Resource Library

This resource contains lesson plans that integrate Native knowledge and scientific issues relating to the environment. Although there are multiple lessons plans, "Moose" and "Digging and Preparing Spruce Roots" are the most high school appropriate.

Students examine Hispanic folk traditions, the influences of the natural environment on the folklife and folk arts of the Rio Grande region and experience Hispanic cultural traditions by participating in related activities. While not designed for a specific grade level, content can be adapted to various levels.

ESA21 offers over 40 activities that engage students in a variety of environmental topics. The activities rely on a mixture of hands-on, field and Web-based experiences that give students a deeper understanding of the issues. Topic areas include: air, environmental science basics, the biosphere, earth, energy, home life and pollution.

Views offers spectacular presentations of the national parks, allowing students to interactively explore the natural world. Presentations cover the natural, historic and cultural aspects of the parks. Some presentations include videos and lesson plans. Views can also be used as a virtual field trip.

The USGS and the American Geological Institute have partnered to make a GIS database readily available to educators and the general public in a CD or DVD-format. This data highlights natural hazards, population growth, water resources, and mineral distribution that can provide real-life examples of lessons you may be highlighting in your classroom.

This dataset contains seven activities covering several physical and cultural geography topics, including: climate, population density, relief, mining, manufacturing, earthquakes, faults, volcanoes, tsunamis, and fires. Each activity builds on the data, skills, and concepts learned in the previous activity, and all are based on ArcView (GIS) software from ESRI, Inc.

This USGS-developed activity proposes a hypothetical scenario where students are asked to determine the effect mines and landfills will have on the water quality in a watershed in Montana. Students use EPA, USGS and National Hydrography Dataset data to examine this Montana watershed.

This USGS portal provides information and links to lesson plans that utilize aerial photography, maps and GIS. There is a GIS-Based Lessons section including topics such as Exploring the Titanic, Analyzing Hurricanes and Exploring World Demography. There is also an Activities and Lessons for Exporing the Earth section, with activities not requiring GIS.