This exercise is designed to introduce students to the idea that human activities can alter the chemistry or gaseous composition of the atmosphere, resulting in a variety of impacts on human health and the environment. Discussion topics include indoor pollution and local (point- or non-point source) pollution. Students will perform an activity in which they use an online resource from the Environnmental ... Full description.

This lesson reinforces the idea that Earth's population, including the population of the United States, is gowing at a dramatic rate. It discusses some of the basics of demography, the study of population and its changes, and introduces key terms used to describe a population. The lesson inlcudes an activity in which students use an online reference to look up some population statistics and answer ... Full description.

Most people are aware that plants undergo photosynthesis, a process by which they convert sunlight and carbon dioxide in sugar and water. But not as many realize that plants also undergo respiration, which is the reverse of this process. In a two-part activity, students will examine the processes of respiration and photosynthesis with the aquatic plant, Elodea, by measuring how it changes the pH of ... Full description.

This lesson provides an overview of basic atomic structure and the concept of radioactive decay. Topics include the particles that make up an atom, binding forces, and the concept of isotopes. There is also discussion of decay methods and half-life versus activity. The lesson includes an activity in which students use online applets to investigate the half-life and activity of selected isotopes and ... Full description.

This lesson introduces students to the concept of ecological footprint, the overall impact of an individual on the environment. Topics include how ecological footprints are calculated, how individual footprints translate to entire nations or to the Earth, and the connection between ecological footprint and biodiversity. The students will consult some online resources on ecological footprint and use ... Full description.

This lesson provides an introduction to the use of the sun's energy. Topics include the history of solar energy usage and its more recent adaptations. There is also discussion of how the sun produces and radiates energy, what happens when it reaches Earth, types of solar systems, and the most common use of solar energy (heating). The lesson includes an activity in which students investigate the effects ... Full description.

This lesson provides an introduction to the problems associated with ground-level ozone ('smog'). It reinforces the idea that ozone at ground level is harmful while that in the upper atmosphere has a beneficial effect. There is also discussion about how ozone is formed and some of its effects on air quality and human health. Students can listen to two National Publc Radio (NPR) shows that discuss ... Full description.

This lesson introduces students to the uses of wind energy. Topics include a history of wind usage (grinding grain, pumping water, transportation), including the development of wind power in the United States and its more recent adaptations for producing electricity. There is also discussion of the physics behind the operation of a windmill and what drives the wind patterns in Earth's atmosphere. ... Full description.

This lesson introduces students to the use of flowing or falling water (hydropower) to perform work, particularly electric power generation. Topics include the history of hydropower development, the invention of turbines and electric generators, and the history of hydroelectric power development in the United States. There is also discussion of the environmental issues associated with the construction ... Full description.

This lesson provides an introduction to the world oil market and the United States' dependence on it. Topics include our current usage, sources, and the political implications of acquiring oil from an international market. There is also discussion of how petroleum is created and trapped in reservoirs, and how oil companies find it. The lesson includes an activity in which students use an online game ... Full description.