the environmental education collection a review of ... · the environmental education collection...

The Environmental Education Collection — A Review of Resources for Educators Volume 3represents another in a series of documents published by the North American Associationfor Environmental Education as part of the National Project for Excellence in EnvironmentalEducation.

National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education

Bora Simmons Project DirectorMary Vymetal-Taylor Project Assistant & LayoutJohn C. Vymetal-Taylor WriterLori Mann Copy Editor

Acknowledgments

The Environmental Education Collection — A Review of Resources for Educators Volume 3 is theresult of a collaborative effort among the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education,The World Wildlife Fund, and the North American Association for Environmental Education. Thisdocument could not have been produced without the support and leadership provided by Judy Braus,Director of Environmental Education and Betty Olivolo, Senior Environmental Education Specialistof the World Wildlife Fund and Ed McCrea, Executive Director of the North American Association forEnvironmental Education.

Special thanks to the teachers, curriculum developers, educational administrators, environmentaleducation specialists, business and industry representatives, and environmental scientists who took timefrom their busy schedules to review the curriculum materials. We would also like to express ourgratitude to Lori Mann, Environmental Education Consultant and David Starnes, Training, Internationaland Affiliates Coordinator at NAAEE for hosting review sessions.

This project has been funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's EnvironmentalEducation Division.

The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of EPA nor doesmention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

Additional funding and support for this project has been received from the Environmental Educationand Training Partnership (EETAP), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, World Wildlife Fund,the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, and Northern Illinois University.

Additional copies of this book can be obtained from the NAAEE Conference, Publications, &Membership Office 410 Tarvin Road, Rock Spring, GA 30739 USAPhone: (706) 764-2926 Fax: (706) 764-2094 e-mail:[email protected] website: www.naaee.org

ISBN # 1-884-008-70-4

Copyright © 1998, 2000 by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).Commercial reproduction of any material in this publication is strictly prohibited without writtenpermission from the publisher, NAAEE. Educators may photocopy up to 100 copies of thesematerials for non-commercial educational purposes.

Printed on recycled paper.

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42 The Environmental Education Collection — A Review of Resources for Educators Volume 3

S U B J E C T S

This book contains a series of activities designed toteach students about important issues in biologicalpreservation, as well as challenges and questionsfaced by policy makers. There are six principalactivities in the collection dealing with species preser-vation, regenerative or sustainable use, the establish-ment of biosphere reserves, eco-tourism, public/private partnerships, and organiza-tional structure behind policydecisions. For each activity, back-ground information, an outline,extension questions, and handoutmasters are provided. Supportivematerials include maps, charts,text, and lists of additional re-sources. Supplementing the main activities are twoorienting activities on the concept of biodiversity anda closing activity that involves developing a localaction plan. The text of the Convention of BiologicalDiversity is included in the appendix. The packageincludes two extra sets of activity cards.

EconomicsScience

Social Studies

Developed by: Jane Boston &Stephen Commins

Stanford Program onInternational and Cross-

Cultural Education (SPICE)Institute for

International StudiesStanford UniversityEncina Hall East,

Ground FloorStanford, CA 94305-6055

phone: (800) 578-1114fax: (650) 723-6784

website: http://spice.stanford.edu

Cost: $39.95 + s&h

How Can BiodiversityBe Preserved?

"Fosters an understanding of how issues can beinvestigated and plans developed."

6-10

120 pages

1996

K e yC h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

S t r e n g t h sN o t e d

O t h e rC o n s i d e r a t i o n s

Fairness andA c c u r a c y

D e p t h

Emphasis onSkills Building

A c t i o nO r i e n t a t i o n

U s a b i l i t y

I n s t r u c t i o n a lS o u n d n e s s

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The Environmental Education Collection — A Review of Resources for Educators Volume 3 43

"I wish there was more contact with the real world—I would do some of thatat the onset, as an introduction."

"Enough of a variety of materials to make the whole worthwhile."

Encourages research andinquiry. Ensures balance byinvolving students in role-play activities.

Little mention of theopinions of native peoplecited in case studies.

Employs fact-finding, dataanalysis, and decision-making skills.

Involves cooperative groupwork and other learningmodes. Clearly states goalsand objectives.

Student materials are easy toreproduce. Binder formatallows for addition of up-dated information or addi-tional activities.

Includes both local and globalconcerns. Links concepts toreal-life situations.

Demonstrates impactindividuals can have.

Only the final activity takesstudents out of the classroom.

Student resource cardsprovide only minimalinformation.

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The activities in this book encourage children tobecome "nature detectives" and to sharpen theirobservation skills in order to locate, recognize andunderstand the animals that they encounter. Theactivities in the first chapter focus on sensory aware-ness. Subsequent chapters address specific locationswhere wildlife might be found, such as ponds, back-yards, streets, and vacant lots.Children are thus exposed tocreatures as diverse as ants,caterpillars, raccoons, foxes, andpigeons. Students are encouragedto keep observation journals,develop and test hypotheses, andare provided with field guides todirect their investigations. Activities includesearching for animal tracks, counting and identifyinganimals and plants in different locations, playingsimulation games involving animal feeding habits,and worm composting. Environmental concepts, suchas habitat and adaptation are explored in the process.Students are given the subjects, skills, concepts, andnecessary materials to attract animals. Teachers areadvised how to keep outdoor experiments safe. Eachchapter is followed by a list of recommended read-ings. In addition, the book includes a glossary, anindex, bibliography, and resource list.

Language ArtsMathematics

Physical EducationScience

Social Studies

Written by: Janet Wier Roberts& Carole Huelbig

McGraw Hill CompanyAttention Direct Marketing

P.O. Box 548Blacklick, OH 43004-0548

phone: (800) 262-4729fax: (614) 759-3644

website: www.mcgraw-hill.com

Cost: $15.95 + s&h

City Kids and CityCritters!

"The tactile learner would excel with these activitiesbecause of the great emphasis on learning and

observing with the senses."

3-6

155 pages

1996

Activities for Urban Explorers





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"The proposed activities are well thought out; they are fun and basics will be learned.What do we do with what we have learned? That is missing."

"Specific to urban kids, but could be used for other neighborhoods."

Sources of information arewell documented. Activitiesencourage students to exploreand to make their own obser-vations.

Unclear if content has beenthrough peer reviews.Diversity of children in-volved in "kid testing" notspecified. Students featuredin drawings appear to be allcaucasian.

Makes use of a number ofobservation and reasoningskills.

Weak on creative thinkingprocess.

Diverse lessons provide fordifferent learning styles.Makes connections to learn-ers' everyday lives. Manyactivities involve taking thestudents outdoors.

Illustrations and masters ofhandouts are clear and easyto use. Overall structure isvery clear. Backgroundmaterial is brief and to thepoint.

Lessons were not organizedsequentially. Some materialsmight be difficult to obtain.

Does not include learneroutcomes. Curriculum isvery teacher-driven.

N o t A p p l i c a b l e.

Very strong on buildingawareness.

No conceptual framework orconnections between thedifferent activities.

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This package includes a thirty-eight page teacher'sguide, a series of cards describing different compost-ing systems, a progress tracking sheet, and twoposters which illustrate the composting process andprovide suggestions on making composting moresuccessful. The materials explain: how compostingworks, how to design and set up different compostingsystems (e.g., mounds vs turningunits), reasons for composting,and ways to investigate and solveproblems with existing compostpiles. The guide includes severalinvestigations in which studentsmeasure their pile's temperature,draw pictures of microscopic andvisible creature which inhabit their piles, measure therate at which different items decompose and underwhat conditions, and experiment with using theircompost to help grow plants. The guide includes aglossary and lists additional sources of informationabout composting. Illustrations include diagrams andblack-and-white drawings.

Fine ArtsScience

Written by: Jean F. Bonhotal& Marianne E. Krasny

Media ServicesDistribution Center

7 Cornell Business &Technology Park

Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York, 14850

phone: (607) 255-2080fax: (607) 255-9946

e-mail: [email protected]

Cost: $8.50 + s&h

Composting: Waste toResources

"Provides great facts and accurate directionsfor building bins."

4-8

38+ pages

1994





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"Discusses the issue of waste reduction, but there could be more of an emphasisso that students feel a personal responsibility."

"Would do well in an activity center or special project area."

Very open to inquiry. Some supportive data maybe outdated. Does notpresent a balanced explana-tion of different viewpoints.

Many activities involveteamwork. Facilitates criticalthinking. Strong on actionskills.

Does little to connect skillsto issues. Focus is on finalproduct.

Encourages teaching insideand outside the classroom.Many activities are learner-centered and encouragestudent involvement.

Activities are clear, logicaland easy to follow. Materialsare easily reproducible.

Lessons are not particularlyinterdisciplinary. Doesrelatively little to connectcomposting to learners'everyday lives.


Focuses on concepts. Gives little attention todifferent geographic scales.

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S U B J E C T S

Connections is a guidebook to help students learn totake care of the environment. Individual chaptersaddress habitat destruction, population growth,pollution, and other environmental concepts andissues. Students are routinely encouraged to providetheir own artwork to blank spaces in the text. Eachchapter contains background information and pro-vides examples of "Eco-Warriors",students who have taken on envi-ronmental project or challenges. Anumber of "Eco Assignments" areprovided, where students and theirfamilies work together to measuretheir household use of resources.An Eco Guide at the back of thestudent book provides additional suggestions foraction projects. Included are a lengthy resource listand a bibliography. The teacher's manual providesadditional background information, calendars, pre-and post-tests with answers, data sheets, and mastersof handouts. It also contains investigations and dem-onstrations, each listing a learner outcome, duration,and discussion or journaling suggestions. Fine Arts

Language ArtsScience

Written by: John Poore, AlexisAdams & Deanne Roquet

Eco Education275 East Fourth Street

Suite 821Saint Paul, MN 55101

phone: (651) 222-7691fax: (651) 222-3425

e-mail: [email protected]: www.blacktop.com/

ecoeducation

Cost: $39.95 + s&h TeachersManual & one Guide Book

$2.50 + s&h for each additionalGuide Book

Connections:Guide to a Healthy

Environment

"Very few materials so clearly delineate the use ofkinesthetic activities—this is a godsend for those

looking to integrate movement into the curriculum."

5-8

195 pages

1994





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"Most activities could be done without the student workbook."

"Great sense of humor throughout the curriculum - keeps a 'heavy' topic 'light'."

Open to inquiry. Factual information is rarelyreferenced. Opposingviewpoints generally notincluded.

Develops communication andhigher-level thinking skills.

Does not encourage studentsto arrive at their own conclu-sions.

Activities build on previousknowledge. Provides for avaried learning environment.Very interdisciplinary andlearner-centered.

Adaptable to any location inthe U.S. Background infor-mation is thorough andhelpful. Lessons are well-written and easy to use.

Learner outcomes are verygeneral.

Numerous activities buildawareness. Chapters buildon individual concepts.Addresses regional, local,and global scales.

Does not identify grade levelor target audience.

Teachers self-efficacy andpersonal responsibility. Veryaction oriented.

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S U B J E C T S

This book familiarizes students with the scientificmethod by having them practice the formulation ofquestions and hypotheses, developing methods,collecting data and reviewing results. The subjectsfor their inquiries are a variety of creatures, includingspiders, worms, ant lions, slime mold, tadpoles, andmantises. The questions researched can be as simpleas "Do crickets prefer houses withone door or two doors?" or "Doworms prefer damp or dry condi-tions?" More complicated researchquestions include the effect oftemperature on the developmentof fruit flies. Hypotheses aresuggested, along with ways totest them. The author provides blank charts, tables,and other data gathering devices to enable studentsto research these questions and to record their find-ings. The text provides an overview of the scientificmethod and background information on all of thecreatures studied, including materials lists and infor-mation on how to obtain and keep critters for class-room use. Appendices include lists of supply compa-nies, a bibliography, and an index. Illustrationsconsist of photographs, drawings and diagrams.

