General

 

 

 

Home: A film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand
http://www.youtube.com/homeproject

 

 

 

 

National Geographic

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/

 

electronic Environmental Resources Library

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 film discusses the environmental impact we have on the earth's planet - the Earth's treasures being destroyed and the wonders we can still preserve.

Enviropedia

300+ topics about the Environment

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

Learn about some of the biggest threats to our environment and what you can do to make a difference

Energy

 

 

Energy and the Environment: Energy Friendly Living

Learn about the ways you can help the environment with our interactive house.  img=energy_environment

Interactive house

Climate

The Water Cycle and Global Warming [pdf]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” lesson 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

Ecology  

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.

Ecology  Marine  Conservation

A Global Map of Human Impacts to Marine Ecosystems

http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/GlobalMarine

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/

Ecology

https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/publications/971



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.

Conservation  sustainable economy

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.

 

Water  Climate

 

The Water Cycle and Global Warming [pdf]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” lesson 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/

Energy

Guzzler saves energy 

 

Exploring_Our_Energy_-_First_and_Second_Class

 

Sustainable economy + Energy

General Sustainable Technology Archive - Unified Community

Other energy sites, topics, science & teacher resources

Climate
What's Up With the Weather?
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).
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/warming/
Endangered species Deforestation  Conservation  Sustainable economy
Environmental Paper Network
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.
http://www.environmentalpaper.org
Energy
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
Pollution

The Chernobyl disaster: What happened, and the long-term impacts

 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/topics/reference/chernobyl-disaster/

 

 

Water

The Murray–Darling Basin is the perfect real-world context for studying a broad range of issues around water and the environment that impact all Australians. These concise, curriculum-linked lesson materials have been designed to support and enhance teaching by explaining the complex science of the Murray–Darling Basin, linking to high-quality resources, and engaging students with fun activity ideas. https://www.mdba.gov.au/education/lesson-packages

Water

National Dryland Salinity Program
http://lwa.gov.au/programs/national-dryland-salinity-program
Information on dryland salinity.



 

WAter Landcare

https://www.water.wa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/3124/45456.pdf

Nutrient Enrichment in the Swan River System
Fact sheet on eutrophication.

Conservation - marine

Salinity

http://www.vic.waterwatch.org.au/cb_pages/saltwatch.php

An environmental monitoring program that helps communities better understand salinity problems.

 

Biodiversity

Learn about the importance of biodiversity.

 

https://landcareaustralia.org.au/search/?q=biodiversity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pollution

Indestructibles
http://www.abc.net.au/science/features/indestructibles/
A convenient carrier or a marine killer? Heather Catchpole takes a look at why plastic bags should no longer be tossed out with the garbage Plastic bags are handed out free each week in Australia by the millions. They are cheap to make, lightweight, waterproof and convenient. But the flip side of this convenience is that plastic bags are practically indestructible. And the number that ends up in the environment each year is growing.

 

Basic environment

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.

General  Climate
30 Ways To Lower Your Carbon Footprint
There are a great many ways that we can make a difference ourselves in our daily lives and routines.

http://householdquotes.co.uk/lower-your-carbon-footprint/

 



 

General
Greenpeace
A global organisation, Greenpeace focuses on worldwide threats to our planet's biodiversity and environment.https://www.greenpeace.org/international/

 

Ecology

Calculate your Eco-footprint
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.

https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/searchresults?q=ecological+footprint

 Ecosystems

 

The Great Kapok Tree: A Social Studies Lesson
(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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General

Planet Pals
Crafts, games, colouring, activities ...for learning about taking care of the planet!

Online games, puzzles, and environmental fun for kids.

https://www.epa.gov/students/planet-protectors-activities-kids

 

Earth Day Worksheets
Logic, math, word finds, word puzzles, and more

 

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;

 

Recycling

 

Paper Mache Earth
URL: http://www.planetpals.com/papermache.html

 

 

 

 

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: What Is It All About?https://www.epa.gov/environmental-economics/global-warming-what-it-all-about

Winter Tips: Make Your Home Warm and Green
https://blog.epa.gov/2012/12/13/winter-tips-make-your-home-warm-and-green/

 



 

Ecology of the Dump Three activities concerning solid waste management. One lasts one week, another several months, and there is a follow-up activity suitable for both.

http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/WWC/1991/dump.html

 

Waste Management There are four activities in this teaching unit in which students investigate household trash, biodegradability, packaging, and recycling.

http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/WWC/1991/waste.html

 

Information in sections

http://compost.css.cornell.edu/schools.html

 

File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat
From small worm compost bins in the classroom, to composting lunch scraps we can make a difference one apple core at a time!

