Resource Library

By examining the case of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in 1986, students study the adverse effects of high doses of radiation on biological systems.

This lesson will introduce students to the geographic features of the Indian Ocean and the critical role of the monsoon in determining maritime trading patterns before the 16th century. Students will research various historic ports along the borders of the Indian Ocean and determine possible ways that local rulers attracted merchants.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) published an atlas outlining population-environment linkages. The atlas contains maps and graphics that quantify and illustrate many of the issues and text that lay out the broader links between population dynamics and the environment, placing them within historical perspective.

ENTRI (Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators) is a comprehensive online tool for accessing international environmental treaty data. There is status data for environmental treaties, treaty text and tools for searching for treaties by subject or country.

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.

Students research various epidemics that have devastated the world population at different points in history, focusing on the historical events taking place during the times of the epidemics and the epidemics’ effects on these societies.

Environmental themes can be included in lessons about World War II. The United States conducted a significant campaign to inform its citizens about the need for conservation during war time. Not only were these efforts meant to help with the war effort, but also teach about the necessity of conservation. Some examples of these posters are found below, and many more can be found on a variety of websites through a simple web search. Art classes can try and recreate these styles with modern environmental messages.

In this lesson, students will learn about boundaries as they apply to matters of pollution, disease, and conflict within the continent of Asia, between Asian nations, and between Asian nations and members of the international community.

Many areas of the United States are continuing to see an increased population with individuals relocating to cities with more promising jobs and opportunities. Rapid growth or status as a "boom town" can make a move to these areas very lucrative and beneficial for some families.

Climographs are a graphic way of displaying climate information; specifically, average temperature and precipitation. They are a valuable tool in studying climate, but also can be used to infer connections between climate and human conditions. In this lesson by National Geographic, students learn about how to read, analyze, and construct climographs.