Bring out the creativity in your children - get some ideas from the articles and then scroll down for the toys that our research shows are the best at promoting creativity.

Energy and the Environment : Energy Friendly Living

Learn about the ways you can help the environment with our interactive house.

Home: A film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand
http://www.youtube.com/homeproject

This film discusses the environmental impact we have on the earth's planet - the Earth's treasures being destroyed and the wonders we can still preserve.

The EPA Climate Change Kids Site
http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html
Animations, links, activities and games present concise information as the US Environmental Protection Agency delves into the causes of global warming, the greenhouse effect and climate change. The site explores future implications of climate change.

Garbage and Recycling: An Engaged Learning Unit: Grades 4-8

Created by Melissa Gross and Barbara King

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/more/project_outline.htm

A Global Map of Human Impacts to Marine Ecosystems

http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/GlobalMarine

Many people may wonder what happens in the vast stretches of the world's oceans. For some, it is simply a matter of "out of sight, out of mind". Fortunately that is not the attitude at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis at the University of California, Santa Barbara. For one of their latest projects, they decided to estimate and visualize the global impact humans are having on the ocean's ecosystems. Visitors to the site can view the map, learn about the methodology used to create the map, and also read about their datasets. Their findings were also recently reported in Science magazine, and users can view supplementary findings which appeared in that piece. As it stands, this map provides "critical information for evaluating where certain activities can continue with little effect on the oceans, where other activities might need to be stopped or moved to less sensitive areas, and where to focus efforts on protecting the last pristine areas."

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2008. http://scout.wisc.edu/

Planet Slayer
http://www.abc.net.au/science/planetslayer/
Planet Slayer is an easy to read, science friendly site to answer questions
about greenhouse gases. Planet Slayer is from the Australian Broadcasting
Corporation and Film Victoria, and is 'the world's first irreverent
environmental website'. The website is interactive and aims to educate
students about the way the environment is affected by the way we live and
what we buy.

The Water Cycle and Global Warming [pdf]

http://www.bioedonline.org/lessons/water-cycle.cfm
The Baylor University College of Medicine continues to work at a furious pace on their delightful BioEd Online site, and educators everywhere love them for their work and dedication. Recently, they placed this “ready-to-go” lesson on the water cycle and global warming online, and it’s a true delight. As with the other lessons in this series, the materials here include a brief description of the lesson’s objective, along with information on the intended audience, the materials required to complete the lesson, and so on. Teachers will note that they will need to download a slide set, several activity sheets, and a “State of the Climate Report” offered from the National Climatic Data Center

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2007. http://scout.wisc.edu/

Ecological Footprints: Calculators
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ecologicalfootprint/calculators/
Victoria's Environment Protection Authority has produced a fascinating interactive resource that students and staff can use to measure 'how much nature we have, how much we use, and who uses it. It shows us how much biologically productive land and water a population (an individual, an organisation, a city, a country, or all of humanity) requires supporting current levels of consumption and waste production, using prevailing technology.'

Price of progress
http://education.qld.gov.au/tal/edulist/reviews/efl02668.htm
In this module students investigate what is an acceptable price for progress in terms of changes to the environment due to human activity. (Logon required: username-'sample'; password-'discover').
(Level: MP - UP)

Landcare Research – Manaaki Whenua
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/
The organisation responsible for this site is a leading New Zealand environmental research agency. Of particular interest to teachers are the education pages that focus on animal conservation, animal pests, native plants, satellite imagery and maps, fungi and pest plants.

Enviropedia
300+ topics about the Environment

See also Mining

Planet Slayer

Have a look at the adventures of Greena on the Planet Slayer website. http://www.abc.net.au/science/planetslayer/greena.htm

Planet Slayer
http://abc.net.au/science/planetslayer/
Planet Slayer from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Film Victoria
is 'the world's first irreverent environmental website'. It's an interactive
website that demonstrates how the environment is affected by the way we live
and what we buy.

EcoKids!
www.ecokidsonline.com/pub/index.cfm
Contemporary environmental information is presented on this long-running website. Students are encouraged to increase their environmental knowledge via interactive games and activities. A section of the website is aimed at teachers and parents.

