Environmental Science

Students research real-time and historic temperature data of U.S. and world locations and analyze the data using mean, median and mode averages. Students use a calculator or electronic spreadsheet to compile their statistics and then graph the data using a spreadsheet or graph paper.

Through the application of math concepts students examine the degree of biodiversity that exists in the everyday environment in order to develop an understanding of how scientists classify organisms. They also explore why biodiversity is important for living things.

Project Learning Tree’s GreenSchools! Investigations provide assessment forms and other resources for performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of your school’s environment. Investigations focus on five different topics: Energy, Water, Waste and Recycling, School Site and Environmental Quality. The investigations help students learn about environmental issues in their school and on their school grounds.

Students will learn about the environmental, economic and political issues surrounding global climate change policy and will specifically compare the emissions of the U.S. and China, the two largest producers of emissions that cause global warming.

Using this Internet-based webquest activity, students will learn about climate change, energy use and global warming, including how scientists, business leaders and policy makers study and respond to climate change and how society and the environment will be impacted by global warming.

This toolkit created by Cool School Challenge is an in depth strategy to have students perform energy audits in schools in order to recommend changes in behaviors and practices to reduce energy consumption. This document includes suggestions on how to approach administration and community partners to get them involved. Use it to get ideas of how to pursue similar projects in your school. To see how this project looks in actions, visit coolschoolchallenge.org.

This Unit Outline allows students to explore a local watershed, where they learn basic ecological concepts, conduct scientific inquiries, understand the interdependence between science, technology, and mathematics in an urban community, develop competency in the use of technology equipment, and develop cooperative working relations. By using local resources, students will gain a better understanding and sense of ownership about the local environment and community. The Unit is designed for use in Life Science courses, but could link with other disciplines.

In this activity, students develop research skills through the design and development of their own research projects involving backyard bird feeders. Students take ownership of their project through construction of their own bird feeders in the classroom, maintain a journal, design a testable hypothesis, and communicate their findings through a poster.