian Period animals and discuss adaptations for their specific environment.Students compare and contrast a modern sea animal with the Cambrian era animal...
Curated OER
The Lorax
Third graders identify and list five problems presented in The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. They relate these problems to current environmental issues and debate how to make a difference then participate in different activities to improve their...
Curated OER
Clearcutting: Sustainable Forestry?
Young scholars explore the conflicts between the economy and the environment by focusing on forest management in Maine. They read pamphlets on siliviculture and clear-cutting as well as those by environmental groups then conduct a debate...
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Selling and Buying a Green Car
High schoolers investigate the concerns over fuel sources and the debate over ethanol as an energy source. In this alternative energy lesson students complete an activity of selling and buying an environmentally friendly car.
Curated OER
Bromine: An Important Arkansas Industry
Arkansas ranks first in the entire world in the production of bromine! Here is a lesson which guides middle schoolers through a study about the formation and history of Arkansas' bromine reserves. They also looks at the many uses of...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Safety vs. Energy
Political cartoons are a poignant way to examine energy sources. This analysis handout has scholars examining a cartoon by Joe Heller (a link to his gallery is included for possible extensions). Background information reminds pupils of...
Curated OER
Ideas for Resources: Geology Lab Manual
The link to Ideas for Resources: Geology Manual is no longer valid, but the link to How to Teach Using Role-Playing does. Choose a realistic problem related to your focus topic, assign roles, and send your geology learners off to...
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Who Owns Water
Learners role play how water is allocated to different holders of water rights. In this ecology lesson, students identify the different water rights available. They explore problems associated with water use including drought, degraded...
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You Are What You Eat: Chemical Residues and Consumers
Students determine how evidence gained from a simulated test for the presence of pesticide residues can be used to determine risk. They use peas to simulate pesticide residue testing.
Curated OER
Cloning a Living Organism
It's the attack of the clones! Not to worry; these are just plant clones. Teen horticulturalists will enjoy growing their own clone into a plant in an activity designed to be revisited after a few weeks. It is one experiment that kids...
Curated OER
Thinking inside the Box: Dangers of Tanning Beds
Students research their assigned position pro- or con- for the statement "The use of tanning beds by teens should be regulated" and write a short position paper. They participate in a debate concerning the statement. Students write a one...
Curated OER
Where to shop?
Learners study a topic of an environmental nature that is relevant to them (as individuals) on a local level, but with global implications. They consider whether their family's shopping habits have any lasting effects on the environment.
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Energy Panel Hearings: "Your Town", Saskatchewan
Tenth graders access information to participate in a debate about whether a power plant should be placed in their town. They research an assigned point of view.
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What Are the Ethical Considerations
Students investigate the socioeconomic and environmental issues associated with radon. They examine the laws that exist in New Jersey that pertain to real estate. They work in groups to design new legislation that addresses associated...
Curated OER
Global Warming Is Human Made
In this environmental awareness activity, students read an article about the causes of global warming. Students then answer seven true or false questions, 10 10 synonym matching questions, and ten phrase matching questions based on the...
Curated OER
Biologically Altered (B/A Fish)
Students complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics involved in biologically altering fish. They hold a mock town meeting in which they determine whether or not a transgenic aquaculture should be allowed to locate in...
Teach Engineering
Global Climate Change
The greenhouse effect and its relationship to global warming is the focus of an activity that asks class member to consider the effects of climate change on weather. Pupils work with their families to determine their carbon footprints...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Arizona v. United States — States and Immigration Law
As part of a study of immigration law, class members read a summary of the Supreme Court case, Arizona v. United States. They then examine a series of examples and acting as federal court judges, must determine if the scenarios meet the...
Curated OER
Energy Sources
High schoolers identify natural resources and describe the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources. They also identify the disadvantages and advantages of the resources.