Ecokids Games

There are some great games that will get your head wrapped around the challenge of climate change.

http://www.ecokidsonline.com/pub/eco_info/topics/climate/co2effect/index.cfm

Combatclimatechage

Primary Schools Teachers

In this section you will find Factsheet 1 & Factsheet 2

and worksheets Guzzler's Quiz , Guzzler Goes Global and

Guzzler Saves Energy . These are most suitable for 5th & 6th class students.

electronic Environmental Resources Library

eERL's mission is to be the best possible online collection of environmental and sustainability resources for community college educators and for their students

Enviropedia

300+ topics about the Environment

Roofus\' Solar Home
http://www.eere.energy.gov/roofus/
Meet Roofus the dog and find out about his energy efficient home.

Renewable Energy Links
http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jmresources/energy/renewable.html
Links relating to various types of renewable energy sources compiled by
Jackie Miers.

Energy: The Alternative http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/generalstudies/sciencetechnology/

19energy/index.shtml
This site explores the use of renewable and alternative energy sources.

Energy and Energy Transfer
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/science/physics/energy1_5.shtml
Explanation of renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

What's Up With the Weather?

   This site examines "the science and politics of one of the most
   controversial issues of the 21st century: the truth about global
   warming." Topics include fossil fuel consumption, the role ice
   cores play in the global environment, and predictions for "what
   would happen to the world's coastlines if the West Antarctic Ice
   Sheet melted." Includes a teacher's guide and a FAQ. A production
   of Nova and Frontline, programs produced by the Public
   Broadcasting Service (PBS).

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/warming/

Environmental News Network
http://www.enn.com/
Daily coverage of environmental news, plus a searchable archive, radio, video and podcast programs, a forum and photo gallery. Though it's not obvious from the front page, there are RSS feeds; click on ENN Weekly and you'll see the details. Other ENN channels track Sustainable Economy, Energy, Food, Ecosystems, Water, Wildlife, Science & Technology, and Conservation.

Population and Environment - What's the Connection?
http://www.science.org.au/nova/087/087key.htm
The world's population is growing, and many scientists and
conservationists say that the natural environment is deteriorating as a
result, but the relationship between environmental problems and human
population growth is complex and not fully understood. This site from
the Australian Academy of Science explores trends in world population
and compares with the Australian population.

Celebrate Earth Day - Every Day
This site provides numerous ideas for youngsters celebrating Earth day, celebrated every April 22. Included are online games, coloring activities, clip art, word searches, language and science activities, and much more.

http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/earthday/

Environmental Paper Network

Web site for a "group of environmental organizations joined together to support socially and environmentally sustainable transformations within the pulp and paper industry." Features fact sheets, statistics, reports, and other material on responsible fiber sourcing and endangered forests, recycled paper, and clean production technologies (such as chlorine-free bleaching and pulping) to reduce pollution. Includes a glossary and links to related organizations.

http://www.environmentalpaper.org

Power Up
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/tools.cfm?DocID=88&Grade=6-8
As students choose their types of power they want to use, they will learn how much power the plant provides, how much it costs, and the effect it could have on the environment.

Fallout from Chernobyl
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g68/fallout.html
Students will read and analyze several articles describing consequences of the 1986 explosion and fire at a nuclear power plant in Chornobyl, Ukraine.

ABC Online: Planet Slayer
http://www.abc.net.au/science/planetslayer/
Interactive site that tells the shocking truth about how the environment is affected by the way we live and what we buy.

Murray-Darling Education Centre
http://www.mdbc.gov.au/education/education.htm
Students can research topics related to river water quality.

National Dryland Salinity Program
http://www.ndsp.gov.au/
Information on dryland salinity.

Marine Pollution Facts
http://www.amcs.org.au/issues/facts/htm/fcmpolln.htm
Sources and types of pollution in marine environments.

Nutrient Enrichment in the Swan River System
http://www.wrc.wa.gov.au/srt/publications/pdf/resource_sheet4.pdf
Fact sheet on eutrophication.

Plasticbag.com
http://www.plasticbag.com/environmental/issues.html
Information on plastic film, history of plastic bags and environmental
issues.
Saltwatch
http://www.saltwatch.org.au/
An environmental monitoring program that helps communities better understand salinity problems.

Soil Salinity
http://members.optushome.com.au/wingchan1/ian/salinity/
Information on soil salinity, with links, experiments and field trips on the topic.

The Environment: A Global Challenge
http://www.thinkquest.org/library/site_sum.html?tname=26026&url=26026/
Thinkquest site with 400 articles about threats to the environment.

