Bring
out the creativity in your
children - get some ideas from
the articles and then scroll
down for the toys that our
research shows are the best at
promoting creativity.
The EPA Climate Change Kids Site
http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html
Animations, links, activities and games present concise information as the US
Environmental Protection Agency delves into the causes of global warming, the
greenhouse effect and climate change. The site explores future implications of
climate change.
Garbage and Recycling: An Engaged Learning Unit: Grades 4-8
Many people may wonder what happens in the
vast stretches of the world's oceans. For some, it is simply
a matter of "out of sight, out of mind". Fortunately that is
not the attitude at the National Center for Ecological
Analysis and Synthesis at the University of California,
Santa Barbara. For one of their latest projects, they
decided to estimate and visualize the global impact humans
are having on the ocean's ecosystems. Visitors to the site
can view the map, learn about the methodology used to create
the map, and also read about their datasets. Their findings
were also recently reported in Science magazine, and users
can view supplementary findings which appeared in that
piece. As it stands, this map provides "critical information
for evaluating where certain activities can continue with
little effect on the oceans, where other activities might
need to be stopped or moved to less sensitive areas, and
where to focus efforts on protecting the last pristine
areas."
From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout
Project 1994-2008. http://scout.wisc.edu/
Planet Slayer
http://www.abc.net.au/science/planetslayer/
Planet Slayer is an easy to read, science friendly site to answer
questions
about greenhouse gases. Planet Slayer is from the Australian
Broadcasting
Corporation and Film Victoria, and is 'the world's first irreverent
environmental website'. The website is interactive and aims to
educate
students about the way the environment is affected by the way we
live and
what we buy.
The Water Cycle and Global
Warming [pdf]
http://www.bioedonline.org/lessons/water-cycle.cfm
The Baylor University College of Medicine continues to work at a furious
pace on their delightful BioEd Online site, and educators everywhere
love them for their work and dedication. Recently, they placed this
“ready-to-go” lessson on the water cycle and global warming online, and
it’s a true delight. As with the other lessons in this series, the
materials here include a brief description of the lesson’s objective,
along with information on the intended audience, the materials required
to complete the lesson, and so on. Teachers will note that they will
need to download a slide set, several activity sheets, and a “State of
the Climate Report” offered from the National Climatic Data Center
From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet
Scout Project 1994-2007. http://scout.wisc.edu/
Ecological Footprints:
Calculators
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ecologicalfootprint/calculators/
Victoria's Environment Protection Authority has produced a fascinating
interactive resource that students and staff can use to measure 'how
much nature we have, how much we use, and who uses it. It shows us how
much biologically productive land and water a population (an individual,
an organisation, a city, a country, or all of humanity) requires
supporting current levels of consumption and waste production, using
prevailing technology.'
Landcare Research –
Manaaki Whenua
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/
The organisation responsible for this site is a leading New Zealand
environmental research agency. Of particular interest to teachers
are the education pages that focus on animal conservation, animal
pests, native plants, satellite imagery and maps, fungi and pest
plants.
Planet Slayer http://abc.net.au/science/planetslayer/
Planet Slayer from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Film Victoria
is 'the world's first irreverent environmental website'. It's an interactive
website that demonstrates how the environment is affected by the way we live
and what we buy.
EcoKids!
www.ecokidsonline.com/pub/index.cfm
Contemporary environmental information is presented on this long-running
website. Students are encouraged to increase their environmental knowledge via
interactive games and activities. A section of the website is aimed at teachers
and parents.
Ecokids Games
There are some
great games that will get your head wrapped around the challenge of
climate change.
eERL's mission is to be the best possible online collection of
environmental and sustainability resources for community college educators and
for their students
This site examines "the science and politics of one of the
most
controversial issues of the 21st century: the truth about global
warming." Topics include fossil fuel consumption, the role ice
cores play in the global environment, and predictions for
"what
would happen to the world's coastlines if the West Antarctic Ice
Sheet melted." Includes a teacher's guide and a FAQ. A
production
of Nova and Frontline, programs produced by the Public
Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Environmental News Network http://www.enn.com/
Daily coverage of environmental news, plus a searchable archive, radio, video
and podcast programs, a forum and photo gallery. Though it's not obvious from
the front page, there are RSS feeds; click on ENN Weekly and you'll see the
details. Other ENN channels track Sustainable Economy, Energy, Food, Ecosystems,
Water, Wildlife, Science & Technology, and Conservation.
Population and Environment - What's the Connection? http://www.science.org.au/nova/087/087key.htm
The world's population is growing, and many scientists and
conservationists say that the natural environment is deteriorating as a
result, but the relationship between environmental problems and human
population growth is complex and not fully understood. This site from
the Australian Academy of Science explores trends in world population
and compares with the Australian population.
