Lesson plans and resources for kids learning about the environment
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.
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
Energy
Energy and the Environment: Energy Friendly Living
Learn about the ways you can help the environment with our interactive house. img=energy_environment
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
Exploring_Our_Energy_-_First_and_Second_Class
Sustainable economy + Energy
General Sustainable Technology Archive - Unified Community
Other energy sites, topics, science & teacher resources
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/
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
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
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
[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.
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
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-
https://pbskids.org/plumlanding/games/break_it_down/