Science

Written by: Sally StenhouseKneidel

Fulcrum Publishers16100 Table Mountain Parkway

Golden, Colorado 80403

phone: (800) 992-2908fax: (800) 726-7112

e-mail:[email protected]

website:[email protected]

Cost: $18.95 + s&h

Creepy Crawlies &the Scientific Method

"Some of the richest learning environments I have seenare in classrooms using the activities in this text."

K-6

224 pages

revised in 2000

Over 100 Hands-On ScienceExperiments for Children





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"Would love to see a workshop accompany this. Not many teachers would feel comfortablebringing creatures into their classroom that they would more than likely kill in their home."

"Kids love bugs, and these experiments would really interest young children."

Focuses on acquiring infor-mation. Open to inquiry.Photographs show a diversestudent body.

Sources of specific pieces ofinformation are not cited.

Critical thinking is stronglydeveloped: hypothesizing,observing, identifying,analyzing data, etc.

Experiments are learner-centered.

Illustrations are clear, con-cise, and easy to follow.Material is long-lived.

Contains no glossary orteacher support. Vocabularymay not be age-appropriate.

Book lacks goals and objec-tives. Little attention givento ethics of keeping animalsin classroom or using themfor experiments.


Includes chapter on connec-tions between the experi-ments. Experiments appropri-ate to developmental level ofchildren.

Does little to reflect connec-tions of the animals to theirenvironment.

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S U B J E C T S

Using a combination of laboratory experiments,classroom discussion, scavenger hunts, reading, mapdrawings, and other activities, this book introducesstudents to some of the issues surrounding solid wasteand some of the possible solutions. The book beginsby exploring a number of natural cycles (e.g., watercycle and carbon cycle) and goes on to discuss whathappens when those cycles areinterrupted or disturbed. Attentionfocuses on factors necessary fordecomposition, problems associ-ated with the disposal of plastics,and possibilities of using biode-gradable polymers for differentproducts. Basic suggestions aregiven for developing a home compost pile. Activitiescome with a materials list and suggestions for pro-cessing the activity. Illustrations include drawings,charts, and maps. Appendices include a list of differ-ent polymer labels for recycling and tips for writingletters to politicians.Language Arts

ScienceSocial Studies

Written by: Robert L. Horton,Joe E. Heimlich, &James R. Hollyer

National 4-H Supply Service7100 Connecticut AvenueChevy Chase, MD 20815

phone: (301) 961-2934fax: (301) 961-2937

website: www.fourhcouncil.edu

Cost: $5.00 + s&h

Cycling Backto Nature:

with Biodegradable PolymersCurrently Out of Print

"Activities allow students to explore various aspectsof natural and manufactured materials."

10 & up

68 pages

1996





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"The whole piece is fragmented; it doesn't feel like it's all there."

"The outer packaging (water soluble and biodegradable) is great!"

Material was reviewed by avariety of experts. Some ofthe information presented isclearly referenced.

Only presents single view-point on recycling. Promotesuse of biodegradable poly-mers.

Encourages learners to collectand draw conclusions fromdata.

Does not emphasize criticalthinking or action skills.

Includes both classroom andfield-based activities.

Materials are well laid outand easy to use.

Activities do not alwaysmeet stated objectives.

Includes a conceptual frame-work and ideas are presentedlogically. Focus is on ex-plaining facts and issues incontext.

Contains insufficient safetyinstructions (e.g., for the useof knives).

Encourages learners to takepersonal responsibility.

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This CD-ROM program offers students an opportunityto learn about wetlands and their ecology. Althoughlargely based on Cloud Lake in Ontario, Canada, theprogram is designed to be used in conjunction withlocal wetland field trips as well. The software consistsof five principal screens. Study of a Bog providesinformation on succession and adaptations in bogs, aswell as a description of wetlandfood webs. Field Trip to the Bog isa virtual visit to Cloud Lake. Itcontains photographs of numeroussites and allows students to retrieveadditional information on species offlora or fauna they encounter.Wetland Types provides informa-tion on the different types of wetlands and includes anon-line quiz. Mechanics of a Wetland provides infor-mation on nutrient cycles and explains how wetlandsprevent erosion. Our Endangered Wetlands providesinformation on the dangers facing wetland habitats andsome of the consequences of wetland destruction.Some of the screens include brief movies with audionarration. The accompanying binder provides bothteacher and students editions of a workbook, whichincludes a field guide, questions, quizzes, charts fordocumenting observations, and suggestions on usingthe software program.


Digital Frog, InternationalTrillium Place

RR#2, 7377 Culfass RoadPuslinch, OntarioN0B 2J0, Canada

phone: (519) 766-1097fax: (519) 767-9994

e-mail: [email protected]: www.digitalfrog.com

Cost: Home Version $45.00Educational (includes student/teacher workbooks) $99.00 +

s&hLab Pack (5 Users) $249.00 +

s&h

The Digital Field Tripto the Wetlands

"Materials could easily be integrated into establishedcurriculum and are useful for a wide variety of grades."

8-12

CD-ROM &Book

1996





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"This is an example of a really good outline misused as software."

"A great resource, particularly if used in conjunction with field trips to wetlands."

Information is accurate.Students are encouraged todevelop own ideas andconclusions.

Does not cite sources ofinformation. Does notpresent all perspectives (e.g.,agriculture). Some statisticswill require updating.

Relies heavily on observationand classification skills.

Weak on analytic andcreative thinking skills.

Lists learning objectives.Provides resources for furtherresearch.

Presentation of materials isclear and inviting.

Provides limited connectionsto learners' everyday lives.Format is rigid, "cookbook"style.


Concepts are clear. Some topics are given onlysuperficial treatment.

Graphics are of poor quality.

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S U B J E C T S

This kit provides information and resources for thoseinterested in developing an Arbor Day celebrationbuilt upon the concept of stewardship. The firstsection of the guide provides lessons and activitiesdealing with food chains, the importance of trees,personal beliefs and values, and paper consumption.Lesson plans include community tree surveys, papermaking, collages and billboards,and service projects. Instructionsare provided for planting trees,choosing proper trees for planting,and identifying planting sites. Theguide's second section containsideas for developing an Arbor Daycelebration. It contains suggestionsfor organizers, such as sample schedules and informa-tion about fund-raising, as well as songs, plays andpoems about trees. Some of the text comes in bothEnglish and Spanish versions. An audiotape containsa reading of Giono's The Man Who Planted Trees andfictional interview with Herodotus, TheodoreRoosevelt, and the founder of Arbor Day. The kit alsoincludes sample proclamations, brochures, and twocolor posters.

Fine ArtsLanguage Arts


The National Arbor DayFoundation

Member Services100 Arbor Avenue

Nebraska City, NE 68410

phone: (402) 474-5655fax: (420) 474-0820

website: www.arborday.org

Cost: $16.45 + s&h

Earth Day toArbor Day:An Opportunity for

StewardshipCurrently Out of Print

"A very nice way to introduce students to making acommitment to stewardship."

5-6

74 pages &audiotape

1996





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"More helpful for a non-formal educator, since it has good basic ideas but notsound educational structure."

"Very useful in terms of planning an Arbor Day celebration."

Information is accurate.Many activities reflectopenness to inquiry.

Biased against treelessecosystems (e.g., prairie,desert).

Applies skills to issues.Emphasizes citizenship skills.Makes use of math and datacollecting skills as well ascreative expression.

Utilizes different ways oflearning. Incorporates activi-ties from different subjectareas.

Information is long-lived.Materials are easy to use andare adaptable.

Does not provide goals andobjectives. Does not specifygrade level.

Explains interdependence.Encourages students to buildawareness of their ownneighborhood.

Weak on critical thinkingskills.

Encourages student actionand cooperation with otherindividuals/organizations.Teaches personal responsibil-ity.

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E a r t h ' sE n d a n g e r e dEnvironments:

Picture Show

4-9

CD-ROM

1994


National Geographic SocietyEducational Services

P.O. Box 10597Des Moines, IA 50340

phone: (800) 368-2728fax: (515) 362-3366

TDD: (800) 548-9797

Cost:Individual $35.95 + s&h (#81181)

Lab Pack (5 users)$137.95 + s&h (#82028)

Two movies are on this CD-ROM, one dealing withrainforest and the other with wetlands. Specifichabitats described include both temperate and tropi-cal rainforests, swamps, bottomlands, peat bogs,arctic tundra, marshes and prairie potholes. Theimportance of the different ecosystems is dis-cussed, along with some of the issues facing theirsurvival. Efforts to preserve theecosystems are described. Themovies are presented with orwithout captions, and as scriptsof the movie. Spanish versionsappear on the same CD. Onescreen provides suggestions forclassroom activities, including twoactivity sheets for each movie. Both images andtext can be printed or downloaded for reports. Thestudent section includes a glossary, backgroundinformation, and list of key points for each film.Technical assistance is available through a toll-freenumber.

This is a concise, basic introduction to two ecosystems. The graphics and visualpresentation are of high quality. The information on wetlands and rainforests isaccurate, and the program covers concepts well. It is formatted like a televisionprogram, with little interaction and much passive viewing. The activities providedare simplistic. The program is easy to use, although some reviewers reportedtrouble printing information. Individual action and responsibility are notaddressed.

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S U B J E C T S

The thirty-four activities in this collection areorganized into thirteen chapters, each focused ona different environmental topic or issue. The topicsaddressed include population dynamics, hunger,deforestation, poverty, the status of women, naturalresources, and wildlife endangerment. Each chapterbegins with 3-4 pages of reference backgroundreading for students, which lay outthe main themes of the exercises.The activities themselves rangefrom chart and graph-readingexercises to board games, debates,and basic science experiments. Theteacher's guide, at the front of thebook, provides a table of activitiesarranged by subject matter, summaries of theactivities with skills listed, and a chart matching theactivities to national standards for various subjectareas. The final section of the book includes recom-mended resources and information on accessing otherpublications by Zero Population Growth.

EconomicsHealth



Edited by: Pamela Wasserman

Zero Population Growth1400 16th Street, N.W.,

Suite 320Washington, D.C. 20036

phone: (202) 322-2200fax: (202) 322-2302

website:www.populationconnection.org

Cost: $23.00 + s&h

Earth Matters

"Provides extensive information on how humansare impacting global ecosystems."

9-12

210 pages

1998

Studies for Our Global Future2nd Edition





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"Other than one expert reviewer, none appeared to be representing groupswith alternative positions."

"A lot of thought and testing appears to have gone into putting together this resource."

Student readings are well-referenced. Reviewed bymany experts and educators.

Tends to present a specificpoint of view.

Includes opportunities forcollecting and organizinginformation, drawing conclu-sions, and addressing issues.

Few opportunities forstudents to develop hypoth-eses. Little emphasis ondeveloping action skills.

Clearly states goals, objec-tives, methods and materials.Resource addresses a varietyof learning styles.

Includes resources for furtherresearch. Material can beeasily photocopied. Activitieslinked to selected nationalstandards.

Lacks assessment andevaluation methods.

Provides opportunities toincrease awareness. Conceptsare presented within bothsocial science and naturalscience frameworks.

Focuses more on global thanregional or local scales. Noclear conceptual framework.

Encourages students to lookat issues in their own commu-nities and to reflect on theirown choices.

