In this case study activity, students will examine the complex issues that result from human use of ecologically sensitive areas. The students will investigate these issues from the point of view of their major/career path. This example page is part of the Starting Point collection and was adapted from the Lifelines Online case study. Users can access information about the exercise's learning goals, ... Full description.

The Coral Bleaching: Making our Oceans Whiter lesson was developed by National Geographic. This lesson plan deals with coral reefs and the recent increase in coral bleaching. The students will be learning about the ecology of reefs, the habitats they create, the algal symbiosis that ends with bleaching, and the role of human impact. The plan also outlines a role-playing debate for the students, and ... Full description.

This site contains slide shows and virtual field trips of Yellowstone National Park. There are several slide shows to chose from, including wolves of Yellowstone, bear research, fire ecology, the history of Yellowstone and the influence of art on Yellowstone Park. Each program features slides containing text and photographs. There is also an orientation slide show about the National Park system. More ... Full description.

This guide introduces educators to the classroom use of oceanographic data from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). MBARI provides near real-time, quality controlled data on surface and subsurface temperature and salinity; CO2 and O2 concentrations; and relative fluorescence, used by scientists to better understand the Monterey Bay ecosystem and draw parallels to the ocean as a whole. ... Full description.

This National Park Service (NPS) website contains details about Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. It discusses the history of the area, geology of the monument, geologic history, habitats, vegetation and wildlife present in this region. An education section includes a teacher's guide containing geologic activities for the classroom about topics such as earth history, hot spots, volcanoes ... Full description.

In this case study activity, students will investigate arctic geology and hydrology as well as tundra ecology and consider options for sewage treatment. Public safety, environmental impact, and issues of construction and engineering will be explored. This Starting Point example page builds on the Lifelines Online case study and includes learning goals, context for use, teaching notes and tips, teaching ... Full description.

This resource allows students to make use of data generated by environmental sensors that are distributed throughout Black Rock Forest. It includes interactive activities to acquaint the student with remote sensing and with the data-gathering tools. The data are used in various activities that strengthen the students' understanding of the earth system. Full description.