An Introduction to Biodiversity
http://www.landcareaustralia.com.au/infolinks.asp?IssueID=30
Learn about the importance of biodiversity.

Indestructibles
http://www.abc.net.au/science/features/indestructibles/
A convenient carrier or a marine killer? Heather Catchpole takes a loo at why plastic bags should no longer be tossed out with the garbag Plastic bags are handed out free each week in Australia by the millions. They are cheap to make, lightweight, waterproof and convenient. But the flipside of this convenience is that plastic bags are practically
indestructible. And the number that ends up in the environment each year is growing.

Spaceship Earth
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=295
Students develop an understanding of our planet as a system by designing a space mission in which the life-support system is patterned after that of earth.

Environment Australia Activities
http://www.deh.gov.au/education/activities/index.html
These activities and education kits will help you to learn about some of the biggest threats to our environment and what you can do to make a difference.

Environmental Alphabet
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/kids/alphabet/a.htm
Click on each letter of the alphabet to view a word that is related to caring for the environment.

Human Impact
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/eye/impact.html
Learn about the effects of floods and dams, pollution, deforestation and overpopulation.

Adapting To The Land
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/act/adpland.html
Students will consider how the environment affects how people live, identify examples of human adaptation, and appreciate human-environment interaction.

We Change Our Environment

http://www.michigan.gov/scope/0,1607,7-155-13481_13482_13486-43260--,00.html
Students draw conclusions about different methods of adaptation that have occurred in their local area over time.

Nuclear science in society
http://education.qld.gov.au/tal/edulist/reviews/efl03334.htm
These ANSTO curriculum materials, aimed at upper primary and lower secondary students, consist of twelve topics, arranged into four themes: Radioactivity, Life in the nuclear age, Using radiation and Choosing nuclear futures. (UP - LS)

· ECOLOGICAL CRISES

· Deforestation

· Oil Spills

· Waste Management

· Global Warming

· Pollution

AAAS Atlas of Population and Environment
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The site provides "maps and graphics that quantify and illustrate many of the issues, and text that lays out the broader links between population dynamics and the environment and places them within their historical perspective." Topics include natural resources, land use, atmosphere, waste and chemicals, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Also includes cases studies on specific regions.
Searchable. From the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

http://atlas.aaas.org/

Greenpeace
http://www.greenpeace.org/international_en/
A global organisation, Greenpeace focuses on worldwide threats to our planet's biodiversity and environment.

http://education.qld.gov.au/tal/tips/docs/01804/mrss1.doc
*Linda Tate, Environmental issues unit

Calculate your Eco-footprint
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/eco-footprint/EF_calculators.asp
Contains eco-footprint calculators for households, offices, and schools. The web-based calculator is a short quiz which estimates how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard.

LESSONS AND UNITS

The Great Kapok Tree: A Social Studies Lesson best bet
(Multi 1,2,3) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence of animals, people and plants in the rainforest by participating in an ecosystem simulation.

Waste: Where Does it Come From, Where Does it Go?
(K-12) The students will identify the various waste materials generated in the school. They will describe the sequence of collection and the destination of the materials identified.
Source: Recycling Lesson Plans

Environment Unit
(Gr. 4) The unit will focus on addressing the knowledge, issues, and skills students need to understand the current condition of our environment and propose viable solutions.

We're Environmentally Friendly
(Gr. 4) students will explore environmental concerns raised in fiction: picture books, poetry, songs, and novels. These will serve as a springboard for discussion and the composition of stories, poems, and artwork.

Be Accountable for Your Environment
(Gr. 5) Complete, 24 lesson unit

What's in Your Garbage?
(Gr. 7-9) The purpose of this unit is to increase the student's awareness of the amount of garbage a person produces and to become knowledgeable about landfills.

LESSONS AND UNITS

Earth Day Song

Earth Day
(K-2) Literature, poetry & songs, activities, recipes

Earth Day Mini-Unit
(2-3) Background information, and lessons for 1-2 days

Earth Day Mini-Unit
(4-6) Background information and lessons. Uses The Great Kapok Tree and The Lorax.