[The] Imagination Factory

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.

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/kindergarden/nutrition/.../lessons.html
Thumbnail image
Using a garden as a teaching tool can be both exciting and rewarding if proper steps are taken to plan and organize lesson plans. The author of this site is ...
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/kindergarden/CHILD/.../STEP.HTM
The lessons that are taught at the garden site are limited only by one's creativity. ... your lesson plans to see when and what types of garden lessons are needed.

Smile Program Biology Index

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.



Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste  Practical steps that families can take to reduce the amount and toxicity of garbage.
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=P100047Q.txt

Haz-Ed: Classroom Activities for Understanding Hazardous Waste
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=10001XBX.txt

The Quest for Less: Activities and Resources for Teaching K-8
The Quest for Less provides hands-on lessons and activities, enrichment ideas, journal writing assignments, and other educational tools related to preventing and reusing waste. This document includes factsheets, activities, and teaching notes for 6-8
Hide texthttps://www.epa.gov/students/quest-less-activities-and-resources-teaching-k-8

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.

 

 

 

Water Recycling  Pollution

Learn how waste water in North Carolina is purified by recycling it a natural way.

The Planet Protectors: Activities for Kids
As a Planet Protector, your mission is to improve the world around you by making less trash. Planet Protectors also help other people learn to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
https://www.epa.gov/students/planet-protectors-activities-kids

Global Warming: What Is It All About?
This is a presentation titled Global Warming: What Is It All About? that was given for the National Center for Environmental Economics
https://www.epa.gov/environmental-economics/global-warming-what-it-all-about

Complete Lesson 5: Climate Change and You
Students learn what causes climate change and how we can participate in reducing its harmful effects. Discuss the Solar System, heat and light energy, atmosphere, greenhouse effect and gases, ozone, and energy conservation.
https://www.epa.gov/children/complete-lesson-5-climate-change-and-you

Lesson Plans, Teacher Guides and Online Environmental Resources for Educators
Educational resources for teachers on environmental topics, including lesson plans.
https://www.epa.gov/students/lesson-plans-teacher-guides-and-online-environmental-resources-educators

Environmental Videos for Students and Educators
Environmental videos for students on various subjects.
https://www.epa.gov/students/environmental-videos-students-and-educators

What is climate change? What is global warming? Are they the same thing? – ENERGY STAR
Climate change refers to any significant changes in climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period...
https://energystar.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/212112247-What-is-climate-change-What-is-global-warming-Are-they-the-same-thing-

Once I got past the awe of witnessing Mother Nature’s astonishing power to wreak devastation in Oklahoma, I was awed by something more positive and uplifting: the instinctive capacity of our species to care about, come to the aid of, and — for those caught in the middle of the calamity — to even sacrifice their own lives for others.

Every day we are surrounded by examples of the dark side of human nature — selfishness, greed, dishonesty and cruelty — which make it hard to resist cynicism. It’s a pity that it often takes a disaster and the heroic actions it evokes to provide compelling contrary evidence, to remind us of the best in human nature.

How can one resist tears hearing of the teachers in Oklahoma who put themselves at risk by shielding children with their own bodies? 

I suspect lots of other adults would have reacted in a similar fashion, but I think teachers really are special.

With the current focus on competence and accountability in education, we tend to undervalue one of the most important qualities of most teachers: their genuine sense of responsibility and affection for the children they teach.

Over and over we’ve seen the powerful instinct of teachers to protect children in school shootings and, more recently, in the horrific tornadoes.

Teachers willingly and without hesitation treated children as their own and put themselves at risk to protect them.

It should be a comfort to parents to know how much teachers really care.

Henry Adams once said, “Teachers affect all eternity. You never know where their influence stops.” He was referring to the way they shape lives by transmitting information and learning skills, but teachers often do so much more. Though only rarely called upon to risk their lives, they regularly touch the lives of students with their commitment and love.

It’s been said that kids don’t care what you know unless they know that you care. Let’s do all we can to commend, congratulate and celebrate teachers who show how much they care.

Remember, character counts.

Michael Josephson
www.whatwillmatter.com