Celebrate Earth Day - Every Day
This site provides numerous ideas for youngsters celebrating Earth
day, celebrated every April 22. Included are online games, coloring
activities, clip art, word searches, language and science activities, and much
more.
Web site for a "group of environmental organizations joined together to support socially and environmentally sustainable transformations within the pulp and paper industry." Features
fact sheets, statistics, reports, and other material on responsible fiber sourcing and endangered forests, recycled paper, and clean production technologies (such as chlorine-free bleaching and pulping) to reduce pollution. Includes a glossary and links to related organizations.
Power Up http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/tools.cfm?DocID=88&Grade=6-8
As students choose their types of power they want to use, they will learn how much power the plant provides, how much it costs, and the effect it could have on the environment.
ABC Online: Planet Slayer http://www.abc.net.au/science/planetslayer/
Interactive site that tells the shocking truth about how the environment is affected by the way we live and what we buy.
Indestructibles http://www.abc.net.au/science/features/indestructibles/
A convenient carrier or a marine killer? Heather Catchpole takes a loo
at why plastic bags should no longer be tossed out with the garbag
Plastic bags are handed out free each week in Australia by the millions.
They are cheap to make, lightweight, waterproof and convenient. But the
flipside of this convenience is that plastic bags are practically
indestructible. And the number that ends up in the environment each year
is growing.
Spaceship Earth http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=295
Students develop an understanding of our planet as a system by designing a space mission in which the life-support system is patterned after that of earth.
Environment Australia Activities http://www.deh.gov.au/education/activities/index.html
These activities and education kits will help you to learn about some of
the biggest threats to our environment and what you can do to make a
difference.
Adapting To The Land http://www.eduplace.com/ss/act/adpland.html
Students will consider how the environment affects how people live,
identify examples of human adaptation, and appreciate human-environment
interaction.
AAAS Atlas of Population and Environment
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The site provides "maps and graphics that
quantify and illustrate many of the issues, and text that lays out the
broader links between population dynamics and the environment and
places them within their historical perspective." Topics
include natural resources, land use, atmosphere, waste and chemicals,
ecosystems, and biodiversity. Also includes cases studies on
specific regions.
Searchable. From the American Association for the
Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Calculate your Eco-footprint http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/eco-footprint/EF_calculators.asp
Contains eco-footprint calculators for households, offices, and schools. The
web-based calculator is a short quiz which estimates how much productive
land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard.
LESSONS
AND UNITS
The Great Kapok Tree: A Social Studies Lessonbest
bet
(Multi 1,2,3) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence
of animals, people and plants in the rainforest by participating in an
ecosystem simulation.
Environment
Unit (Gr.
4) The unit will focus on addressing the knowledge, issues, and skills
students need to understand the current condition of our environment and
propose viable solutions.
We're
Environmentally Friendly (Gr.
4) students will explore environmental concerns raised in fiction: picture
books, poetry, songs, and novels. These will serve as a springboard for
discussion and the composition of stories, poems, and artwork.
What's
in Your Garbage?
(Gr. 7-9) The purpose of this unit is to increase the student's awareness of
the amount of garbage a person produces and to become knowledgeable about
landfills.
Icebreakers Grades 4+ - Objective: To create a good group
dynamic and positive classroom environment.
Grade Level(s):
3-5, 6-8;
Environment
Unit (Gr. 4) The unit will focus on addressing the
knowledge, issues, and skills students need to understand the current
condition of our environment and propose viable solutions.
Grade Level(s):
3-5;
We're
Environmentally Friendly (Gr. 4) students will explore environmental
concerns raised in fiction: picture books, poetry, songs, and novels.
These will serve as a springboard for discussion and the composition of
stories, poems, and artwork.
Grade Level(s):
3-5;
(Gr. 5) Complete, 24
lesson unit covering topics such as natural resources, recycling,
water pollution, water conservation, air pollution, energy
conservation and more.
Grade Level(s):
3-5;
Earth
Day WebQuest TASK: Find out what your family throws in the
garbage (and ends up in a landfill) and what they recycle. By using
the books and exploring the web sites listed in this unit, you will be
able to learn of problems with throwing to many things away. You will
also learn of possible solutions to helping the Earth stay healthy.
Grade Level(s):
3-5;
EArth
Day Unit Many printables, forms, graphic organizers for your
lesson plans.
RESOURCES
Earth
Day Bags Project
The Earth Day Groceries Project is an easy, cost-free environmental awareness
project that teams up youth and grocers to spread the message of Earth Day.
Visit to find out how to participate!
Earth
Day Online Word Search Online game - environment-themed words: you can
complete the word search, scramble the words and start again!
Grade Level(s): K-2;
Earth
Day Crafts
(Ages 2+) Fun crafts for endangered animals, clouds, mother earth
Making
Paper #1 Students will learn about the process of making
paper and another method of recycling through making their own paper.
