In order to give young scientists experience with critical thinking skills, introduce them to a current controversy and prepare them to debate. Choose a topic, such as genetically modified organisms, and assign groups to represent...

Students explore policies regarding environmental issues. In this global issues instructional activity, students research the linked Internet sources to investigate governmental policies to decrease environmental issues.

Young scholars reach out into the community and learn about different environmental science careers in this inquiry-based instructional activity. Beginning with a short research assignment, children gain background knowledge about...

Students identify the 5 themes of geography as being location, place, human-environmental interaction, movement and region. They explain a current event from the perspective of each theme and their interrelationship..

Research water use in California, environmental protection laws, and the proposition to raise Shasta Dam by 200 feet. Researchers use their findings to build an argument which will be presented at a mock decision panel. Groups then...

Students investigate environmental issue in Hispanic country, use readings from textbooks or other sources, prepare environmental awareness poster that focuses on issue of investigation, and create poster by cutting and pasting photos...

Students, while engaged in a group discussion, collaborate a mini-project on environmental issues at home and/or in the classroom as well as incorporating environmentally related words and expressions within their daily diary writing...

High schoolers investigate nuclear weapons policies. In this global issues lesson, students research policies that the United States could institute to control nuclear weapon production. High schoolers participate in a simulation to...

Students analyze newspaper articles for the 5 themes of geography. They create a colorful portfolio explaining how each theme: location, place, etc. is relevant in a chosen current event.

Middle schoolers aren't too young to feel strongly about politics, social issues, consumer rights, or environmental problems. Demonstrate the first steps toward social change with a project about action-oriented writing. Eighth...

Middle schoolers discuss the importance of recycling and preventing pollution. In groups, they complete mini-studies on various environmental issues and evaluate different consumer products. They use global warming data to determine...

Students explore the ways that local, national, and global events are interconnected. They identify current issues at a local and global level, identify organizations that seek to improve conditions in other countries, and examine the...

Students choose a current environmental issue and research historical conditions as well as present conditions. They assess the changes in ecosystems, populations of specific species, air quality, or any other aspect of an ecosystem.

Students research current environmental problems in order to develop and deliver an oral presentation. The presentation persuades the audience to act on the student's point of view on the issue.

Young writers craft letters to the government stating their opinion on different topics. They pick an environmental or ocean issue, research it, and craft their formal persuasive letter. Ensure your learners include supporting facts and...

The Grapes of Wrath. The Jungle. Native Son. The Things They Carried. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian. To address a current social, political, economic, or environmental issue, class groups pair the reading of a...

Students identify the different biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem. In this ecology lesson, students perform a case study on current environmental problems. They write a position statement about their chosen topic and share it...

Students study environmental issues of excess garbage and learn about recycling. In this recycling lesson plan, students discuss recycling and read a story about too much garbage. Students write a persuasive essay about the importance of...

Eleventh graders conduct Internet research about basic ecological principles and current environmental issues. They participate in a variety of outdoor experiences and develop an "Outdoor Experiences Journal" that they keep for an...

High schoolers examine four separate environmental health issues using fish-bowl technique, and discuss roles of both government and citizens in maintaining a pollution-free environment.

Encourage your young citizens to make a difference. Using Tyson Miller's Dream of a Nation: Inspiring Ideas for a Better America as a starting point, class members watch documentaries, investigate issues, and then write letters to...

Great things come in small packages! What better way to illustrate this point than a week-long look at nanotechnology? Earth science scholars explore water quality issues through lab activities, then research new innovations in nanotech...

Students examine some of the issues that may be facing the changing United States Supreme Court. With further exploration, they formulate their own opinions and deepen their awareness of these critical topics.

Students, in a program entitled "Strategies for Success," examine ways to change public perception of their school. In this project-based instructional activity, they explore local social and environmental issues, develop a conflict...