This section of the United States Census Bureau contains facts and information for younger children. There is information explaining the importance of the census, its history, how it is conducted, and how it is used. The facts section contains data about each state from the 1990 and 2000 census, including state flags, populations, ages, languages, education, and housing. The quiz section assesses ... Full description.

This activity has students apply scientific theory and hypothesis to studies being conducted in the Black Sea. They will discuss the purpose of and theory behind the Black Sea study and use maps to explain the flood theory. Students will also write hypotheses suggesting what certain pieces of evidence might reveal about the Black Sea and the flood. Next, they will read about the researchers' discoveries ... Full description.

This U.S. Geological Survey circular reviews the literature for actual and proposed reclaimed mine sites with innovative designs. There are sections on permitting and regulation, the history of resource management, regulatory considerations, landscape form and change, esthetics and ecology, and design approaches. Examples from Colorado are included to bring attention to regions soundly developing ... Full description.

This television show investigates the link between environmental change and the health of Earth as millions of people cope with the spread of pollution. The written summary and video excerpt (1 minute 17 seconds in length) from the television series "Journey to Planet Earth" discuss the "grasshopper effect", in which pollutants released thousands of miles to the south ride the winds until they reach ... Full description.

In this lesson plan students will learn how to analyze the problems surrounding nuclear waste and to make decisions concerning it. They will learn what radioactive waste is; learn the impacts that a nuclear waste depository could have on a geographical region; explore how their local community manages low-level nuclear waste (if applicable); examine the decisions that go into choosing a region for ... Full description.

This lesson plan illustrates one way that the study of geography can be applied to planning for the future. Students will research an environmental issue that affects their town or region, draw pictures assuming two possible outcomes for the problem in fifty years (one negative and one positive), and create a plan to educate the community about this issue. Full description.

This module introduces students to the impacts humans have on land use/land cover change throughout the world. It illustrates the central role of the study of land use/cover change within the larger field of global environmental and climatic change, and is thus a good unit to introduce the latter topic. The module concentrates on what forces drive land use/land cover change, but also investigates ... Full description.

Many Americans have heard of Ethiopia only in the context of drought, famine, and war. As they listen to the news stories, it is important for students to recognize that the media portrayals of Ethiopia are not always complete and that Ethiopia is, in fact, a geographically diverse country, including forests, grasslands, and the Blue Nile. This lesson will teach students about Ethiopia's different ... Full description.

This gazetteer allows users to view maps with the Tiger Map Server and obtain census data from the 2000 and 1990 Census Lookup server. Users may search for places, counties or MCDs by entering the name and state abbreviation or 5-digit zip code. When a location is found, the site provides population and latitude/longitude information for the specified area. There are links to a map of the area, as ... Full description.

This lesson will examine the conflict between development and the environment, and the attempts for a sound compromise while still helping the earth sustain the economic growth, expansion, and pressure we are exerting on its natural resources. Using estuaries as a case study, students will be encouraged to consider the interaction between environmental and economic demands, and to seek a balance that ... Full description.