This lesson focuses on how human activities are impacting marine ecosystems. Includes handouts.

For students that have already been introduced to the water cycle, this lesson plan is intended as a logical follow-up. Students will learn about human impacts on the water cycle that create a pathway for pollutants beginning with urban...

In this activity, students investigate the life cycle of an engineered product and how the product impacts the environment. They analyze a product using a simple life cycle assessment that assigns fictional numerical values for different...

This site from the National Humanities Center provides an interesting look at the history of fire in America, how we use it to control natural resources and how it controls us.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discusses the impacts of hazardous waste on the environment and human health, and the provisions of the Superfund Act.

Describes the ecology of the Amazon rainforest, the characteristics of its climate, the impact of human actions on this environment and the need for stronger conservation efforts to save the rainforests.

Begins with a description of a case of missing plant nutrients that have been affecting Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Lists some of the benefits to humans of the natural resources in such a park. Then explains the...

This article defines "environment" as a collection of animals and plants in a specific landscape and climate. The concept of differing types of environments is introduced. The impact of humans on environments and all environments'...

For this activity, students decide on environmental concerns they have about their school environment, and work in groups to investigate an issue then report back to the class. The purpose is to raise awareness about how their school...

Discusses plastic products, what they are made from, their impact on the environment and on human health, and alternative plastics being created using plants, as well as the advantages of these new products.

Natural systems studied by ecologists and human systems studied by economists must work together to ensure a future of biodiversity. This interview identifies the needs for both and ways in which the two can balance conservation with...

In this classroom activity, pupils discuss how people and pollution affect the environment. Then they demonstrate ways to recycle, reduce, and reuse.

A pre-assessment at the beginning of a unit on global atmospheric change. It checks understanding of issues around climate change and the impact it has on the environment and on human health. The lesson and accompanying slideshow can...

Biomonitoring is the term scientists use to describe the use of plants, animals, or entire ecosystems to tell if our environment is polluted. Biomonitoring has been used by biologists and scientists to give us information about our...

Learn where mercury can be found at home and at school, how exposure affects humans, ways to protect yourself from it, and the damage it is doing to the natural environment.

This comprehensive study guide covers the main terms and concepts needed for an earth science unit on coastal pollution. Review questions are included at the bottom of the study guide.

This comprehensive study guide covers the main terms and concepts needed for an earth science unit on cleaning up groundwater. Review questions are included at the bottom of the study guide.

The introduction of genetically modified organisms (animals, microbes, and plants) into agriculture has been accompanied by controversies over their potential impact on human health, the environment, and farming systems. Management of...