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.

The Center for Ecoliteracy (CEL) provides information, inspiration and support to educators and other members of the educational community who are helping young people gain the knowledge, skills and values essential to sustainable living. Through CEL’s initiative, Smart by Nature: Schooling for Sustainability, the organization offers both a theoretical framework and practical resources for combining hands-on learning in the natural world with curricular innovation in education.

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.

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.