IN A NUTSHELL

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E a r t h ' sE n d a n g e r e dEnvironments:

Picture Show

4-9

CD-ROM

1994


National Geographic SocietyEducational Services

P.O. Box 10597Des Moines, IA 50340

phone: (800) 368-2728fax: (515) 362-3366

TDD: (800) 548-9797

Cost:Individual $35.95 + s&h (#81181)

Lab Pack (5 users)$137.95 + s&h (#82028)

Two movies are on this CD-ROM, one dealing withrainforest and the other with wetlands. Specifichabitats described include both temperate and tropi-cal rainforests, swamps, bottomlands, peat bogs,arctic tundra, marshes and prairie potholes. Theimportance of the different ecosystems is dis-cussed, along with some of the issues facing theirsurvival. Efforts to preserve theecosystems are described. Themovies are presented with orwithout captions, and as scriptsof the movie. Spanish versionsappear on the same CD. Onescreen provides suggestions forclassroom activities, including twoactivity sheets for each movie. Both images andtext can be printed or downloaded for reports. Thestudent section includes a glossary, backgroundinformation, and list of key points for each film.Technical assistance is available through a toll-freenumber.

This is a concise, basic introduction to two ecosystems. The graphics and visualpresentation are of high quality. The information on wetlands and rainforests isaccurate, and the program covers concepts well. It is formatted like a televisionprogram, with little interaction and much passive viewing. The activities providedare simplistic. The program is easy to use, although some reviewers reportedtrouble printing information. Individual action and responsibility are notaddressed.

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Eco-Adventuresin the Rainforest

3 & up

1 CD-ROM

1994

Science

Information was largely accurate, although limited and date-sensitive. Theprogram showed animals from different parts of the world in the same rainforest.Activities are learner-centered to a degree and involve the students in map reading,strategizing, and comprehending scientific information. The program is easy touse and follow. The different scenarios offer interesting information on rainforestissues, but did little to encourage original thought or point out alternatives.Reviewers differed on whether children would find it interesting or inviting.

Chariot Software Group3659 India Street

San Diego, CA 92103

phone: (800) 242-7468fax: (619) 491-0021

website: www.chariot.com

Cost:Individual $59.95 + s&h

Lab Pack (5 users) $94.95 + s&h

Site Licence $159.00

This software consists of a number of simulatedexpeditions, in which the player journeys through therainforest in search of one of several creatures. Withthe help of a mysterious guide, players travel throughthick forests, across rivers, and over areas that havebeen burned for cattle pasture. The camera allows theplayer to photograph interesting sights along the way.Throughout the expeditions,students encounter natives, otherresearchers, and rangers, and mustnavigate away from poachers,snares, falling trees, and dangerousanimals. After completing eachexpedition a team of reporters askthe player a number of questionsabout rainforest flora and fauna. The resource guideexplains how to play the game and provides a glossaryof animal and plant names, a bibliography of bookson rainforest wildlife, maps of the world showing thelocations of rainforests, and answers to selectedquestions about the game. A poster showing black-and-white drawings of the animals is also included.

B O T T O M

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S U B J E C T S

The activities in this book are divided into fourchapters, one representing each season of the year.Each chapter then has four sections. The first offerssuggestions for making the classroom environmen-tally friendly, such as by using non-toxic or reusablesupplies. The second provides seasonal recommenda-tions for the development of an indoor garden. Thethird is a collection of ideas forseasonal craft projects. The authorcalls the fourth section "supplyingthe missing links"; these activitiesare designed to help studentsrecognize and appreciate theconnections between everydayobjects and their natural origins.Among the activities are rolling candles from sheetsof beeswax and creating desserts from berries thestudents have picked. The text includes lists of mail-order supply companies, background reading forteachers, environmental education organizations, andan index. Fine Arts

Health

Written by: Carol Petrash

Gryphon House Inc.P.O. Box 207

Beltsville, MD 20704-0207

phone: (800) 638-0928 (301) 595-9500fax: (301) 595-0051

website: www.ghbooks.com

Cost: $19.95 + s&h

Earthways:Simple Environmental

Activities for Young Children

"An atypical resource with a focus on using thingsfrom nature and recycled materials to develop an

awareness of our earth's ways."

PreK-2

206 pages

1992





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"The author wants us to watch what we consume, but the activities consumethings from nature, rather than the store."

"Although it lacks science-based content, this book provides clear directionsfor fun nature crafts."

Provides numerous refer-ences.

Strong on action skills and onencouraging creativity.

Does not develop criticalthinking skills.

Time and age group specifiedfor each activity. Allows forlearning outside the class-room.

Activities are long-livedand sequentially organized.Uniform structure isemployed throughout.

Does not state goals orobjectives. Often calls forchildren to use potentiallydangerous objects (needles,candles, etc.).

Sequencing of activities helpsmake connections clear.

Some of the materials arenot easily obtained.

Involves children in recy-cling, composting, and theuse of environmentally-friendly materials.

Does not really address thestudent's role in nature.

Concepts were given scantattention.

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Eco-Adventuresin the Rainforest

3 & up

1 CD-ROM

1994

Science

Information was largely accurate, although limited and date-sensitive. Theprogram showed animals from different parts of the world in the same rainforest.Activities are learner-centered to a degree and involve the students in map reading,strategizing, and comprehending scientific information. The program is easy touse and follow. The different scenarios offer interesting information on rainforestissues, but did little to encourage original thought or point out alternatives.Reviewers differed on whether children would find it interesting or inviting.

Chariot Software Group3659 India Street

San Diego, CA 92103

phone: (800) 242-7468fax: (619) 491-0021

website: www.chariot.com

Cost:Individual $59.95 + s&h

Lab Pack (5 users) $94.95 + s&h

Site Licence $159.00

This software consists of a number of simulatedexpeditions, in which the player journeys through therainforest in search of one of several creatures. Withthe help of a mysterious guide, players travel throughthick forests, across rivers, and over areas that havebeen burned for cattle pasture. The camera allows theplayer to photograph interesting sights along the way.Throughout the expeditions,students encounter natives, otherresearchers, and rangers, and mustnavigate away from poachers,snares, falling trees, and dangerousanimals. After completing eachexpedition a team of reporters askthe player a number of questionsabout rainforest flora and fauna. The resource guideexplains how to play the game and provides a glossaryof animal and plant names, a bibliography of bookson rainforest wildlife, maps of the world showing thelocations of rainforests, and answers to selectedquestions about the game. A poster showing black-and-white drawings of the animals is also included.

B O T T O M

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S U B J E C T S

This curriculum involves students in experimentsand research that will provide an understanding ofecological processes and how they affect a specificsite in their local environment. The text is dividedinto three modules, each of which addresses a par-ticular concept area: food webs, nutrient cycling, anddecomposition. During the course of this program,students become familiar withcomposting, seed growth, develop-ment of environmental impactstatements, and evaluating theexperience and training of scien-tists. Each module gives studentsopportunities to generate theories,conduct research, and evaluate andprocess data. Individual lesson plans alert teachersto desired outcomes, needed materials, importantvocabulary, preparation instruction, safety concerns,and ongoing means of assessment. Teachers areprovided with narratives for introducing and describ-ing the topics and activities, as well as suggestionsfor extensions. The text includes student worksheets,game cards, and illustrations.

Science

Written by: Kathleen Hogan

Kendall-Hunt PublishingCompany

4050 Westmark DriveDubuque, IA 52002-1804

phone: (800) 228-0810fax: (800) 772-9165

e-mail: [email protected]: www.kendallhunt.com

Cost: $44.95 + s&h

Eco-InquiryA Guide to Ecological Learning

Experiences for the UpperElementary/Middle Grades

"I like the development of making science andscientists seem real and interesting."

5-8

392 pages

1994





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"Allows for different perspectives to be introduced and explored.""This text would best be used in situations where the teacher has one to two months or

more to devote to these topics.."

Illustrations show diversity.Information is current.Materials focus on inquiry.

Develops lab, creative prob-lem solving, and observationskills. Students develop theirown experiments. Uses groupskills.

Involves parents in learningprocess. Inquiry is learner-centered. Encourages manyforms of assessment.

Materials are long-lived,adaptable, and have a clearand helpful format.

Materials could be moreinterdisciplinary.

Allows for investigationsover several weeks. Conceptsare taught in context.

Encourages sense of personalresponsibility.

Material is locally focusedand may lack regional andglobal relevance.

Lists reviewers, but not theiraffiliations.

B O T T O M

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S U B J E C T S

This book begins with a systematic introduction tothe scientific method and science process skills. Itgoes on to provide suggestions on teaching andapplying other learning skills relevant to the studyof environmental issues, such as defining and identi-fying issues, determining who is affected by them,and providing a structure to use in analyzing differentpeople's perspectives. Later chap-ters provide suggestions on struc-turing investigations into specificenvironmental issues, such as solidwater management, air and waterquality, and land use. For eachissue, individual questions areposed along with ideas for engag-ing students in an experiential understanding of theissue. Activities include measuring the amount ofrecyclable material in garbage, listing householdtoxins, conducting experiments with gasses or soiltypes, and using pop bottles to simulate the green-house effect. Each activity includes suggestions forpreparing the class for the activity, a list of neededmaterials, a description of the procedure, and sugges-tions for extensions and closure. The text providesmasters of handouts, a glossary, bibliography, andassessment forms, and is illustrated with drawingsand charts. This book is also available in Spanish.

Fine ArtsHealth


Social Studies

Written by: Pauline Chandler

Teacher CreatedMaterials Inc.

6421 Industry WayWestminster, CA 92683

phone: (800) 662-4321(714) 891-7895

fax: (714) 892-0283website:

www.teachercreated.com

Cost: $11.99 + s&h

Hands-On Minds-On Science

EnvironmentalIssues

"Individually, these are excellent activities andmaterials integrating life skill development and issues."

3-5

96 pages

1994





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"The author tries to cover way too much, thus undermining the very skillbuilding they seek."

"Good, clear science investigations."

Expresses different view-points and encourages in-quiry. Sources of informationare referenced.

Includes some directivestatements. Some fact sheetsare time-sensitive and willrequire updating. Someperspectives are understated.

Utilizes critical thinkingskills. Each issue incorporatesa personal action component.

Information is made relevantto students. Uses a variety ofactivities and learning styles.Includes assessment tools.

Materials are easily repro-ducible. Activities are orga-nized in a consistent manner.

Establishes a broad awarenessof environmental issues.Builds knowledge and under-standing through experiences.

Provides opportunities forstudents to think aboutpersonal and communityactions. Develops sense ofpersonal responsibility.

Provides little backgroundinformation.

Lessons are very teacher-driven. Targeted age groupis not clear. Objectives arenot stated.

B O T T O M

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Environmental ACTION (Analyze, Consider Option,Take Action In Our Neighborhood) is a series of sixmodules, each addressing a different environmentalissue. The issues covered include energy conserva-tion, food choices, biodiversity, chemicals, resourcemanagement, waste reduction, and water use. Themodules can be used independently, consecutively,or in any combination. Eachmodule contains a teacher guideand a student guide. Each is com-posed of several one-hour lessonswhich students can perform ontheir own or in small groups.Lessons include suggestions forfollow-up that students can do athome. Modules conclude with students developingan action proposal. Masters of student worksheets,discussion questions, and wrap-up ideas are providedin the student editions. Student guides also includebackground information and a glossary. Teacherguides provide additional suggestions for facilitatingthe lessons, itemized concepts and objectives, specialvocabulary, student responses to discussion ques-tions, and masters of quizzes with answers.

EconomicsHealth


Social Studies

Developed by: E2: Environment& Education

Dale Seymour PublicationsP.O. Box 5026

White Plains, NY 10602

phone: (800) 872-1100fax: (914) 328-5487

website:www.pearsonlearning.com

Cost: $13.95 + s&heach teacher's guide

$5.95 + s&h each student guide

For Workshop Information Contact:E2: Environment & Education

P.O. Box 20515Boulder, CO 80308-3515phone: (303) 442-3339

fax: (303) 442-6633website: www.enviroaction.org

E n v i r o n m e n t a lA C T I O N !

