What happens when a non-native species is introduced onto an island? Santa Cruz Island, part of the Channel Island chain located off the coast of southern California, provides the perfect laboratory for young environmental scientists to...

Pupils conduct a mock trial focusing on environmental accountability of industrialized nations. As an example, they evaluate evidence provided on carbon dioxide emissions. They participate in a mock trial of industrialized nations by the...

Middle schoolers examine the economic benefits, environmental losses and dangers of the shrimp farming industry on the coast of Ecuador. They read a script, role-play people involved in the shrimp business, and write an essay of the pros...

Students discover what happens when people take advantage of shared resources. In this ecology lesson, students explore "The Tragedy of the Commons" by playing a role playing simulation game in small groups. Students soon discover the...

Middle schoolers discuss environmental preservation and sustainability and their role in consumption and preservation. After a brief demonstration of how limited our resources are, students determine which natural resources they use most...

In this science worksheet, pupils participate in an Earth Day activity by completing a crossword puzzle. Students read each clue. The answer which fits in the puzzle is provided in a scrambled word form. Pupils unscramble the words and...

Students construct sentences using nouns and verbs from a "renewable energy" word bank. In this cross curriculum ecology and sentence structure grammar and mechanics lesson plan, students listen to the book Our Earth: Clean Energy by...

Students investigate jungles and the people who depend upon them.  In this sustainability activity, students research wild life conservation and discover the importance of a jungle to Amazonian people.  Students create a group...

Sixth graders examine climate change in the state of Colorado. In this climate lesson, 6th graders watch 2 video clips regarding the topic and research the subtopics- snow pack, precipitation, temperature, forest fires, river flow,...

Young scholars investigate the results of human intervention with the Mekong. Mississippi, and Amazon rivers. After watching a video about the status of the three rivers, they complete experiments demonstrating the effects of erosion...

Students draw a map to scale. They illustrate knowledge of how to use DOGS TAILS on a map. Students identify the main parts of a map. They identify and illustrate the major features necessary for sustaining a quality of life for a society.

Is losing cultural traditions the cost of social progress, or should people make stronger efforts to preserve these traditions? High schoolers watch a short film about the native Yup'ik people in Alaska and how they handle the shifts in...

Students map connections among raw materials. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students design strategies to minimize the use of raw materials and discuss how to use more sustainable materials.

Fifth graders investigate coral reefs and the dangers they face by labeling and drawing.  For this oceanography lesson, 5th graders view a PowerPoint presentation of photographs of coral reefs in Belize.  Students investigate...

Learners examine the public controversy between the use of public natural areas for economic activities by viewing video clips, researching on the Internet, and calculating sustainable land.

Young scholars explore the traits of water condensation and evaporation. For this water cycle lesson, students develop an awareness of the importance of water for sustaining life. Young scholars participate in a hands-on activity in...

Students explore the environment by writing a persuasive letter. In this global warming lesson, students identify the key problems with our energy consumption in the United States. Students complete worksheets and write a letter...

Young scholars discuss the characteristics of the biosphere, with a focus on the Tibetan Plateau. They participate in a question and answer period discussing biomes and climate patterns. They compare and contrast different ecosystems.

Which ones can be thrown on the ground? Discover the difference between natural litter and unhealthy trash, helping scholars by using several examples. Use the information here to give them a basic background, but also encourage prior...

How to meet the needs of people around the globe—a question many ask. The fifth in a six-part series about human population and its effects on the globe, the eye-opening lesson includes discussion, a homework activity, and an in-class...

Students investigate the interdependence of agriculture and the environment. They research areas of interdependence and provide examples of situations where farmers are practicing conservation in the local area. Their findings are...

Learners investigate the concept of how people are dependent upon natural resources and how they can apply them to be maximized in usefulness. The students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the environment. They conduct a...

Ninth graders explore how human activities shape the earth's surface.  In this awareness activity, 9th graders create pictographs showing the relations of food, people, land, and resources. Students complete worksheet.

Students research the rivers, streams and water bodies of Hawaii. They read a variety of books, play Bingo with water-related terms, create and maintain water-themed journals, view videos, conduct Internet research and participate in a...