Earth didn't always have oxygen, so what caused the change that allows humans to live here? Learn about the change in O2 levels throughout geological history through an interactive graph. Each section offers greater detail on the changes...

Carbon dioxide is on the rise; does that also mean a rise in danger to humans and animals? Scholars learn what that means for the environment and more specifically the ocean. They examine data on the pH of different ocean areas and learn...

Fifth graders compare human and wildlife environments.  In this stormy weather lesson, 5th graders imagine they are an animal or human during a storm.  Students compose a story with comparisons and reasons for how an organism's...

Students describe several factors and ways climate change could effect communities.  For this climate change lesson students research climate change and complete a worksheet. 

Students examine the obstacles in education faced by young girls in developing countries. Through discussion, they explore what international documents protect this basic human right.

Students investigate the greenhouse effect. In this environmental lesson, students investigate why the greenhouse effect changes the climate through an experiment. Students use vinegar to simulate how acid damages the environment.

Students explore the issue of "human rights" and discuss world events/situations in which human rights are in question. They determine their own needs and wants and simulate the experience of being a refugee having to leave their home. ...

Students examine where, why, how and in what conditions HIV/AIDS exists. They examine the deadly impact this virus has had on the world and look at how to prevent the spread at home. The students also develop a greater awareness of the...

In this environmental science instructional activity, students explore the different climate change around the world and summarize them. They fill in the table provided.

Students explore the concept of global warming. In this climate change instructional activity, students explore the provided links to PBS NOW sources and research the greenhouse effect and the effects of global warming. Students...

Students investigate the world's tallest buildings. In this architecture lesson, students discover how humans change the physical environment. Students read about and view pictures of famous buildings in the world. Students make lists of...

Students explain that while cities have unattractive features, the density of human life enables energy efficiency, mass transit, recycling, and other benefits which are difficult or impossible in rural areas. This is the fifth in an...

When life hands you lemons ... experiment on them! Green chemistry gurus compare extraction methods for essential oils through a lab activity. Lab groups use traditional distillation and liquid carbon dioxide extraction...

Young ecologists explore the Aswan Dam in Egypt via the internet. Each collaborative group is assigned a specific article about the ecological impact of the dam. Then they prepare a presentation to share with the rest of the class. Some...

Focus your attention on Bantu Migration. Answer 5 different questions to better understand why particular populations choose to migrate to new places. Referenced is the use of lesson notes, students will need background knowledge to...

Role play community members who are both for and against the construction of a dam. Research the pros and cons and then hold a classroom debate. This activity ideally follows a series of stream studies, links to which are included. Use...

After an introduction to municipal sludge, middle school ecologists consider the pros and cons of dumping in the Hudson River Canyon. The class is split into two groups: one to debate in favor or dumping and one to debate against the...

Students investigate the impact of human activity on the environment.  In this secondary math/science lesson, students analyze and interpret information from data and graphs as they investigate trends in climate change and the...

Third graders research ways in which plants are essential to humans. For this Global Peace lesson, 3rd graders participate in tasks, such as creating a propaganda poster. Students may watch the film, The Lorax, as a closing activity.

Students, in groups, explore how the environment affects how the live and how they affect the environment. They analyze photographs and observe their local school yard and community to see places where people and the environment interact.

Students develop both writing and artistic skills as they document changes in their school environment. They observe how the environment of their school playground changes throughout the year by drawing and describing plants, animals,...

Middle schoolers investigate human needs and how they have adapted to different environments. They complete an experiment to discover the effect of stress on muscles. They use the food pyramid to create a plan for healthy eating.

Students explore recent changes in the Artic's climate that have been observed by Artic residents. They watch videos, take notes and create a concept map. They also look at historical weather data from a specific Artic community. The...

Pupils explore how landscapes undergo constant changes with urban development. They plan and build their own "city" by including features that have minimal resource demands to sustain the city itself.