Moanalua Gardens Foundation
The Mystery of Rapa Nui
What caused the collapse of the environment on Rapa Nui (Easter Island)? Who constructed the Moai? What was their purpose? Class members assume the role of investigators and use evidence drawn from field studies, ships' logs, and...
Curated OER
Who Cares About the Forest?
Students explore the natural environment and people's views, in particular the Native Americans. In this environment lesson students discover the many uses of wood as it pertains to our natural resources.
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The Environment
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...
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Homeless in our Community
Third graders explore homelessness in their local community. In this service project/social studies lessons, children research local areas where homeless people reside, discuss global acceptance and unity, and visit a local food bank.
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Our Side of the Story: African Americans Share Their Experiences of Slavery
Seventh graders listen to a variety of folktales sharing experiences of slavery. As a class, they compare and contrast reading a story and telling a story. They participate in a role play activity to discover the journey of a slave and...
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Surviving in Our Ecosystems
Third graders identify the characteristics of a frog and compare them to a human child. They draw and describe the best environment for a human to live in and the best environment for a frog to live in based on their physical...
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The Water in Our Lives: Be the Bug
Students examine a local water supply and create a fictional invertebrate specifically adapted to thrive in that environment. They write a short story from the invertebrate's point of view.
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A Tree Is More than a Street Name
Eighth graders discuss the role of trees as one of the most important natural resources. In groups, they examine how the forests nearby helped to shape their urban city. Using the internet, they research the use of the forest in early...
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Earth Bags
Pupils discuss the environment and the problems facing our natural resources. They write ways to help the environment on paper grocery bags, illustrate them, and distribute them to grocery stores to be used with customers.
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Endangered Animals: Hawaii
Students locate regions in Hawaii where specific endangered animals live. They describe habitats, identify reasons why the species has become endangered, consider how a healthy environment for wildlife contributes to a healthy...
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Air, Air Everywhere! Lesson 2: Acid Rain
Middle school environmentalists record the pH of four different liquids, including two aerosol cleaning products. They liken the products to acid rain and speculate in writing which might affect the human respiratory system. Although...
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The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
High schoolers, after reading and discussing, "The Metamorphosis," by Franz Kafka, explain the symbolism of Gregor's metamorphosis moving beyond a literal view of "he turned into a bug" into the idea that...
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Industry and the Environment
Students study industrial processes and greenhouse emissions. In this research activity students choose a manufactured product, research the life cycle of the product, and present it in a PowerPoint presentation.
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Ladybugs
Students read The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle, and explore the life cycle of ladybugs and how they interact with our environment.
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Organic and Inorganic Recycling
Students examine their role in polluting the environment and discuss the importance of recycling. In groups, they place earthworms into compost piles to observe why they are considered natural recyclers. They also practice sorting a...
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A Wild Chain Reaction
Young scholars explore habitats. In this habitat lesson, students break into groups and are labeled as a part of a habitat. Young scholars then do an activity with yarn that shows how all of the parts are connected and depend on each...
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Reduce Reuse Recycle
Students discover methods that can save the planet by recycling. In this sustainable planet lesson, students read The Berenstein Bears Don't Pollute Anymore, and practice memorizing the 3 R's. Students write commitment letters...
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Com-Post With Us?
Students discuss the importance of reducing, recycling and reusing materials to help the environment. As a class, they create a worm bin and observe how it turns material in to compost. They use the internet to research the...
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Our Class
Students discuss what they expect out of their education. After reading a story, they answer comprehension questions and match the meaning of the word to the vocabulary word. To end the lesson, they write a story about a time in which...
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An Introduction to the Marine Environment and Geology of City Point: A Model for Experiential Teaching
Students begin the lesson by researching the history of City Point, Connecticut. Using a map, they color areas they were asked to find and discuss why the areas are important to the community. As a class, they are shown recent slides...
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Simple Machines, Engines and the Environment
Learners examine and describe the six main simple machines. In groups, they work with an inclined plane to calculate the ideal and actual mechanical advantages of the plane. Using their results, they must determine the efficiency of the...
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Agroforestry Challenge
Students explore agroforestry. In this Peace Corps lesson, students examine the role the trees play in deforestation efforts. Students then participate in an agroforestry game.
Kenan Fellows
Sustainability: Learning for a Lifetime – Soil
Do great gardeners really have green thumbs—or just really great soil? Environmental scholars discover what makes Earth's soil and soil quality so important through research and experimentation. Learners also develop an understanding of...
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Why Eat Organic?
Ninth graders explore the concept of organic eating. In this environmental stewardship lesson, 9th graders compare and contrast organic foods with conventional foods and discuss the benefits of eating organic foods.