Geography

Effects of Urban Growth


In the last decade, many areas in the Sunbelt region of the United States have experienced tremendous population growth. The growth can be a result of enticing media campaigns or lifestyle and employment opportunities that a city offers. Moving to these "boom towns" can be very beneficial for families. However, there are also drawbacks to rapid population increases within communities. This lesson focuses on the pros and cons of rapid growth and how community changes impact the residents and environments of these growing areas.

Genetically Modified Foods: From the Lab to the Dinner Table


This lesson is designed to expose students to the various issues surrounding GMO foods and to help them understand the complexity of the issues surrounding the biotechnology movement. Students can read two PBS NewsHour pieces, both of which involve a variety of perspectives surrounding the GMO issue. Additionally, students will try to identify GMO foods that they have consumed and discuss the "to label or not to label" debate.

Join EE Week April 15-21, Highlighting Green STEM Innovation!

Increasing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) knowledge and expanding STEM education and career opportunities for students is a national priority. A projected 2 million STEM-related jobs will be created by 2014, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics. Jobs relating to the environment are among those expected to see the fastest growth this decade.

National Fossil Day Activities

Learn about our nation's fossils at home or in the classroom with these activities developed by education specialists in the National Park Service, fossil sites, and various museums. Some of these activities have a site-specific element that can be adapted for use at home or in the classroom. Virtual site visits are also available within the following resources. The National Park Service recommends visiting a local fossil site to create a similar outdoor experience.

The Water Sourcebooks (9-12)

The Water Sourcebooks, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contain 324 interdisciplinary, hands-on activities on topics including Introduction to Water, Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment, Surface Water Resources, Ground Water Resources, and Wetlands and Coastal Waters. The sourcebooks are divided into four sections based on grade level: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

The Water Sourcebooks (6-8)

The Water Sourcebooks, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contain 324 interdisciplinary, hands-on activities on topics including Introduction to Water, Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment, Surface Water Resources, Ground Water Resources, and Wetlands and Coastal Waters. The sourcebooks are divided into four sections based on grade level: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

The Water Sourcebooks (3-5)

The Water Sourcebooks, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contain 324 interdisciplinary, hands-on activities on topics including Introduction to Water, Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment, Surface Water Resources, Ground Water Resources, and Wetlands and Coastal Waters. The sourcebooks are divided into four sections based on grade level: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

Magnificent Groundwater Connection: Grades 7-12

Magnificent Groundwater Connection is a series of lesson plans surrounding groundwater from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Lesson plans are appropriate for students in grades 7-12 and can be adapted to meet science and math standards.

Polar TREC

PolarTREC is an educational research experience, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S., in which K-12 teachers participate in polar research, working closely with scientists as a pathway to improving science education.

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