Curated OER
Environment -- Unit on Globalization and the Environment
Students examine the effect of human activities on the environment. They discover issues that are causing problems around the world. They participate in a debate using their own research.
Curated OER
Genetically-Modified Food
Learners investigate the pros and cons of genetic engineering. They watch a short Bill Moyers video, conduct Internet research, create a poster, participate in a pro/con debate, and write an essay expressing their personal feelings on...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Arizona v. United States — States and Immigration Law
As part of a study of immigration law, class members read a summary of the Supreme Court case, Arizona v. United States. They then examine a series of examples and acting as federal court judges, must determine if the scenarios meet the...
Curated OER
Genetically Modified Food
Students work in teams to develop a presentation and handout representing a particular point of view in a genetically modified food debate. They synthesize their knowledge of food, food contamination, nutrition, and their issues, and...
Curated OER
Recreational Water Contamination and Beach Closurew
Learners work in teams to develop a presentation and handout representing a particular point of view in a recreational Water Contaminationand Beach Closure Debate. They synthesize their knowledge of recreational water, sewage, and their...
Curated OER
Yellowstone Fires
Students assume the role of environmental biologists and help several government agencies resolve the debate surrounding "let it burn" policies in national parks.
Curated OER
You Be the Judge
Young scholars research and evaluate a case considered by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. They watch a Bill Moyers video, conduct a debate, and write about the decision they would make if they...
Curated OER
Ethical and Critical Thinking: Genetically Modified Food
High schoolers read statements representing different points of view on Genetically Modified Food. They identify the "facts" and "opinions" in each statement, and then briefly summarize the issue of Genetically Modified Food in a short...
Curated OER
Beaver, or not?
Students study the role of the beaver in Illinois during the 1800's and how overtrapping cause the near extinction of the beaver colonies in Illinois by 1900. Students role play various people in 1945 who have an opinion about the...
Curated OER
The Will to Drill?
Learners read a New York Times article about plans for oil drilling in the Arctic. They examine and debate both sides of the plan to explore for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Curated OER
Benefits of Cycling
Fourth graders discuss cycling and create a list of good effects from cycling. In this cycling instructional activity, 4th graders design a leaflet or poster to encourage cycling. Students debate the benefits of cycling.
Curated OER
The Lorax
Third graders identify environmental problems. In this natural resources instructional activity students participate in several activities that support critical thinking about the environment and natural resources. The students write,...
Council for Economic Education
New Sense, Inc. vs. Fish 'Till U Drop or Coase Vs. Pigou
Who is responsible for protecting the environment, and who should pay when it is damaged? The role of government and private industry is complicated. A role-play simulation prompts individuals to decide how to protect a fictitious town...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: Global Warming
Students explore the concept of global warming. In this climate change lesson, students explore the provided links to PBS NOW sources and research the greenhouse effect and the effects of global warming. Students support their stances on...
Curated OER
Sand Dollars
Students debate the issues of economic prosperity, cultural preservation and environmental preservation by examining the development of land in the Bahamas.
Curated OER
Chemical Controversy
Students explore the endocrine disruption theory. They work in groups to research and develop a persuasive oral argument to support one side of the endocrine disruption theory. Students engage in debate and other activities to analyze...
Curated OER
Transnational Pollution: Why Are You Dumping on Me?
Students research transnational pollution and role-play a hypothetical case of transnational pollution involving the Danube River. They practice, develop and defend a position in a debate and evaluate each other's presentations.
Curated OER
Clearcutting: Sustainable Forestry?
Students explore the conflicts between the economy and the environment by focusing on forest management in Maine. They read pamphlets on siliviculture and clear-cutting as well as those by environmental groups then conduct a debate on...
Curated OER
Where to shop?
Pupils study a topic of an environmental nature that is relevant to them (as individuals) on a local level, but with global implications. They consider whether their family's shopping habits have any lasting effects on the environment.
Curated OER
Biologically Altered (B/A Fish)
Learners complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics involved in biologically altering fish. They hold a mock town meeting in which they determine whether or not a transgenic aquaculture should be allowed to locate in...
UNICEF
Get Real on Climate
Climate change isn't just about a warming planet; it will affect humans' health, spread of disease, changes in heat waves and droughts, and changes in storms and wildfires. Participants explore global climate change through discussions...
Curated OER
Arkansas and NAFTA
Build literacy through social studies and reading strategies. This instructional activity focuses on using pre-reading, vocabulary building, and comprehension questions to boost literacy while educating learners on international trade,...
Curated OER
The Influence of Media on Decision Making: Exploring Ideas of Bias in Media with a Committee of the Legislative Assembly
Eleventh graders participate in a role play about the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. They write an essay evaluating the influence (if any) the media has on decision-making.
Curated OER
Ideas for Resources: Geology Lab Manual
The link to Ideas for Resources: Geology Manual is no longer valid, but the link to How to Teach Using Role-Playing does. Choose a realistic problem related to your focus topic, assign roles, and send your geology learners off to...