Students consider the ethics of human relationships with the environment. Specifically, they consider how practices such as the genetic modification of plants and animals involve a range of ethical positions towards non-human life. Students work in groups...
While peacefully running through the coastal rain forest of Vancouver's Stanley Park, Jane suddenly notices a sick bird bobbing in the water. Her rescue of the oiled sea duck leads her to the doors of the Urban Wildlife Rescue Centre and a life-changing...
Jane, a high school senior, is thrilled to land a job working with the animal actors on the set of a local movie production especially when she is able to reconnect with Gaia the elephant. However her enthusiasm fades when she becomes increasingly...
Young Solomon and his grandfather along with fellow slave Levi have managed to escape their wretched existence on a Georgia plantation. However, tragedy suddenly strikes and Solomon and Levi are forced to travel on alone, leaving Grandpa behind. ...
An attack on the "Coral Queen" has put Noah's father in jail and it is now left to Noah to prove that this floating casino has been dumping raw sewage into the waters off the Florida Keys. Determined to uncover the truth, he enlists the aid of a...
This short animation guides young students through the life cycle of a dandelion. The process begins with germination and continues through pollination, seed dispersal and regrowth. Students will also be able to identify the requirements for...
This rap video will get students on their feet while teaching them how adaptations help animals survive in a particular habitat. Featuring the camel with all of its neat structural features, the catchy tune will soon have a class singing along as...
What's Native and We're Being Invaded are two complimentary lessons that introduce students to the topic of invasive species through hands-on activities that focus on plants. The learning by doing approach is particularly appealing and fosters an...
Just like his famous namesake, Winston the polar bear is a leader and fighter whose cause is global warming and its impacts on the ice of Hudson's Bay. Winston knows that to save his home he must educate the human visitors who come to observe the...
Lila the groundhog is curious about the early awakening of her Uncle Wilbur each year. As she snuggles into her cozy bed for her long winter sleep Lila is determined to solve the mystery by being the first one up. Sure enough she rises before...
In this engaging simulation, students become monarch butterflies and experience the challenges of the fall journey to Mexico. After discussing what migration is and why different species migrate, students follow a script that introduces different...
This resource introduces students to the basics of pH in the context of acid rain precipitation and the environmental damage it causes. It also allows students to gain an understanding of the underlying social and economic dimensions of the...
In this ESD board game students assume the characteristics of native or introduced plants to experience first-hand the influence of species interactions and changing environmental conditions on ecosystems. It also provides an excellent framework for exploring...
This short video explores the issue of invasive species. Focusing on the zebra mussel, the film effectively demonstrates the environmental and economic damage that can result from the introduction of this and other non-native species. Attention...
This guide for taking action provides an opportunity to engage students in a service learning project. They investigate how storm water run-off can effect the water cycle, ecosystem preservation, flooding, pollution and the quality of their drinking water....
This resource offers a number of engaging activities in which students identify and interpret animal tracks left behind in the snow. The learning can take place in a near-by natural area, the schoolyard and the classroom. The resource provides direct...
In this outdoor inquiry students investigate how the depth and composition of snow can determine its insulating effects. After digging a snow pit, the air temperature is measured and the temperature and composition of the snow are recorded at regular...
This easy to implement activity provides students and teachers with a blueprint for building a winter bird-feeding station. Using readily available and inexpensive materials, students create different types of feeders to attract a variety of over-wintering...
Students explore current information about natural gas and compare its greenhouse gas emissions to those of other fossil fuels. They take positions and debate the question: Should we expand our use of natural gas as an energy resource, using it...
The internet and other media offer an over abundance of information and opinions about climate change. The challenge is to ensure our youth are provided with authentic evidence that supports informed decision making. This book introduces young...