This classroom resource examines population growth patterns, human demographics and the concept of carrying capacity. Through a series of lessons and activities students explore the past, present and future impacts of human population growth. Students...
Reusable Bags is an action toolkit resource emphasizing the importance of reusing in reducing waste and conserving resources, even more so than recycling. Students take action to decrease the number of plastic bags in circulation by constructing their...
Students are presented with the relationship of bright lights, holiday lights and other intense uses of electricity in terms of the effects on air quality, and the subsequent effect on human health. If dirty air makes people sick, what can be...
This problem-based learning unit focuses on the health effects of poor air quality. Students are asked to explain why one twin has asthma and one does not. Students form groups called Think-Tanks that allow them to research the issue...
In this ESD lesson, students take the role of an investigative reporter for their school's 'environmental television network' and explore the mystery surrounding an outbreak of water borne illness. As part of their efforts to solve the mystery, ...
This lesson plan focuses students attention on the issue of consumerism and asks them to consider its benefits and drawbacks. Students identify the different influences on their spending habits with special attention to the role of the media. ...
Junior Pest Investigators Teacher’s Guide In this engaging classroom resource young learners take on the role of Pest Investigators to track down solutions to common pest problems that minimize harm to human health and the environment. Along...
Students learn about vectors and the spread of infectious diseases. Students will develop hypotheses about how climate change may affect vectors, the pathogens they carry, and the diseases they spread. They perform an experiment to...
The purpose of this teaching unit is to introduce students to healthy living habits both for themselves as well as their community. Collectively, the unit lesson plans focus on the question - Why is it important to practice healthy living habits and advocate...
These education materials and lesson plans are designed to introduce young children to the concepts of respiratory health, air quality and caring for the environment. The unit begins by providing a comprehensive background to support teaching/learning...
This ESD classroom resource introduces students to healthy living habits for themselves as well as their community. They demonstrate their knowledge by participating in various activities that encourage healthy food choices, exercising and helping others...
This resource focuses on the concept of responsible purchasing and sustainable consumption. By analyzing the production, consumption and disposal of everyday items, students make connections between product choices and social, economic and environmental...
This resource focuses on how the oceans are polluted. Through selected readings and discussion, students identify types of pollution, determine the effects these pollutants have on the ocean and brainstorm alternative approaches that will reduce...
Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education program that promotes a sense of wonder in children about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Through a wide range of outdoor activities and nature-themed experiences,...
This ESD resource has students analyze the global food system from a ‘systems’ perspective to develop a better understanding of the important issues related to where their food comes from. Part. A. Students watch a video that explores...
This action-oriented resource focuses attention on the issue of water reduction. Using an inquiry-based learning approach, students conduct school, personal, and classroom waste audits to yield 'before' results. After scrutiny and analysis of their findings,...
This action-oriented resource focuses attention on the issue of water conservation. Using an inquiry-based learning approach, students conduct school wide, personal, and classroom water-use audits to yield 'before' results. After scrutiny and analysis...
This inquiry-based, action-oriented resource focuses attention on the issue of energy conservation. Students conduct school, personal, and classroom energy use audits to yield 'before' results. After scrutiny and analysis of their findings, students...
This inter-disciplinary resource is one of four teacher's guides based on David Suzuki's film, "Force of Nature". It's focus is on the challenges resulting from the rapid growth of the human population and the corresponding increase in consumption...
This book poignantly deals with the issues of poverty, hunger and malnutrition. The main character does not have access to nutritious lunches and so makes the choice to steal lunches from those around him. One particular victim discovers what...