Resource Library

Annie Dillard’s memoir about growing up in Pittsburgh in the 1950s offers a great opportunity for connecting English and the environment. Students will use the memoir to explore literary science writing how it differs from other writing.

Students will evaluate two types of nature writing and explain the benefits of both by examining Burroughs’ and Muir’s essays from "Alaska: The Harriman Expedition, 1899." Students will also assess their hometown from the perspectives of an outsider and a naturalist.

Classroom Earth's "In the News" archive offers articles on a wide variety of topics.

This New York Times article explores how the surge in electricity-consuming gadgets, including cellphones, iPods and personal computers, has led to greater energy consumption. The article also discusses the role of the government, industry and trade organizations on energy usage.

This New York Times article explores the emerging alternative energy industry and how it relies on another resource, water, to function. The article can be used to discuss the societal aspects of alternative energy and resource limitations, such as conflicting interests between the public and industry and economic implications.

Garlic mustard is one of the most problematic invasive species in North America. This report from Agricultural Research discusses the history of garlic mustard, the problems it can cause to ecosystems and the potential for weevils to be effective biocontrol agents. This report can be used as a reading and comprehension exercise to prepare students for discerning complicated scientific media and literature.

This article from BBC News traces the key milestones, scientific discoveries, technical innovations and political action relating to climate change. Information is presented in a timeline.

Encourage your students to develop reading comprehension skills with Earth Gauge Climate Fact sheets and backgrounders. Students learn the basics of how climate and weather systems work, how changes in climate impact them and what scientists are doing to learn more.

Using the Nebraska rangeland as an example, students will explore the concept of public lands. Students will learn the intended use of public lands and the conflicts that arise among users by examining the history, politics and science of range management. The lesson plan includes reading, group discussion and activity, research and a reflective paper.

This lesson increases student awareness of energy alternatives with a focus on photovoltaic systems. The final product is a collection of informative brochures to be handed out during parent night or at a public meeting.