Did you know that California produces two thirds of the fruits and nuts consumed in the United States? That it produces almost one third of the vegetables? Did you know that scientists warn that California is facing the onset of a...

The goal of this collection of lessons is to make middle schoolers more aware of the ways in which they are dependent upon water to maintain their standard of living. Learners compare water use in Lesotho to water use in the United...

Convenience, taste, portability ... what's not to love about bottled water? Apparently, a lot. Scholars analyze the four main arguments supporting and opposing the sale of bottled water. They explore the health, environmental, and...

Young scholars investigate the water wars taking place in East Africa. In this global issues lesson, students watch video clips and read selected articles about the water shortages in East Africa. Young scholars estimate their own...

Learners examine the water rights on an international scale. In this social studies lesson, students research on a specific water rights issue. They write a paper about their findings and create a PowerPoint presentation which they share...

Students identify the watershed where they live and how it is related to their own water consumption. In this watershed lesson plan students locate their watershed on their town map. The students find the source of their water that they...

Students explore the concept of water as a resource and as a human right. In this conservation lesson, students record and chart personal water usage and consumption then brainstorm ways in which to responsibly reduce water waste.

Learners connect the water cycle concept with local fresh water availability and consumption. They identify waterways in their own region. Students define, predict, research, and map local watershed areas. They research the positive...

Everyone's heard the popular slogan reduce, reuse, recycle, but there may be a better way to talk about sustainability. Using the second lesson from the five-part WE Are Innovators—High School Modules series, learners explore issues...

This very simple geography project can lead to a lot of useful referential information that can be displayed in your classroom! Learners construct a poster-size map of a country, identifying major demographic points and including pie/bar...

Milk: It does a body good ... or does it? Using the provided website, scholars sort through information to answer the question. They review a chart demonstrating lactose intolerance by ethnicity and region, and they also compare the...

Students explore potential issues of a water shortage.  In this water conservation lesson, students brainstorm the many uses of water and what life would be like if there was not enough water available.

Students follow the journey that water takes in aquifers and springs. They write about the major threats to the aquifer and the solutions to these threats.

Students examine how global wind and water patterns aid in the spread of worldwide pollution. In groups, they read articles about the domino effect of pollution and create posters displaying its journey. On blank world maps, students...

Learners discuss how people are reducing their fuel consumption, then read a news article about a new bike-sharing program in Washington, D.C. In this current events and alternative transportation instructional activity, the teacher...

Pupils describe the differences of people living in developed and underdeveloped countries. They also identify how each type of country uses their resources. They develop an ecological footprint of the countries discussed.

Students use text information, data and graphs to explain what sustainable development is, and to investigate the rate of consumption of Canada's natural resources. In groups, they graph their findings.

Students examine the difference between needs and wants. In this consumption lesson, students illustrate their needs and wants and discuss their own reasons for buying things. They also discuss the connection between their choices and...

Middle schoolers examine environmental and social impacts of products that consumers buy. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students play a game that requires them to consider real costs of products. Middle schoolers consider the...

Fourth graders investigate the paper usage in their classroom and in other countries by using estimation, counting, and measurement skills. They make paper from recycled paper.

Students investigate healthy eating habits by researching livestock. In this food sustainability instructional activity, students research the negative impact factory farming has on our environment due to pollution. Students define...

Is there a correlation between a country's wealth and the extent of its ecological footprint? What exactly constitutes an ecological footprint, and how does one country stack up against the rest? This is a unique instructional activity...

Young scholars explore energy efficient appliances.  In this economics and ecology lesson, students compare and analyze EnergyGuide labels of various appliances.  Young scholars discuss federal government involvement with...

Sixth graders examine climate change in the state of Colorado. In this climate lesson, 6th graders watch 2 video clips regarding the topic and research the subtopics- snow pack, precipitation, temperature, forest fires, river flow,...