"The strength of this material is its actionorientation. Action steps are clear and explain

concepts in community/school context."

8-12

varies per book

1998





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"May be too young-looking for secondary students."

"Modular format allows for a wide variety of customizing options."

Reviewed by educators andcontent specialists. Graphicsrepresent a variety of cul-tures. Very open in inquiry.

Encourages critical andcreative thinking. Buildsinvestigative and actionskills.

Makes clear connections tolearners' lives. Highly learner-centered.

Both student and teacherguides are clear. Supportmaterial and workshops areavailable.

Addresses concepts incontext.

Cost of entire set may beprohibitive.

Presents idea that individualactions make a difference.Strong on action component.

Provides minimal backgroundinformation.

Extent of balance is question-able in some modules. Factswill need updating.

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The lessons in this guide are designed to provideelementary school students with an introduction toair, air quality issues, and pollution control andprevention. Topics include effects of air pollutionon human health, ways to detect radon and carbonmonoxide, acid precipitation, smog, wind scales,global warming, and the dispersion of air pollutants.Individual lessons last from one tofour class periods and consist ofseveral related activities; manyhave different versions for specificgrades. Activities include scientificexperiments, discussion, drama,making nontoxic cleaners, creatingmobiles, puzzles, and reading. Theguide list topics, time requirements, subjects, objec-tives, required materials, follow-up and extensionactivities. Resource lists are also provided for eachlesson. The curriculum contains a glossary, fifteenpages of fact sheets, masters for worksheets andhandouts, and diagrams to illustrate experiments.Parallel modules are available for grades K-2 and 6-8.

Fine ArtsHealth



Written by: Air & WasteManagement Association

Air & Waste Management Assoc.Publications Order Department

P.O. Box 1020Sewickley, PA 15143-1020

phone: (800) 275-5851 (412) 741-1288fax: (412) 741-0609

website: www.awma.org

Cost: $33.50 + s&h for Air & WasteManagement Association Members

$44.50 + s&h for non-members

Environmental ResourceGuide:

Air Quality - Grades 3-5

"I liked the coverage of indoor air quality. It isin-depth and covered familiar sources that students

can do something about."

3-5

250 pages

1996





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"The connection between level of consumption and the level of air pollutionwas not adequately made."

"There is a wide range of lessons, from extremely simple to extremely challenging."

Information appears to beaccurate.

Uses some critical andcreative thinking skills.Applies skills to specificissues.

Connects information tolearners' everyday lives.Builds upon prior knowledge.Contains some outdooractivities.

Instructions are clear andcomplete. Lessons areadaptable. Most equipmentis inexpensive and easilyobtained.

Safety instructions are notalways made clear to stu-dents. Some informationmay be too advanced for3rd-5th graders.

Clusters activities aroundconcepts. Addresses historicalcontext.

Identifies action steps totake at home.

Little linkage to social oreconomic issues.

Weak in terms of showingconsequences of poor airquality, except in regards tohumans.

B O T T O M

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S U B J E C T S

This three-part manual contains twenty-one lessonplans. The first section deals with air quality andincludes activities that teach about air pressure,temperature inversion, the role of plants in producingoxygen, and the use of scrubbers to prevent air pollu-tion. Section two is concerned with waste manage-ment and recycling, and includes projects that involvereusing materials and increaseawareness of waste. The thirdsection addresses water quality andincludes making models of aqui-fers, experiments with water andoils, and exploring sources ofwater pollution. Each activity listsa purpose, appropriate grade,objective, background information, materials re-quired, and the source from which the activity wastaken. Several activities also include discussion ideas,suggestions for enrichment, or assessment tools.


Texas Natural ResourceConservation Commission

MC 195P.O. Box 13087

Austin, TX 78711-3087

Publication GI-207

phone: (512) 239-0028fax: (512) 239-4488

website: www.tnrcc.state.tx.us

Cost: No charge for first copy.Additional copies $3.25

Environmental TeachingGuide:

21 Ways to Bring theEnvironment into the

ClassroomCurrently Out of Print

"A great resource for primary education."

K-6

62 pages

1996





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"'Not very balanced, but intended for open-ended activities."

"Highly usable laboratory activities."

Skills are tied to issues.Builds analytic and criticalthinking skills.

Makes connections to learn-ers' everyday lives. Activitiesare interdisciplinary andlearner-centered. Uses coop-erative learning groups.

Text is clear and easy to use.Materials required are afford-able and simple.

Goals are identified bynumber but not spelled out.All learning takes place inthe classroom.

Thematic in approach. Buildsawareness of pollution andhow people respond topollutants. Builds on whatstudents already know.

Encourages students toidentify alternatives to theircurrent consumer behavior.

Some activities do notpromote multiple view-points.

Cites sources. Open toinquiry.

B O T T O M

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S U B J E C T S

This student textbook explores some of the environ-mental concerns associated with water and air. Thetext begins by discussing the chemical compositionof water, and goes on to describe how water travelsthrough air and soil, sources of freshwater, howmuch water is used and treated, and how the learneris affected by water quality and availability. Thesecond half of the book discussesthe chemical properties of air, airpollution, acid precipitation, andclimate change. The text is inter-spersed with laboratory and fieldactivities, review and discussionquestions, and a series of chal-lenges entitled "You Solve it." Thetext includes a glossary, an index, and a resourcedirectory. Illustrations consist of photographs, draw-ings, and charts. Important vocabulary words appearin bold type.


Written by: Lee Hunter,Richard Goodman, MaryJoDiem, Steve Middleton &

Carrie Casey

Globe Fearon CustomerService Center

4350 Equity DriveP.O. Box 2649

Columbus, OH 43216-2649

phone: (800) 848-9500fax: (800) 260-2530

website: www.globefearon.com

Cost: $12.95/12.50 teacherresource + s&h

E n v i r o n m e n t a lScience:Water & Air

"The information and activities provide a teacher with asupplement for a broad-based unit on water and air."

6 & up

92 pages

1995





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"'You solve It' sections add a lot. Nice lab activities."

"Seems to be more issue than concept driven. More of a socialstudies than a science book."

Provides laboratory, fieldstudies, and case studies forapplication of skills.

Opportunities to learn througha variety of sources andactivities.

Logical, easy to followsequence.

Largely teacher driven.

Addresses and identifiesconcepts. Provides studentswith context for information.

Provides age-appropriatesuggestions for action.

Some information isambiguously phrased andcould lead students toinaccurate conclusions. Failsto site some data sources.

Assumes that some coursesof action are preferable orare a goal for the students.

Weak on creative thinkingskills.





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"Seems to reflect the current state of scientific debate of global climate change.""Gives students/teachers a choice of how much to get into this through the

extension section of each activity."

Clearly cites sources ofinformation. Text is opento inquiry and provides abalanced presentation ofdiffering views.

Focuses almost exclusivelyon Great Lakes states. Somedata will need updating.Provides little informationon use of Great Lakes bydifferent cultures.

Employs cost/benefit analy-sis, problem solving, labora-tory skills. Students applyscientific and analytic skillsto issues.

Uses expanded learningenvironment. Lessons areinterdisciplinary and makeuse of different learningstyles. Material is maderelevant to learners' lives.

Activity abstracts are helpful.Correlated with nationalscience standards and bench-marks for scientific literacy.

Weak on self-efficacy. Doesnot really focus on action.

Discusses local and globalaspects of issues. Fostersawareness. Makes correla-tions between natural andbuilt environments.

Students reflect on theirvalues regarding specificpolicies and legislation.

Layout is rather confusing atfirst.

B O T T O M

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S U B J E C T S

Developed by the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration, this collection of materials bringstogether scientific journal articles, sections fromactivity guides, and lessons from other educationalmaterials to comprise a teaching unit on the scientificdiscussion of global temperature change. Chaptersaddress natural climate changes, the greenhouseeffect, the rise in sea levels, ozonedepletion, and how the globalecosystem is responding to thesestressors. Social effects and con-siderations are also addressed. Afinal chapter looks at decision-making around these scientificallyuncertain issues. Most informationis given in text form although some activities andexperiments are included. Also available is a set of48 full color transparency masters and a videotapeshowing several scientists discussing and explainingclimate change issues. The material is illustrated withphotographs, drawings, charts, maps, and tables. Abibliography of related materials is also provided.Many of the chapters come from United Nations andU.S. Government publications, and are available indifferent languages.

MathematicsScience

Social Studies

Edited by: Lynn L. Mortensen

Office of Global ProgramsNational Oceanic and

Atmospheric AdministrationAttn: Direct Marketing1100 Wayne Avenue,

Suite 1225Silver Spring, MD 20910

phone: (301) 427-2089 ext. 28fax: (301) 427-2222


Cost: No charge(while supplies last)

Global ChangeEducation

Resource Guide

"As it is, this is a resource guide. It provides a greatdeal of information that could add to an educator's

information base."

K-12

402 pages

1994





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"Any teacher would be glad to have this as a reference in the classroom."

"An incredible package covering scientific and social issues."

Presents global and nationalpositions. Include manyprimary sources. Materialsare referenced and peer-reviewed.

Includes many opportunitiesfor practicing scientificinquiry and evaluation skills.

Provides a variety of formats.Some lessons connect subjectmatter to students' lives.

Provides helpful backgroundinformation.

Some sections may be toocomplicated even for highschool students.

Provides much informationbut few lesson plans forteachers. Not designed forlearner-centered instruction.Contains few hands-onactivities.


Gives attention to scale,awareness, and concepts.

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A Guide to GroundwaterGuardian:

1998 Program Year

adult

65 pages

1998


Written by: GroundwaterGuardian Management Team

The Groundwater FoundationP.O. Box 22558

Lincoln, NE 68524-2558

phone: (800) 858-4844(402) 434-2740

fax: (402) 434-2742e-mail: [email protected]

Cost: No charge

The Groundwater Guardian is a program designedto raise awareness of groundwater issues and assistcommunities in forming plans to protect groundwater.This community guide introduces the program andprovides concrete and specific instructions to thosewishing to participate. Planning is geared towards fivetypes of results-oriented projects: public awareness,conservation, pollution prevention,public policy, and best manage-ment practices. Projects vary inlength from one to several years.Chapters address the nature of theprogram, how to plan for projects,how to implement action plans, andhow to apply for designation as aGroundwater Guardian community. Parallel chaptersaddress the development of Groundwater GuardianAffiliates, which are entities that promote ground-water awareness and assist communities in theirefforts. Appendices include application and planningforms, a glossary of groundwater terms, and examplesof the five different types of activities.

This material is more of a how-to guide than an educational curriculum. Theaction component is very strong, and assumes that those using the materialsshare the organization’s views and concerns about groundwater. The instructionsprovide an overview and suggest sources for further information, but do not gointo much detail by themselves. The material focuses on grassroots organizingand the importance of involving a diverse cross-section of the local community.

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North AmericanEcosystems

6-10

1 CD-ROM

1996


The information appears to be accurate and balanced, although there was little inthe ways of exploring different viewpoints. Reviewers described the materials asvisually appealing and well-organized; the visuals received high marks, and the useof historical photographs and video footage added to the material. The teacher’sguide is rather weak, and little was done to address skill development. The pro-gram is not very interactive, although the quizzes were found to be helpful.

