Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Rachel Carson and the Environmental Movement [Pdf]
Article with questions for discussion and group activity in which students explore the ideas brought forth by Rachel Carson in her book, Silent Spring.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson catalyzed the global environmental movement with her 1962 book "Silent Spring".
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: Rachel Carson and the Awakening of Environmental Consciousness
Resource for teachers and students on Rachel Carson and environmental consciousness in which author Linda Lear discusses Carson's work, Silent Spring, and how it changed public perception and raised evironmental awareness. Lots of...
Texas A&M University
Environmental Protection: Story Time: Rachel Carson
An in-depth biography of Rachel Carson which gives background on her interest in biology and her eventual writing of the seminal book on ecology Silent Spring. Many hyperlinks for additional information.
Other
Rachel Carson: The Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson
The home page for the Rachel Carson organization provides information on her life, work, and legacy.
Other
Nrdc: The Story of Silent Spring
Outlines the impact of Carson and her book upon the environmental movement and the elimination the use of DDT and other pesticides.
The Best Notes
The Best Notes: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
This is a complete online study guide/notes for the novel Silent Spring by Rachel Carson including author information, literary elements, chapter-by-chapter summaries/notes, study questions, and analysis.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: American Women: Rachel Carson
See this bust of Rachel Carson, leader of the environmental movement in the 1960s and read a brief description of the impact of her book, "Silent Spring."
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Rachel Carson
A concise biographical sketch that examines the life and contributions of scientist, naturalist, writer, and Pennsylvania native, Rachel Carson.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Biography for Kids: Scientist: Rachel Carson
A site that contains Rachel Carson's biography. Learn about how she was a scientist who studied how pesticides impacted animals and the ecosystem. She is considered the founder of environmental science.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in Maryland: Rachel Carson House
House where Rachel Carson wrote her classic work Silent Spring in 1962.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Environmental Reform
Environmental awareness in the United States became more focused upon the publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. Read about student protests, presidential legislation, and a new desire to protect the environment.
Read Works
Read Works: Superstars of Science
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about scientists Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, Dean Kamen, Rachel Carson, and Charles Henry. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Conservation in Action
A lesson where students study the legacy of Rachel Carson.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Conservation, Preservation, and the National Parks [Pdf]
Articles in which students explore the history of conservation and environmentalism in America and the modern controversy surrounding it while simultaneously exploring public perception and policy. Includes small group activity and...
Other
Thoreau Institute: The History of Environmentalism
This essay is a thorough investigation of the various political and philosophical changes which have occurred throughout the environmental movement. Examines the current situation and includes references. Excellent article.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Epa: The Spirit of the First Earth Day
This article is an in-depth description of the first Earth Day, and includes the impact the demonstration had on the environmental movement.
Other
Center for Ca Studies: California Environmental Goals and Policy, Part I [Pdf]
Although focused primarily on environmental legislation in California in the 1970s, there is a good review of the environmental movement as it was supported nationally. (Published June 1995)
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Environmentalism
Brief overview of the Environmental Movement and the growing concern about the environment spurred on by the mid 1960s push for civil rights in America.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Earth Days: Timeline:the Modern Environmental Movement
Trace the advance of the environmental movement from 1948 through the 1980s. Read about the legislation promoting a healthy environment passed under both Democratic and Republican presidents.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: The Counter Culture and Environmentalism
This web-article discusses how the 1960s and 1970s were a time of cultural upheaval in the US. As many young people came to reject the lifestyle and traditions of their parents and embrace a more radical way of living and thinking.