Economics

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.

Provides a series of interactive presentations of different water related topics, including the water cycle, ground and surface water and using water wisely. Printable resources include coloring books and lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school levels titled "Raising Your Water IQ." The lesson plans address water issues in Texas but also include the study of groundwater, surface water, watersheds, water conservation and water availability.

Published by the World Economic Forum, this report outlines the many links between water, energy and climate change, with a particular focus on the water requirements of energy production.

Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigates what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis. FLOW also gives viewers a look at the people and institutions providing practical solutions to the water crisis and those developing new technologies, which are fast becoming blueprints for a successful global and economic turnaround. Visit the website for more information about water issues and the film itself.

These modules use forest related examples to help students better understand the complexity of environmental issues. In the Focus on Forests module, students examine issues objectively, collect and analyze data, and become involved in decision making experiences. They learn how to present arguments clearly and how citizens can play a role in forest management decisions.

This lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions examines the conflict between development and the environment and the attempts for a sound compromise. Using estuaries as a case study, students are encouraged to consider the interaction between environmental and economic demands, and to seek a balance that will protect both the estuarine habitat and economic growth. The lesson plan is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

The NEED Project provides an extensive library of standards-based curricula for teachers of grades K-12. Examples of the many resources teachers can download are: free lessons on wind energy in four levels, hands-on solar kits, energy infobooks in four levels, energy efficiency and conservation lesson plans, curricula on saving energy for students and families, and transportation fuels lessons. Several NEED lessons also feature connections to language arts, geography and economics. Lessons are available for all grade levels K-12 and adhere to National Science Education Standards.