Queue, Inc.338 Commerce DriveFairfield, CT 06432

phone: (800) 232-2224(203) 333-7268

fax: (800) 775-2729e-mail: [email protected]: www.queueinc.com

Cost: $145.00 + s&h

This hybrid Macintosh/Windows CD-ROM intro-duces students to the concept of a biome and allowsthem to explore specific biomes in North America.Although six biomes are introduced and discussed,the program focuses on three: the desert, the RockyMountains, and the prairie. Each section providesbrief movies with written and spoken narration, andlooks at the climate, geography,flora and fauna that define eachbiome. Additional backgroundmaterial for instructors is providedin a separate folder, along with pre-and post-questions, instructions forusing the program, and four quizzespresented with and without answers.The material also includes several maps showing thelocation of different biomes, as well as an on-lineglossary that allows the students to review informa-tion on specific topics or ideas.

B O T T O M

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S U B J E C T S

The eight lessons in this teacher's guide are drawnfrom an earlier, larger collection, Intrigue of the Past:Investigating Archaeology, which was a product ofUtah's archaeology program. Lessons range fromfifteen to ninety minutes in length and many aredesigned for classes divided into smaller groups.Students learn about the importance of studying thepast and develop important cogni-tive skills, such as classifyingdifferent objects, forming hypoth-eses, and understanding the differ-ence between observing andinferring. By means of games,discussions, and other activities,students become familiar with thenature of archaeological research, develop a time lineof important events in their own lives, and take part inan archaeological 'dig' in a pile of garbage. Eachlesson is referenced for subject, skill, learning strate-gies, duration, and class size. Objectives, materials,important vocabulary, background information, andlinks to the larger curriculum are included. Eachlesson also lists closure and opening suggestions,worksheets and masters. Illustrations consist of black-and-white drawings and charts.


Social Studies

Developed by: Shelly Smith,Jeanne Moe, Kelly Letts,

Danielle Paterson

U.S. Department of the InteriorBureau of Land ManagementHeritage Education Program

P.O. Box 758Dolores, CO 81323

phone: (970) 882-4811 Ext. 120e-mail: [email protected]

Cost: $15.00 + s&h

The Intriguing Past:Fundamentals of

ArchaeologyA Teacher's Guide

"Activities require students to bring in photos orobjects that represent their past—an excellent hook

for instilling a sense of ownership."

4-7

40 pages

1997





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"Not enough moving activities. Children in this age group need to move around."

"Good for teaching basic archaeological concepts."

Cites sources of information.Field tested by a large num-ber of teachers.

Few opportunities forinquiry. Does not reflecturban archaeology.

Develops a wide range ofcritical thinking skills.Learners are encouraged todraw their own conclusions.

Uses a variety of instructionalmethods. Clearly states goalsand objectives. Material ismade relevant to learners'lives.

Material is clear and easy touse. Workshops are availableto help teachers incorporatearchaeology into the class-room. Supplies needed areeasily accessible.

Increases awareness of builtenvironments of the past.

Promotes civic responsibility.

Relies heavily on paper andpencil activities.

Addresses problem of artifactcollecting, but does notprovide suggestions forstudent action.

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This material is designed to give students the toolsto investigate and evaluate environmental issues.Students are first introduced to definitions of'environment,' then are led through processes ofidentifying issues and research questions, conductinginvestigations, interpreting data, and developingaction strategies based on research. Topics addressedinclude: understanding the differ-ences between conclusions andinferences; doing research onissues in libraries; recognizingvalues associated with beliefstatements; and how to organizeand present data. As part of thecurriculum, students are respon-sible for completing and reporting on an issueinvestigation. The material is interspersed with casestudies, quotes from original documents on specificenvironmental discussions, cartoons, photographs,and charts. The teacher's guide provides additionalbackground information, a discussion of environmen-tal literacy, and suggestions for teaching the units.

EconomicsLanguage ArtsMathematics


Written by: Harold Hungerford,Ralph Litherland, R. BenPeyton, John Ramsey &

Trudi Volk

Stipes Publishing Company10-12 Chester Street

Champaign, IL 61820

phone: (217) 356-8391fax: (217) 356-5753

Cost: $26.80 + s&h

teacher's edition$13.80 + s&h student's edition

Investigating &Evaluating

EnvironmentalIssues & Actions:Skill Development Program

"Great job on getting kids to think for themselvesand to analyze their own ideas."

6-12

270 pages

revised in 2003





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"Teachers may have a little difficulty with the format, as it is not laid out in alinear 'do it this way' format."

"Teaches the learners how, not what, to think."

Case studies reflect diversityof issues and geographicareas. References sources ofinformation. Provides bal-anced presentations andencourages inquiry.

Strong on critical thinkingand application of skills toissues.

Goals and objectives areclearly spelled out.

Adaptable and easy to use.Instructions are clear andconcise.

Promotes an awareness ofissues. Students encouragedto explore own beliefs.Teaches concepts in context.

Includes entire section onaction. Stresses looking atproblems from a variety ofperspectives and acting onlyafter careful reflection of theissues.

Relies largely on reading tolearn skills. Involves few labor field work exercises.

Case studies and data willneed to be updated.

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S U B J E C T S

The book provides a structured series of lessons andactivities in which students learn about groundwaterand investigate a case of groundwater pollution. Inthe first two of the book's seven sections, studentslearn and experiment with basic facts about ground-water, such as water movement and concentrationsof chemicals. In sections three through five, studentsstudy and plan additional researchon a groundwater contaminationsituation in the fictional town ofFruitvale. Working in smallgroups, students plan their owncourse of action and find theinformation necessary to determinethe source of the pollution. Thefinal two sections involve the students in role-playingactivities, where they act out a town meeting todecide how best to clean up the contamination.Supports include student sheets, masters of handoutsand other project materials, complete instructions forsetting up the experiments, background information,an achievement test, information on obtaining sup-plies, and a glossary. Illustrations consist of maps,charts, drawings, and photographs.

HealthScience

Social Studies

Written by: Chemical Educationfor Public Understanding

Program (CEPUP)

Lab-Aids, Inc.17 Colt Court

Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

phone: (800) 382-8003fax: (631) 737-1286

website: www.lab-aids.com/

Cost: $19.95 + s&h teacher'sguide

$196.00 + s&h for complete kit

I n v e s t i g a t i n gGroundwater:

The Fruitvale Story

"An inquiry-based, problem-solving approach tolearning about the environment and the results of

poor decision making."

6-9

84 pages

1991





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"Very usable, even for teachers with little science background."

"Raises awareness of the problem and then follows through to a solution."

Factually accurate. Providesdifferent viewpoints andallows students to make theirown decisions.

Makes use of both criticaland creative thinking skills.Applies skills to issues. Usesinterpersonal and groupskills.

Very learner-centered.Clearly states goals andlearner outcomes. Accommo-dates different learning styles.

Package is long-lived, clear,and easy to use. Can beadapted to different situationsor locations.

Students learn concepts instages. Examines short- andlong-term issues.

Role-play gives an exampleof citizen involvement result-ing in change.

All activities are designed asclassroom activities.

Does not relate to learners'own community or personalbehaviors.

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L e n g t h

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S U B J E C T S

This large collection of activities on a number ofdifferent topics was originally developed by the U.S.Forest Service. The first of four sections, "BasicEnvironments", addresses such items as plants,animals, measuring skills, roles of species, and watervolume. The next section, "Unique Environments",adds lessons on dunes, built environments, deserts,and ponds, among others. "Extend-ing Your Environment" incorpo-rates activities that challengestudents to study, compare andmake decisions regarding land use,and includes area studies andsimulation exercises. The finalsection, "Investigation Spin-offs",gives suggestions to teachers for making the activitiesmore meaningful to students. Each activity listsconcepts, objectives, materials needed, processesused, time requirements, and suggestions for closureand transition. Masters are provided for handouts andstudent information pages. Appendices includesupply lists, references and learning goals for Oregonand Washington.

Fine ArtsLanguage ArtsMathematics


Developed by: USDA ForestService, Pacific Northwest

Region

Natural Resource EducationCoordinator

U.S. Forest ServiceLeavenworth Ranger Station

600 SherbourneLeavenworth, WA 98826

fax: (509) 548-5817e-mail: Thomas_Susan_l/

[email protected]

Cost: No charge

I n v e s t i g a t i n gYo u r

E n v i r o n m e n t

"This guide has good classroom activities to discussbasic environmental concepts."

6-12

964 pages

1993





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"Includes a lot of information and one class period activities."

"This is basically a group of good, solid activities."

Information appears accurate.Inquiry is encouraged.

Does not cite references.Gives teachers and studentsa framework for investigat-ing issues but does notaddress issues directly.

Strong in developing criticaland creative thinking skills(data collection, analysis,interpretation, problemsolving).

Lists objective, concepts andprinciples. Units are student-centered. Connects well tolearners' everyday lives.

Forms are reproducible.Connects to national stan-dards. Activities are adapt-able and long-lived.

Some activities requirespecialized supplies whichmay need to be ordered.


Covers a large number ofenvironmental topics. Buildsawareness.

No clear conceptual frame-work.

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S U B J E C T S

This curriculum contains seven lessons on lakes,water, and lake ecology. The student guide includestext, diagrams, instructions for conducting experi-ments, note sheets, and a glossary. Important vocabu-lary words are italicized throughout, and chaptersconclude with review questions. Lesson topicsinclude properties of water, succession, pollution,lake classification, food chains,and watersheds. A final chapterreviews the information of theseven lessons and encouragesstudents to take part in actionprojects. The teacher's guide listsobjectives for each lesson, answersto review questions, procedures forconducting experiments, and teaching instructions.The appendices include illustrations (diagrams, maps,or drawings) of the major ideas presented in thechapters, worksheet masters, time frame charts,suggestions for field trips, a final test, and a bibliog-raphy. An accompanying video covers the topics ofthe seven chapters and includes interviews withscientists and additional illustrations of the conceptscovered.



Written by: Mark T. Denoncour

New Hampshire Departmentof Environmental Services

6 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03301

phone: (603) 271-3503fax: (603) 271-2867


Cost: $7.50 teacher's guide$5.50 student's guide

InteractiveLake Ecology

"This would be a beneficial resource for anenvironmental educator, especially when working with

a classroom on a pre- or post-activity basis."

5-8

105 pages

1991





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"The video is a good introduction to the written materials."

"An impressive piece of material to present limnology and related environmental issues."

Information is factuallyaccurate.

Presents a conservationistbias.

Makes use of critical thinkingskills. Students develophypotheses regarding experi-ments.

Combines hands-on activities,field trips, guest speakers, andother teaching strategies.Includes assessment options

Materials are long-lived, easyto use, and adaptable

Emphasizes ecologicalconcepts. Looks at changeover time.

Promotes action; encourageslearner to share informationwith others. Identifies wayslearners can make a differ-ence.

Does not state goals.

Student book is uninviting.May not be relevant to thosewho do not live near a lake.

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S U B J E C T S

This curriculum is based on the writings of AldoLeopold, in particular the first section of his A SandCounty Almanac. The curriculum contains the text ofLeopold's original work, a teacher's guide, lessonplans, task cards, and a video. Lessons in a LandEthic, the teacher's guide, offers twenty-one lessonson conservation and nature. The lessons are based onselections from Leopold's writingsand are arranged thematically byseason. Each lesson lists objectives,vocabulary, background informa-tion, location, and suggestions forevaluation and extension. Mastersof student worksheets are providedwhen appropriate. The guide in-cludes a glossary, bibliography, and list of references.Environmental Heroes and Heroines provides threelesson plans which discuss past and present heroesand explore students' values. A set of nineteen taskcards provides students with ideas for specific obser-vations or experiments to perform while walkingthrough a natural area. A fifty-six minute biographi-cal video describes the development of Leopold's landethic. The project also produces newsletters andoffers trainings to certify instructors to facilitateworkshops.



