Environmental Health

Hidden Relationships: Energy Sources and Water Usage

In this lesson, students will examine the major ways that water is utilized for a variety of energy sources. They will also participate in a photographic matching activity that compares energy usages to further understand the role water plays in energy consumption. Lastly, students will analyze the amounts of water used by various energy sources through a graphing activity.

William Finley, Wildlife Photography Pioneer

The historian Douglas Brinkley credits William Finley as being one amongst a group of photographers that helped popularize wildlife photography. Growing up in Northern California and Oregon, Finley spent his time roaming the wilderness and developed an interest in birding. He would often collect specimens of rare bird species and eggs.

New Interactive Map Tracks Ocean Dead Zones

The World Resources Institute has announced that new research from WRI and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) identifies over 530 dead zones and an additional 228 sites worldwide exhibiting signs of marine "eutrophication" -- or over-fertilized areas due to agricultural run-off. These areas and the information about them have all been put on a map that allows users to see what is happening where, including access to photos, articles and other information.

Schoolyard Habitat Projects

This spring, schools across the U.S. will undertake a Schoolyard Habitat Project as part of an educator professional development initiative known as PBLU.

TurfMutt's Spruce Up Your School Sweepstakes

TurfMutt’s Spruce Up Your School sweepstakes is offering K-5 teachers a chance to win a $5,000 grant to help make their school's play area more eco-friendly and green by adding trees, shrubbery and more. Two runners up will receive "Green Packs" - complete with eco-friendly, TurfMutt-branded school supplies for the whole classroom. Enter once a day, every day to increase your chance of winning.

U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition award honors schools that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs; improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.

The Mountaineers Foundation Project Grant

The Mountaineers Foundation promotes the study of mountains, forests, and streams of the Pacific Northwest, and contributes to preserving its natural beauty and ecological integrity. The organization funds modest short-term projects consistent with those purposes, with a maximum grant normally at $5000.

Schoolyard Habitat Program

The Schoolyard Habitat Program helps teachers and students create a naturalized wildlife habitat for classroom field studies and observations. The Program provides technical and organizational assistance to schools to create outdoor classrooms that are effective as educational tools and sustainable habitats. Qualified schools or organizations serving K-12 students are eligible for funding and may receive up to $8,000 for projects.

  • Read more about Schoolyard Habitat Program

Invasive Species Lesson Plan Booklet

In the pursuit of her Girl Scout Gold Award, Tarin Rickett of Croton-On-Hudson, NY created an extensive lesson plan booklet focusing on Invasive Species. Realizing that invasive species pose a serious threat to ecosystems around the globe, Tarin's lesson plan booklet includes classroom activities geared towards 4th, 5th, and 6th graders (though they can be adapted for older age groups).

NCSE-NASA Interdisciplinary Climate Change Education

The NCSE-NASA Interdisciplinary Climate Change Education Team is developing a curricular package on climate change based on a University of California Davis course taught by Professor Arnold Bloom. The curriculum includes modules that cover a wide range of topics relevant to climate change. Data produced by NASA is used to create data-driven modules focusing on ice core and recent climate change observations.

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