Technology

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.

Using raw data from the USGS, students will learn how scientists properly collect, analyze, and interpret findings using datasets Microsoft Excel. The curriculum also introduces students to themes of ecotoxicology and Bald Eagle populations from 1969-2000.

In this activity developed by NOAA, students will identify sources of pollution and contamination in the major rivers of the San Francisco Bay watershed using Google Earth. An examination of water quality data and storm situation allows students to predict changes.

This activity from NOAA uses Google Earth to explore the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples, Florida. Students produce a biodiversity concept map of the estuary with organism profiles based on readings and research.

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) supports educators in using the built environment as the context for learning. Resources on a variety of Green Building topics can be found on their website.

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the chemical consequences of burning fossil fuels. The underlying theme is that fossil fuel combustion leads to the formation of oxides of three nonmetals: carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.

This lesson, created by PBS, gives students the opportunity to explore wind power using a hands-on approach. Students builid model wind turbines and experiment with how to cope with changes in weather and improve efficiency.

This activity correlates with National Physical Sciences content standards.

This video by National Geographic shows how scientists are using new technologies to predict the impact earthquakes will have on urban areas in the near future. Try incorporating this video into an Earth Science of Physics lesson. This video not only shows how buildings react during earthquakes, but also shows how objects within the structure behave.

Students will read excerpts from the lives and works of naturalists Henry David Thoreau and David Brower, then write about and share their own beliefs regarding wilderness, technology, progress, success and independent thinking.

This article from Newsweek talks about environmental education in schools and how schools are becomming "greener," whether it be with thousands of dollars in school renovations or by just taking students outdoors to learn. This article expresses how environmental education is beginning to take a front-row seat in American classrooms.