English 9-10

Annie Dillard’s memoir about growing up in Pittsburgh in the 1950s offers a great opportunity for connecting English and the environment. Students will use the memoir to explore literary science writing how it differs from other writing.

Students will evaluate two types of nature writing and explain the benefits of both by examining Burroughs’ and Muir’s essays from "Alaska: The Harriman Expedition, 1899." Students will also assess their hometown from the perspectives of an outsider and a naturalist.

Connecting language and landscape

Jeff Rennicke, an English teacher at Conserve School in Land O’ Lakes, Wis., wants his students to understand and experience the connection between language and landscape. Prior to becoming a teacher, he was a full-time freelance writer for 22 years, writing 10 books and contributing to more than 300 magazine articles in publications such as National Geographic Traveler, Backpacker and other adventure and travel magazines.

Rennicke emphasizes that nature isn’t limited to national parks and weekend getaways. It is everywhere, all the time. Likewise, the incorporation of English and the environment isn’t limited to certain books or authors.

Classroom Earth's "In the News" archive offers articles on a wide variety of topics.

Garlic mustard is one of the most problematic invasive species in North America. This report from Agricultural Research discusses the history of garlic mustard, the problems it can cause to ecosystems and the potential for weevils to be effective biocontrol agents. This report can be used as a reading and comprehension exercise to prepare students for discerning complicated scientific media and literature.