Lesson Plans : The Arts : Drama

Icebreakers
Grades 4+ - Objective: To create a good group dynamic and positive classroom environment.
Grade Level(s): 3-5, 6-8;

Environment Unit
(Gr. 4) The unit will focus on addressing the knowledge, issues, and skills students need to understand the current condition of our environment and propose viable solutions.
Grade Level(s): 3-5;

Lesson Plans : Science : Grades 6-8

We're Environmentally Friendly
(Gr. 4) students will explore environmental concerns raised in fiction: picture books, poetry, songs, and novels. These will serve as a springboard for discussion and the composition of stories, poems, and artwork.
Grade Level(s): 3-5;
- (Gr. 5) Complete, 24 lesson unit covering topics such as natural resources, recycling, water pollution, water conservation, air pollution, energy conservation and more.
  Grade Level(s): 3-5;
- Earth Day WebQuest
  TASK: Find out what your family throws in the garbage (and ends up in a landfill) and what they recycle. By using the books and exploring the web sites listed in this unit, you will be able to learn of problems with throwing to many things away. You will also learn of possible solutions to helping the Earth stay healthy.
  Grade Level(s): 3-5;

Webquest Earth Alert!-Middle and High School Science

SITES FOR KIDS

Planet Pals
Crafts, games, coloring, activities ...for learning about taking care of the planet!

Planet Protectors
Online games, puzzles, and environmental fun for kids.

Superfund for Kids
Online games, stories, and Earth Day activities.

Earth Day at KidsDomain
Clipart, coloring pages, word searches, a guide to online games, and more.

PRINTABLE PAGES

Earth Day Worksheets
Logic, math, word finds, word puzzles, and more

Earth Day Unit
Many printables, forms, graphic organizers for your lesson plans.

Happy Earth Day Activity Book
12 coloring pages and worksheets

EArth Day Unit
Many printables, forms, graphic organizers for your lesson plans.

RESOURCES

Earth Day Bags Project
The Earth Day Groceries Project is an easy, cost-free environmental awareness project that teams up youth and grocers to spread the message of Earth Day. Visit to find out how to participate!

Earth Day Online Word Search
Online game - environment-themed words: you can complete the word search, scramble the words and start again!
Grade Level(s): K-2;

CRAFTS

Paper Mache Earth
URL: http://www.planetpals.com/papermache.html

Earth Day Crafts
(Ages 2+) Fun crafts for endangered animals, clouds, mother earth

Making Paper #1
Students will learn about the process of making paper and another method of recycling through making their own paper.
Grade Level(s): K-2, 3-5;

Making Paper #2
Students will learn about the process of making paper and another method of recycling through making their own paper. - CanTeach
Grade Level(s): K-2, 3-5;

Global Warming Kids Site
This site "focuses on the science and impacts of global warming or climate change, and on actions that help address global warming issues. It is designed as a resource for both kids and educators. The site also features games, animations, events, and links to other relevant sites for kids and educators." From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/kids/

Winter Wise Tips
"This page provides seasonal tips to help you and your family find ways to reduce pollution and learn about the environment." Features resources on winter heating safety, winter air quality, energy efficiency, heating ducts, radon protection, and related topics. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
http://www.epa.gov/region03/winter/

Warmer and Sicker? Global Warming and Human Health
http://www.science.org.au/nova/081/081key.htm
Continued warming of the planet could have significant implications for human health. Coping with extreme heat waves will be just one of our concerns. This topic from 'Nova: Science in the news', a project of the Australian Academy of Science, provides resources for students to explore our possible future.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Access Excellence

Ecology of the Dump Three activities concerning solid waste management. One lasts one week, another several months, and there is a follow up activity suitble for both.
Waste Management There are four activities in this teaching unit in which students investigate household trash, biodegradability, packaging, and recycling.

Ask Eric Lesson Plans - Pollution and Recycling

This lesson focuses on three types of pollution and how students can work together to cycle..

Composting in Schools

Menu selections include: Why Composting? Teacher's Page (lesson plans, activities, teacher forum); Ideas for Student Research Projects; Compost Quiz; Science and Engineering (explaining the science and engineering behind composting; includes experiments); Composting Indoors; Composting Outdoors; Weird and Unusual Composting; and, Frequently Asked Questions.

[The] Imagination Factory

You'll find creative ways to recycle by engaging your students in art projects/activities that make use of a ready source of inexpensive art supplies - namely your trash. Be sure to look in their "Previous Art Activities" for an archive of their suggestions - organized into 10 categories: Drawing, Sculpture, Painting, Holidays, Printmaking, Fiber Arts, Collage, Marbling, General Information, and Crafts.