Leopold Education Project1783 Buerkle CircleSt. Paul, MN 55110

phone: (651) 773-2000fax: (651) 773-5500

e-mail: [email protected]: www.lep.org

Cost: $20.00/Distributedthrough a training workshop

The LeopoldEducation Project:

Lessons in a Land Ethic

"Highly recommended due to unique topic, teacherresources, and potential to impact attitudes for life."

5-8

89 pageteacher's guide

1995





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"Does not delve deeply into issues—mostly aesthetics and appreciation."

"I like the marriage between literature and conservation ethics."

Information is straightfor-ward and referenced. At-tempts to give a balancedpresentation of controversialissues.

Promotes critical and creativethinking.

Students worksheets arehelpful. Assessment ideasare included. Provides bothclassroom- and outdoor-basedexercises.

Provides ongoing support andtraining. Material is clear,logical, and easy to use.

Shows development of ideasand issues over time. Materi-als tie in ethical, historical,and cultural links.

One module includes ex-amples of environmentalheroes. Promotes personalresponsibility.

Assumes that learners livenear habitat similar toLeopold's. Insufficient back-ground material.

Not very learner-centered.

Weak in terms of diversity.

Few opportunities to applyskills. Unclear how studentscan share their discoveries/insights with others.

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The eight lessons in this book address three facets ofcommercialism: pressures to consume, effects ofcommercialism and consumption, and counteringcommercialism. A bar graph in each lesson indicatesthe extent to which each of these facets is addressed.Students analyze advertising techniques, completequestionnaires regarding their responses to advertis-ing, evaluate packaging used incommon products, and analyzetheir feelings regarding happinessand quality of life. Activitiesinclude discussions, surveys,drama, and experiential exercises(such as trying to avoid advertisingand commercialism for 72 hours).Each lesson lists a goal, subjects involved, materialsneeded, teacher notes, variations and extensions, andresources. Illustrations consist of transparency mas-ters, charts, and photographs of actual advertise-ments. The text also includes a list of references andresources and several pages of additional activities. Economics

Fine ArtsHealth

Language ArtsSocial Studies

Developed by: EnvironmentalEducation Exchange

GPN and Center for Environ-mental LiteracyP.O. Box 80669

Lincoln, NE 68501-0669

phone: (800) 228-4630fax: (800) 306-2330

website: www.gpn.unl.edu/

Cost: $24.95

Living in aMaterial World:

"I am pleased with the attempt to have students lookdeep into consumerism."

8-12

82 pages

1996

Lessons on Commercialism,Consumption, & Environment





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"Subject is not integrated into broader subjects of civics or psychology. Too bad theauthors don't take the risk of providing more balance."

"Uses wide variety of life skills as it promotes student analysis."

Reflects both local andinternational diversity.Promotes inquiry. Informa-tion is from respectablesources and is clearly refer-enced.

Most recent reference isfrom 1994. Did not include aperspective from the adver-tising industry or indicaterole of advertizing in democ-racy, free speech, etc.Promotes perspectives of anoncommercial society.

Encourages critical thinking. Doesn't engage students indefining problems or devel-oping surveys. Could em-phasize communicationskills more.

Builds on learners' previousknowledge. Encouragesexpanded learning environ-ment. Connects to learners'everyday lives.

Lessons are adaptable,reproducible, and long-lived.Requires minimal equipment.

Overheads are very text-heavy.

Material may be bettersuited for 11-12 gradestudents.


Pays attention to differentethnicities and scales fromlocal to global. Developsconcepts well.

Grade Level

L e n g t h

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There are two different editions of this teacher'sguide, one for grades K-3 and the other for grades 4-8. The two guides have identical introductory lessonsand pages which describe some ocean-dwellinganimals and introduce some basic concepts of ecol-ogy and conservation. The activities in both guidesprovide a basic introduction to animal adaptation,food chains, and some of thedamage caused to wildlife by oilspills and waste. Activities foryounger students include artwork,games, songs and experiments.Activities for 4-8 graders includeseveral opportunities for studentsto practice to decision makingskills and to analyze conservation problems. Eachactivity lists objectives, background information, andmaterials needed. Each volume provides its ownvocabulary list, statement of objectives for the unit,and list of additional resources. Illustrations includedrawings and black-and-white photographs.Fine Arts


Science

Written by: Donna Potter Parham

Sea World500 Sea World Drive

San Diego, CA 92109-7995

phone: (800) 23-SHAMUTDD: (800) TD-SHAMU

fax: (619) 226-3634website: www.seaworld.org

Cost:K-3 Teacher's Guide $5.95 + s&h

4-8 Teacher's Guide $5.95 + s&h

Marine Ecology &Conservation:

Teacher's Guide

"This curriculum really focuses on conservation and itgood at presenting fair arguments from both sides."

K-3, 4-8

26 pages each

1995





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"Discusses how humans interact with the ocean, but doesn't seem toemphasize our reliance on it."

"Very basic, simplistic introduction to marine ecology."

Challenges students to see allsides of a situation. Informa-tion is largely accurate.

Facts are not referenced.Does not list affiliations orroles of scientific advisors.Contains at least one inaccu-rate scene of ocean life.

Specific activities deal withobservation, data collection,critical thinking, and actionskills. Encourages use of avariety of media.

Makes use of a variety ofactivities in many subjectareas. Clearly states goals.

Lessons are reproducible andinexpensive. Lessons are notsite- or location-specific.Text is clear and easy to use.

Some reading material oractivities may not be appro-priate for given grade level.

No obvious effort to tie theactivities together. Toucheson many concepts but in asimplified, general way.

Action is addressed in severalactivities.

Grade Level

L e n g t h

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This package of materials on bird migration wasdeveloped by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Itconsists of a leader overview, a page of action-basededucation projects dealing with birds, two studentpages, three principal activities, and a poster showingthe migration routes of four different songbirds. Theleader overview provides information on the timingof migration, theories on why birdsmigrate and how they maintaindirection, how scientists track birdmigration, and dangers facingmigratory birds. The three princi-pal activities include learningobjectives, time and setting, datasheets, review questions, andsuggested follow-up activities. One activity is a game,one a situation, and one an exercise in mapping birdmovements based on bird banding information. Thepackage also includes a glossary and a list of curricu-lum resources. Pages are illustrated with drawings.

Fine ArtsMathematics

Science

Developed by: U.S. Fish &Wildlife

Urban Wildlife Resources5130 W. Running Brook Road

Columbia, MD 21044

phone: (410) 997-7161fax: (410) 997-6849

website:www.erols.com/urbanwildlife

Cost: $6.95 + s&h

M i g r a t o r yBirds:Issue Pac

"The materials are comprehensive and touch on a rangeof issues associated with migratory bird populations."

3-7

30 pages

1995





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"The materials do not indicate why the loss of migratory birds is important, other than abrief mention of indicators."

"Stimulates inquiry about problems of migratory birds."

References are cited. Materialstimulates inquiry.

Lacks different viewpoints.

Develops birding and obser-vation skills (e.g., usingbinoculars and field guides).

Includes multiple learningstyles. Some action projectsrelate to students' homes orschool.

Easy to use and reproduce.

Principal activities are weakon connecting to students'lives. Mapping may be toocomplicated for somestudents.

Does not detail reasons forthreats to birds. Does notfocus on concepts.

Some of the action-basedactivities build on personalresponsibility.

No suggestions for use inschools that are not in thepath of migration routes.

Develops awareness.

Grade Level

L e n g t h

Date Published

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This is a structured, sequential curriculum designedto help introduce young learners to the world ofnature, with an emphasis on wetland habitats. Thebook consists of seven chapters, each dedicated to adifferent topic and containing three different activi-ties. Activities include puzzles, games, discussions,temperature measurements, weather study, drawings,and numerous outdoor explora-tions. A side-bar for each lessonidentifies relevant life skills, thepreferred group size and adult/child ratio, age ranges, location,time requirements, and materialsneeded. An activity matrix chartsthe outcomes, preferred site, andtime of year for each activity. The text includesstudent pages and masters of handouts. Each activityends with a paragraph that begins "Being a stewardof the environment means...," which is meant to beread to the students to provide ideas for additionaldiscussion or exploration. A section at the beginningof the book provides information for the teacher onthe abilities of five- to eight-year olds.

Fine ArtsScience

Written by: Mary Kroll

National 4-H Supply Service7100 Connecticut Avenue

Chevy Chase, MD 20815-4999

phone: (301) 961-2934fax: (301) 961-2937


Reference# ES1007

Cost: $5.00 + s&h

Mud, Muck & OtherWonderful Things:

An Environmental Curriculum forFive- to Eight-Year Olds

Currently Out of Print

"A useful basic book on a variety of ecologicalconcepts for someone is who working with K-3 children."

K-3

76 pages

1995





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"Many kindergartners lack the logic necessary for some of these activities."

"The 'teaching by asking questions' method allows for creative thinking."

Very open to inquiry. Some bias detected regard-ing forestry. Does not citesources of information.

Pre-activity discussions aredesigned to prompt studentsto think. Allows for creativethinking, hypothesizing.

Lessons are interdisciplinary,learner-centered, and relate toeveryday life. Includesoutdoor and hands-on activi-ties. Uses many learningmodalities.

Well laid-out, easy to copy.

Relevance of some activitiesnot clear.

Discusses concept as appro-priate for developmentallevel. Begins by increasingawareness.

Encourages student responsi-bility. Builds on the conceptof stewardship.

Does not provide additionalresources. Contains noglossary.

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North AmericanEcosystems

6-10

1 CD-ROM

1996


The information appears to be accurate and balanced, although there was little inthe ways of exploring different viewpoints. Reviewers described the materials asvisually appealing and well-organized; the visuals received high marks, and the useof historical photographs and video footage added to the material. The teacher’sguide is rather weak, and little was done to address skill development. The pro-gram is not very interactive, although the quizzes were found to be helpful.

Queue, Inc.338 Commerce DriveFairfield, CT 06432

phone: (800) 232-2224(203) 333-7268

fax: (800) 775-2729e-mail: [email protected]: www.queueinc.com

Cost: $145.00 + s&h

This hybrid Macintosh/Windows CD-ROM intro-duces students to the concept of a biome and allowsthem to explore specific biomes in North America.Although six biomes are introduced and discussed,the program focuses on three: the desert, the RockyMountains, and the prairie. Each section providesbrief movies with written and spoken narration, andlooks at the climate, geography,flora and fauna that define eachbiome. Additional backgroundmaterial for instructors is providedin a separate folder, along with pre-and post-questions, instructions forusing the program, and four quizzespresented with and without answers.The material also includes several maps showing thelocation of different biomes, as well as an on-lineglossary that allows the students to review informa-tion on specific topics or ideas.

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O c e a n sAlive!

5 & up

videos &teacher's guides

1992


Environmental MediaCorporation

1008 Paris AvenuePort Royal, SC 29935

phone: (800) 368-3382fax: (803)986-9093

e-mail: [email protected]: www.envmedia.com

Cost: $199.95 for all four videotapes$59.95 + s&h for each videotape

This material consists of four fifty-minute video-tapes and two teaching guides. Each videotapecontains ten five-minute segments, each of whichaddresses a different aspect of ocean life. Topicsinclude the classification of sponges, ways to iden-tify fish, the role of zooplankton in the ocean, foodchains, and homes used by sea creatures. A varietyof oceanic life forms from whalesto sponges, are featured. Segmentsare narrated and feature colorphotography, much of it underwater. The teaching guide includesadditional information on each ofthe forty topics, as well as sugges-tions for discussions or classroominvestigations related to the segment topic. The firsttwo videocassettes and accompanying teacher’sguide are also available in Spanish.

The photography in the videos is very clear and was well received. The informationappears to be both accurate and fair in presentation. The suggestions for activitiesand discussion in the teacher’s guide are helpful. Animals not frequently found innature films are given attention here. The segments are in no particular order; allfeature the same background music, and move rather slowly. As a result, theymight become boring to some students if used for too long or too frequently.Related topics are sometimes scattered among segments, with unrelated footagein between. Some of the terminology used in the videotape is not defined.