Grade Level(s):
K-2, 3-5;
Making
Paper #2 Students will learn about the process of making
paper and another method of recycling through making their own paper. -
CanTeach
Grade Level(s):
K-2, 3-5;
Global Warming Kids Site
This site "focuses on the science and impacts of
global warming or climate change, and on actions that help
address global warming issues. It is designed as a resource for
both kids and educators. The site also features games, animations, events, and links to other relevant sites for kids and educators." From the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/kids/
Winter Wise Tips
"This page provides seasonal tips to help you and
your family find ways to reduce pollution and learn about the environment." Features resources on winter heating
safety, winter air quality, energy efficiency, heating ducts,
radon protection, and related topics. From the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/region03/winter/
Warmer
and Sicker? Global Warming and Human Health http://www.science.org.au/nova/081/081key.htm
Continued warming of the planet could have significant implications for human
health. Coping with extreme heat waves will be just one of our concerns. This
topic from 'Nova: Science in the news', a project of the Australian Academy of
Science, provides resources for students to explore our possible future.
Ecology
of the Dump Three activities concerning solid waste management. One
lasts one week, another several months, and there is a follow up
activity suitble for both.
Waste
Management There are four activities in this teaching unit in which
students investigate household trash, biodegradability, packaging, and
recycling.
You'll find creative ways to recycle by engaging your students in art
projects/activities that make use of a ready source of inexpensive art
supplies - namely your trash. Be sure to look in their "Previous Art
Activities" for an archive of their suggestions - organized into 10
categories: Drawing, Sculpture, Painting, Holidays, Printmaking, Fiber Arts,
Collage, Marbling, General Information, and Crafts.
Eleven lesson plans in recycling for students in grades 1-7 from the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). In addition, there are
three lessons on composting from the Texas A&M University.
Instructions for an educational card game for students aged 8 - 12 in
which they become familiarized with the various recyclable items that are
normally discarded in the garbage.
Eight lesson plans for students in K-12 from the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection. They illustrate a variety of recycling
concepts, including the creation and collection of waste, developing
attitudes against littering, recycling as an alternative to disposal, and
learning about the costs of disposal.
The main objective of this teaching unit is to change students' personal
behavior through awareness. The lesson plan includes helpful background
information, links to resources, student activities, and lecture notes.
Grades 1 - 12.
Teachers participating in the SMILE (Science and Mathematics Initiative
for Learning Enhancement) summer session programs each create a single
concept lesson plan. This database has a few lessons on recycling in their
section on Environmental Studies and Ecology. Caution: Since there is a wide
number of authors who have contributed to the database, the detail and
quality of the lesson plans will vary.
In this webquest, elementary students conduct research on the pros and
cons of a mandatory recycling program and present their views to other
members of a committee.
Recycle
City Students learn about the three R's by touring various sections
of "Recycle City" and seeing how the various organizations and
citizens reduce, reuse, and recyle. There's also a "Dumptown
game" where students can play the role of a city manager who has
been hired to start programs that encourage Dumptown's citizens and
businesses to recycle and reduce waste all the while remaining within a
budget of course. An Activities section contains suggestions for using
the site within the classroom.
Coral Bleaching - Will Global Warming Kill the Reefs? http://www.science.org.au/nova/076/076key.htm
Coral reefs are sensitive to environmental change. Recently, the frequency and
distribution of coral bleaching have increased, and in 2002 the Great Barrier
Reef experienced its worst case of coral bleaching on record. This website
from Nova Science in the News (Australian Academy of Science) explores this
topic with key text, glossary and activities for the classroom.
The
background to global warming, the greenhouse effect and climate change are
concisely explained here in age-appropriate language. Students will
discover a variety of links, activities and games. Teachers can
investigate the host US EPA global warming site.
Australia’s Lost Kingdoms
Focusing on Australia’s reptiles, birds and mammals from the Cretaceous
to the present time, this resource from the Australian Museum contains
links, games, age-appropriate information and movies.
ASU – Ask a Biologist
Primary and secondary students (and their teachers) who have
puzzling biology questions are invited to submit them to the
scientists at Arizona State University. The site also contains
links to related exemplary websites.
A Chronology of Aboriginal and Islander History
Resources on this encompassing website are aimed at a wide educational
audience to provide a ‘comprehensive chronology of Aboriginal and
Islander history enabling visitors, particularly students, to explore
and unpack the “hidden history” of the First Australians’.
Ivor
Shor carefully analyzes obstacles to
and resources for empowering education, suggesting ways for
teachers to transform traditional approaches into critical
and democratic ones. He offers many examples and
applications for the elementary grades through college and
adult education.
Will
this be your free book of the month from the
book club?
In a completely rational
society, the best of us would aspire to be teachers and the rest of us
would have to settle for something less, because passing civilization
along from one generation to the next ought to be the highest honor and
the highest responsibility anyone could have.
-- Lee Iacocca
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