Lesson Plans

Eleven lesson plans in recycling for students in grades 1-7 from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). In addition, there are three lessons on composting from the Texas A&M University.

Recycle

Instructions for an educational card game for students aged 8 - 12 in which they become familiarized with the various recyclable items that are normally discarded in the garbage.

Recycling Lesson Plans

Eight lesson plans for students in K-12 from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. They illustrate a variety of recycling concepts, including the creation and collection of waste, developing attitudes against littering, recycling as an alternative to disposal, and learning about the costs of disposal.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The main objective of this teaching unit is to change students' personal behavior through awareness. The lesson plan includes helpful background information, links to resources, student activities, and lecture notes. Grades 1 - 12.

RotWeb

Everything you wanted to know about composting. Check out their "Teacher Resources" for student handouts, activities, and other resources.

Smile Program Biology Index

Teachers participating in the SMILE (Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement) summer session programs each create a single concept lesson plan. This database has a few lessons on recycling in their section on Environmental Studies and Ecology. Caution: Since there is a wide number of authors who have contributed to the database, the detail and quality of the lesson plans will vary.

To Recycle or Not To Recycle

In this webquest, elementary students conduct research on the pros and cons of a mandatory recycling program and present their views to other members of a committee.

United States Environmental Protection Agency

This comprehensive site from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has resources targeted for both students and teachers.

[The] Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste Practical steps that families can take to reduce the amount and toxicity of garbage.
HAZ-ED: Classroom Activities for Understanding Hazardous Waste Teacher resources include downloadable PDF files that offer warm up exercises, activities, fact flashes, and a glossary.
Recycle City Students learn about the three R's by touring various sections of "Recycle City" and seeing how the various organizations and citizens reduce, reuse, and recyle. There's also a "Dumptown game" where students can play the role of a city manager who has been hired to start programs that encourage Dumptown's citizens and businesses to recycle and reduce waste all the while remaining within a budget of course. An Activities section contains suggestions for using the site within the classroom.

Water Recycling

Learn how waste water in North Carolina is purified by recycling it a natural way.

Wired to the Earth: Integrated unit
http://education.qld.gov.au/tal/tips/02083.html
In this unit students research renewable and non-renewable energy sources for use in a new city, and present their findings in a web based information report.
(Level: UP)

Coral Bleaching - Will Global Warming Kill the Reefs?
http://www.science.org.au/nova/076/076key.htm
Coral reefs are sensitive to environmental change. Recently, the frequency and distribution of coral bleaching have increased, and in 2002 the Great Barrier Reef experienced its worst case of coral bleaching on record. This website from Nova Science in the News (Australian Academy of Science) explores this topic with key text, glossary and activities for the classroom.

13. Earth and Sky [RealPlayer]
http://www.earthsky.com/

Eco-friendly house http://adelaidehs.sa.edu.au/ahsintranet/Teachers/ecohouse/index.htm
Genetically modified crops
http://www.geocities.com/gm_crops/

Sharee Fallon
The plastic bag problem
http://education.qld.gov.au/tal/tips/02064.html

The EPA Global Warming Kids Page

www.epa.gov/globalwatming/kids/

The background to global warming, the greenhouse effect and climate change are concisely explained here in age-appropriate language. Students will discover a variety of links, activities and games. Teachers can investigate the host US EPA global warming site.

Australia’s Lost Kingdoms
Focusing on Australia’s reptiles, birds and mammals from the Cretaceous to the present time, this resource from the Australian Museum contains links, games, age-appropriate information and movies.

ASU – Ask a Biologist
Primary and secondary students (and their teachers) who have puzzling biology questions are invited to submit them to the scientists at Arizona State University. The site also contains links to related exemplary websites.

A Chronology of Aboriginal and Islander History
Resources on this encompassing website are aimed at a wide educational audience to provide a ‘comprehensive chronology of Aboriginal and Islander history enabling visitors, particularly students, to explore and unpack the “hidden history” of the First Australians’.

Latest Booklists

Book Review : Empowering Education

Ivor Shor carefully analyzes obstacles to and resources for empowering education, suggesting ways for teachers to transform traditional approaches into critical and democratic ones. He offers many examples and applications for the elementary grades through college and adult education.