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Oceans:Earth's Last Frontier

4-6

24 minutes

1995

Science

The photography is clear and the graphics informative. The film is strong onbuilding awareness of the complexity of oceans and ocean life. The materialis straightforward, accurate, and unbiased. The sound quality, however, isinconsistent. The video does little to explain some of the concepts mentioned;however, a teacher could easily stop the video and proceed with a discussion.

Written & Produced by:Peter Cochran

Rainbow Educational Media4540 Preslyn Drive

Raleigh, NC 27604-3177

phone: (800) 331-4047fax: (919) 954-7554

website:www.rainbowedumedia.com

Cost: $39.00 + s&h

This video provides a general overview of oceans.Attention is given to the topography of the oceanfloor, the variety of wildlife in the ocean, the effectof water pressure on different kinds of marine life,the role of gravity on the creation of tides, and theformation and effects of waves and currents. Othertopics include salinity, plate tectonics, and photo-synthesis. Both scientists andstudents are shown exploringmarine life. Live action photogra-phy is augmented with diagramsand maps. Male and female voicesalternate narration. Examples ofsimple experiments demonstratingwater pressure, effects of waves,and movement of water are given. The video comeswith a thirty-page teacher’s guide, which lists learn-ing objectives for the video, a glossary, reviewquestions, eight selected learning activities whichcan be done in the classroom, a bibliography, and thescript. A separate sheet provides a multiple-choicetest.

IN A NUTSHELL

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O c e a n sAlive!

5 & up

videos &teacher's guides

1992


Environmental MediaCorporation

1008 Paris AvenuePort Royal, SC 29935

phone: (800) 368-3382fax: (803)986-9093

e-mail: [email protected]: www.envmedia.com

Cost: $199.95 for all four videotapes$59.95 + s&h for each videotape

This material consists of four fifty-minute video-tapes and two teaching guides. Each videotapecontains ten five-minute segments, each of whichaddresses a different aspect of ocean life. Topicsinclude the classification of sponges, ways to iden-tify fish, the role of zooplankton in the ocean, foodchains, and homes used by sea creatures. A varietyof oceanic life forms from whalesto sponges, are featured. Segmentsare narrated and feature colorphotography, much of it underwater. The teaching guide includesadditional information on each ofthe forty topics, as well as sugges-tions for discussions or classroominvestigations related to the segment topic. The firsttwo videocassettes and accompanying teacher’sguide are also available in Spanish.

The photography in the videos is very clear and was well received. The informationappears to be both accurate and fair in presentation. The suggestions for activitiesand discussion in the teacher’s guide are helpful. Animals not frequently found innature films are given attention here. The segments are in no particular order; allfeature the same background music, and move rather slowly. As a result, theymight become boring to some students if used for too long or too frequently.Related topics are sometimes scattered among segments, with unrelated footagein between. Some of the terminology used in the videotape is not defined.

IN A NUTSHELL

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Oceans:Earth's Last Frontier

4-6

24 minutes

1995

Science

The photography is clear and the graphics informative. The film is strong onbuilding awareness of the complexity of oceans and ocean life. The materialis straightforward, accurate, and unbiased. The sound quality, however, isinconsistent. The video does little to explain some of the concepts mentioned;however, a teacher could easily stop the video and proceed with a discussion.

Written & Produced by:Peter Cochran



phone: (800) 331-4047fax: (919) 954-7554

website:www.rainbowedumedia.com

Cost: $39.00 + s&h

This video provides a general overview of oceans.Attention is given to the topography of the oceanfloor, the variety of wildlife in the ocean, the effectof water pressure on different kinds of marine life,the role of gravity on the creation of tides, and theformation and effects of waves and currents. Othertopics include salinity, plate tectonics, and photo-synthesis. Both scientists andstudents are shown exploringmarine life. Live action photogra-phy is augmented with diagramsand maps. Male and female voicesalternate narration. Examples ofsimple experiments demonstratingwater pressure, effects of waves,and movement of water are given. The video comeswith a thirty-page teacher’s guide, which lists learn-ing objectives for the video, a glossary, reviewquestions, eight selected learning activities whichcan be done in the classroom, a bibliography, and thescript. A separate sheet provides a multiple-choicetest.

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This curriculum, produced in conjunction with theNational Science Teachers Association, focuses onreducing the amount of solid waste created ratherthan recycling or reusing items. Students first developan awareness of solid waste problems by studyinghistory, current methods of solid waste disposal,packaging, and solid and toxic waste in their ownhomes. Students then look at thewaste produced in their own lives,weigh the consequences of usingdifferent materials, and consideralternatives to their current con-sumption. The final activities studyhow students can reduce waste attheir school and develop a plan ofaction for use at a state level. Each of the fifteenactivities lists objectives, content areas, time require-ments, discussion questions, and extensions. Studentpages and handouts are provided, as are references,materials lists, and suggestions for adapting to differ-ent group sizes.Health



Written by: Pam Ashford, PageKeeley, Inez Liftig, Janet Peeler

& Pat Warren

The Dow Chemical CompanyP.O. Box 1206

Midland, MI 48641-9823

phone: (517) 636-7155e-mail: [email protected]

Cost: No charge

An Ounce ofPrevention:

A Middle Level ScienceCurriculum on Source

ReductionCurrently Out of Print

"One of the strengths of this package is the way it looksat various sides of real issues. Activities and exercises

help learners understand some of the why of plastic use."

6-8

128 pages

1996





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"Very comprehensive coverage of the issue."

"This is an effective resource to use with middle-level students in conservation education."

Encourages inquiry. Citessources of information.Treatment of information islargely balanced.

Data used in certain activi-ties will need to be updated.

Activities require manydifferent kinds of thinking.Encourages learners to applywhat they've learned.

Activities are interdiscipli-nary and learner-centered.Incorporates cooperativelearning and involves familiesand school.

Structure is clear and easy tofollow. Provides teacherbackground.

Does not include examplesof successful action projects.

Encourages awareness.Introduces and builds onconcepts in context.

Learners examine their ownresponsibility regarding solidwaste.

Instructions are unclear in atleast one activity. Lacksinstructional support.

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Reducing,Reusing andRecycling:

Environmental Concerns

4-6

20 minutes

1990

HealthScience



phone: (800) 331-4047fax: (919) 954-7554

website:rwww.rainbowedumedia.com

Cost: $39.00 + s&h

This video features a discussion of the differenttypes of solid waste (including hazardous wastes),explains how it is disposed of, identifies some thedangers of solid waste, and provides suggestions foryoung people to help prevent problems associatedwith garbage. Using computer-generated graphicsand live photography, the program conveys theamount of garbage and solid wastecreated daily, the volume of dis-carded recyclables, and some ofthe benefits obtained when stu-dents reduce, reuse, and recycle.The videotape comes with atwenty-page teacher’s guide, whichincludes learning objectives, asummary of the program, review questions withanswers, the complete script of the videotape, aglossary, and a list of agencies and organizations tocontact for more information. An additional sheetcontains a ten-question multiple choice test.

The video is well-sequenced and introduces concepts and vocabulary in a logicalorder. The script was helpful and would be especially useful to those with limitedhearing. Some of the statistics mentioned need to be updated and corrected. Thevideo emphasized individual responsibility with regard to solid waste, but offersminimal action skills. The narrator is a white male, and the homes shown in thevideo appears to be middle class.

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Taking Action:An Educator's Guide toInvolving Students inEnvironmental Action

Projects

7-12

74 pages

1995

HealthLanguage Arts


This resource is strong in terms of skills building and in providing an overviewof action projects. The resource lists are considered helpful. The examples ofsuccessful projects and the lists of ideas for further projects are very comprehen-sive. Reviewers felt that more detailed explanation of the steps for developingand choosing action projects, as well as research on their benefits, were needed.

Written by: Darlene K. Stoner

Council for EnvironmentalEducation/Project WILD707 Conservation Lane

Suite 305Gaithersburg, MD 20878

phone: (301) 527-8900fax: (301) 527-8912

e-mail: [email protected]: www.projectwild.org

Cost: $7.00 + s&h

This booklet was developed to give educators sug-gestions and examples of student environmentalaction projects. The first three sections describesome of the logistics of action project planning.These cover such topics as motivation, conflictresolution, connecting to the school’s curriculum,interviewing skills, and tips for project assessment.The fourth section, which makes upthe bulk of the book, is dedicated toexamples of successful projectsfrom around the country. Projectdescriptions are grouped by type(such as conserving energy, mea-suring water quality, or workingwith endangered species). A listof suggestions for additional projects, helpfulpublications, and organizations follows each group-ing. Sections five through seven offer additionalresources, such as a brief list of award and grantopportunities and an action matrix for planningaction strategies.

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S U B J E C T S

The publication of this guide was prompted by the1996 National Environmental Poetry Contest. Theguide contains reprints of articles of the process ofwriting poetry, how to lead poetry writing sessionswith students, and how to foster creativity. Onesection explores the concept of watershed, presents amap showing some of the principal watersheds in thecountry, describes factors affectingwatersheds, and gives a basicintroduction to issues related towater and water usage. Otherchapters include reprints of articleson teaching in the out-of-doors andincorporating multidisciplinaryapproaches in teaching about theenvironment. The booklet is accented with samplesof writings by teachers, students, and professionalpoets such as U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Haas. Aposter accompanies the booklet and provides morespecific information about the contest itself. A cur-riculum supplement includes readings, discussionquestions, practice in the use of topographical maps,and a simple model of a watershed. Teacher work-shops are available.


Social Studies

Written by: Pamela Martin &Carolyn West

International Rivers Network2547 Eigth St 13B

Berkeley, CA 94701

phone: (510) 548-7636fax: (510) 548-2095

email: [email protected]: www.riverofwords.org

Cost: $43.00 includes s&h

River of Words:National Environmental

Poetry & Poster Contest for Students- Teacher's Guide

"Encourages personal reflection and introspection.Makes me want to use this with the students in

my classroom."

K-12

54 pages

1996





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"Many teachers may lack the background to feel safe. This should not deter them; use thisto bring the interdisciplinary nature of the project into play."

"Lots of detail for its size and stated purpose."

Represents diverse culturesand ages. Opens topic toinquiry and exploration.

Sources of specific facts onwatersheds not cited.

Strong on creative thinkingand applying creativity tostudy of watersheds.

Material is very learner-centered and interdisciplinary.

Provides large and helpfulbibliography. Guide isreadable and visually appeal-ing. Information and peda-gogical suggestions areadaptable and long-lived.

Content is poorly organized.

Goals and objectives foractivities are not clearlystated.


Develops awareness ofwatershed. Identifies keyconcepts.

No suggestions for adjustingfor different developmentallevels.

Grade Level

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This activity guide was developed in conjunctionwith the Omnitheater film Search for the GreatSharks. However, the ten activities can be usedindependently of the film. Among the activities areexperiments designed to teach students the size ofone part per million (to illustrate the shark's sense ofsmell), and a town hall meeting where differentcommunity members expresstheir concerns about sharks.Other activities include aboardgame to help learn aboutshark features and anatomy, acraft project where studentsdevelop shark models to learnabout the properties of differentsizes and shapes of fins, and an exercise wherestudents map out the contours of the ocean floor.Each activity lists materials needed, provides briefbackground information, and gives answers tospecific objective questions. The material isillustrated with drawings, charts, and maps, andcomes with student pages, information cards, agameboard, and an annotated bibliography.



Written by: Science Museumof Minnesota

Educational ResourcesScience Museum of Minnesota

30 E. Tenth StreetSt. Paul, MN 55101

phone: (800) 221-9444 ext. 4551fax: (612) 221-4526

website:www.sci.mus.mn.us/omni

Cost: $7.95 + s&h

Search for the GreatShark

Currently Out of Print

"Makes students aware of what scientists are doing tohelp sharks on a global/international scale."

3-8

40 pages

1993





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Increases student's awarenessof sharks. Discusses theimportance of sharks tohumans.

Develops data organizing,problem solving and basiclaboratory skills.

Material appears to be long-lived. Instructions are clearand easy to follow. Mostmaterials required are inexpen-sive and easily obtained.

Lists resources for furtherstudy. Includes lab work, roleplay, and creative arts. Makesconnections to various disci-plines.

Some lessons are weak onhypothesizing and drawingconclusions from data.

Facts concerning sharkbiology seem accurate.Annotated bibliographyprovided.

Does not specify ages forindividual activities. Limiteddescription of goals andobjectives.

Sources and affiliations ofauthors are not specificallyidentified.

"Includes interesting activities which a creative teacher could adapt tobecome more learner-centered."

"Excellent background information for teachers/students to learn more about sharks."

N o t A p p l i c a b l e .

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S U B J E C T S

Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina, is animportant nesting ground for the loggerhead seaturtle. This guide provides on-site, pre- and post-visitactivities for school groups visiting the park. Pre-visitactivities include lessons on reptiles and adaptations,word searches, and turtle identification exercises. On-site activities include predator-prey games, scoutingfor nesting sites, and quiz gamesbased on the park’s slide show.Post-visit activities include analyz-ing nesting and migration data.Objectives, concepts, subject areas,materials lists, teacher backgroundinformation, and time requirementsare provided for each activity.Important vocabulary words are printed in bold.Masters of student pages, worksheets, and puzzles areprovided. Appendices include a glossary, fact sheetson different species of sea turtles, information on seaturtle conservation efforts, and forms for schedulingvisits to the park. Illustrations consist of maps, draw-ings, and charts.


Science

Developed by: Samuel S. Bland& North Carolina Division of

Parks & Recreation

ERIC DocumentReproduction Service7420 Fullerton Road

Springfield, VA 22153Reference # ED 401095

phone: (800) 443-3742e-mail: (for information)

[email protected]: www.edrs.com or

http://ils.unc.edu/park project/ncparks.html

Cost: $38.00 includes s&h

Sea TurtleTrek

"Offers a great storyline, fun and challenging activities,valuable information for critical thinking. Addresses

important issues of marine conservation."

6-8

124 pages

1995





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"Classroom and outdoor learning are clearly linked."

"Very thoroughly presents an effective learning experience."

Presents balance of humanand natural threats to turtles.Data is accurate and allowsstudents to draw their wonconclusions.

Incorporates many scienceskills. Applies skills to actualissues. Incorporated bothcritical and creative thinking.

Provides a variety of activi-ties to relate to differentlearning styles. Clearly statesgoals, objectives, and ties toNorth Carolina state stan-dards. Makes use of outdoorsetting.

Well organized and easy touse. Provides lists andcontacts for additionalinformation.

Focus on concepts is appro-priate to developmental level.Addresses many aspects ofbiology and conservation.

Outdoor activities encouragestewardship and problem-solving.

Very site specific. May not be useful to those unable tomake a field trip.

Conservation actions arelisted primarily in the appen-dix, rather than in the maincurriculum.

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Taking Action:An Educator's Guide toInvolving Students inEnvironmental Action

Projects

7-12

74 pages

1995

HealthLanguage Arts


This resource is strong in terms of skills building and in providing an overviewof action projects. The resource lists are considered helpful. The examples ofsuccessful projects and the lists of ideas for further projects are very comprehen-sive. Reviewers felt that more detailed explanation of the steps for developingand choosing action projects, as well as research on their benefits, were needed.

Written by: Darlene K. Stoner



phone: (301) 527-8900fax: (301) 527-8912


Cost: $7.00 + s&h

This booklet was developed to give educators sug-gestions and examples of student environmentalaction projects. The first three sections describesome of the logistics of action project planning.These cover such topics as motivation, conflictresolution, connecting to the school’s curriculum,interviewing skills, and tips for project assessment.The fourth section, which makes upthe bulk of the book, is dedicated toexamples of successful projectsfrom around the country. Projectdescriptions are grouped by type(such as conserving energy, mea-suring water quality, or workingwith endangered species). A listof suggestions for additional projects, helpfulpublications, and organizations follows each group-ing. Sections five through seven offer additionalresources, such as a brief list of award and grantopportunities and an action matrix for planningaction strategies.

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This set of materials includes eleven separate books,each focusing on a particular topic. Books addresssuch issues as energy, poverty, global warming,sustainability, and biodiversity. Each book listslearning objectives, correlation to curricular stan-dards, and teaching strategies. Student handouts,transparency masters, suggestions for further study,and bibliographies are provided foreach unit. Lesson plans providebackground information, discussionquestions, vocabulary, ideas forbeginning and ending lessons, andsuggestions for student enrichmentactivities. Types of learning activi-ties include research, interviewing,action projects, experiments, creative writing, andmathematical calculations. Many of the units involvecase studies. A related videotape is also availablefeaturing business representatives, politicians, andrepresentatives of non-governmental organizationsdiscussing three main concerns: population,biodiversity, and global climate change.

EconomicsHealth



Developed by: WorldResources Institute

Kendall-Hunt PublishingCompany

4050 Westmark DriveDubuque, IA 52002-1804

phone: (800) 228-0810fax: (800) 772-9165

e-mail: [email protected]: www.kendallhunt.com

Cost: books range from$8.99 to $10.99 + s&h

video $14.95 + s&h

Teacher's Guideto World

ResourcesCurrently Out of Print

"Comprehensive materials with a healthyoverdose of information."

7-12

varies per book

1997





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"A more upbeat approach might elicit a more positive response—the video givespositive views but buries them among images of pessimism."

"These units lend themselves to action. Teachers should use the natural lead-ins."

Presents accurate informa-tion. Different cultures andperspectives are presentedand discussed.

Contains many analytical,critical and creative thinkingactivities.

Lessons are interdisciplinaryand related to everyday life.Activities rely on differentlearning styles.

Prices are reasonable. Clearlywritten. Abundant resourceslisted.

Demonstrates connectionsbetween different issues.Addresses local and globalscales. Presents multipleaspects of different issues.

Repeatedly discusses personalresponsibility. Entire unit isdedicated to action. Successstories from different coun-tries are provided.

May be overwhelming andtherefore discouraging.

Much is delivered by lecture/discussion.

Does not represent consumer-ist or economics positions.Seems to assume consensuson existence of problems.Information will need updat-ing.

Greater variety of skills foundin enrichment activities.

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Using poetry, music, cooking, literature, drama, art,math, and science activities, this book exposes youngchildren to the world of trees. The unit begins with aceremony adopting a specific class tree. The eighteensubsequent lessons involve this tree and others andinclude journaling, sensory awareness, crafts repre-senting tree-dwelling creatures, recipes for foodsmade from tree products, studiesof differing kinds of trees andhow trees grow and change overtime. The unit culminates with aceremonial dance around the tree.Materials include reproduciblemasters, tree songs with guitarchords, a sample letter to parentsexplaining the unit, recipes, general suggestions forcrafts and laboratory experiments, and a curriculumchart listing activities in different subject areas.Suggested supplementary readings are identifiedthroughout the book and are summarized in a re-source list.

Fine ArtsHealth



Social Studies

Written by: Joan Westley

ThemeWorksCreative Publications5632 W. 115th Street

Alsip, IL 60482

phone: (800) 642-0822fax: (800) 642-0821

website:www.wrightgroup.com

Cost: $25.95 + s&h

T h e m e Wo r k s :Tr e e s

"Many of the components allow teachers to viewsamples rather than long explanations. They quickly

can determine what to include."

K-2

64 pages

1991





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"Materials are appropriate for this age group and easy for the teacher to use.""Trees seem to be the background for interdisciplinary activities, rather than the

focus of the lesson."

Information is factual, notlikely to change. Addressesa few different cultures andtheir relationship to trees.

Develops observation, in-quiry, comparison, counting,and measuring skills.

Material is interdisciplinary,learner-centered, and ad-dresses a variety of learningstyles. Makes connections toeveryday life.

Uses readily available mate-rials. Activity instructionsare user-friendly and easy tofollow.

Page numbering is off insome situations.

Does not state objectives.


Emphasizes interdependenceof trees and people. Looks atthe concept of ecosystem.

Provides overall theme, butno conceptual framework.Largely a collection of quickfacts about trees.

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ThemeWorks: Under the Ground offers a number ofideas for teachers of young children who are puttingtogether a unit on animals and other things under theground. The unit kicks off with a hunt for buriedtreasure in the classroom. Studies of undergroundanimals (such as moles, worms, groundhogs, bats,and ants) and plants (seeds, peanuts, and carrots)follow. Subways and caves arealso examined. Activities includesongs, games, recipes, plays, craftprojects, riddles, stories, experi-ments with soil types, and growingplants from seeds. In the culminat-ing activity, “Carnival in theCaves”, students dress up asunderground animals or as people who work under-ground. Contains numerous illustrations, masters forpicture cards, a resource list, and a curriculum chart.Fine Arts

HealthLanguage ArtsMathematics


Social Studies

Written by: Joan Westley

ThemeWorksCreative Publications5632 W. 115th Street

Alsip, IL 60482

phone: (800) 642-0822fax: (800) 642-0821

website:www.wrightgroup.com

Cost: $25.95 + s&h

ThemeWorks:Under the Ground

"Great for young kids. Teachers can get lots ofideas from this."

K-3

64 pages

1991





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"An effort is made to involve parents as well as students."

"It is obvious that a career educator developed these materials."

Information is factual.Materials encourage inquiry.

Challenges learners to usecritical and creative thinkingskills.

Material is learner-centered,and interdisciplinary. Differ-ent ways of learning areemployed.

Materials are adaptable andlong-lived.

Text supplies little informa-tion or support for teachers.

Does not state goals orobjectives.


Very strong on fosteringawareness.

Grade Level

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Date Published

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The lessons in this volume are designed to teachchildren the basics of tree ecology and biology. Thefirst five chapters address tree structure andclassification, how trees grow, the forest as anecosystem, how forests are managed, and how treeshave influenced human history. Lessons address notonly trees themselves, but also the animals andplants which depend on treesfor survival. Activities rangefrom the use of tree keys foridentification to making recipeswith foods harvested from trees.The final chapter containsadditional ideas for craft projectsrelated to trees and forest ecology.Objectives, age ranges, materials, and relatedsubjects are listed for each lesson, as well as answersto questions and explanations of experiments forteachers. Student worksheets and handouts are allincluded. The text is illustrated with photographs,drawings, maps, and charts. The text also includes alist of extra questions (along with answers) as anappendix, a glossary, and a bibliography.

Fine ArtsHealthScience

Written by: National WildlifeFederation

McGraw-Hill11 West 19th Street

New York, NY 10011-4285

phone: (800) 722-4726website:

www.pbg.mcgraw-hill.com

Cost: $19.95 + s&h

Ranger Rick's NatureScope-

Trees areTerrific!

"Helps students understand how sensitive and howsupportive trees are to us and to our environment."

K-8

94 pages

1998





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Ideas are developed andconnected throughoutmaterial.

Uses a variety of criticaland creative thinking skills.Communication skills arepracticed throughout.

Lessons are clear and long-lived. Activities requireinexpensive materials.Student pages can beeasily copied.

Material is interdisciplinaryand learner-centered. Employsdifferent ways of learning andhas both indoor and outdooractivities. Objectives areclearly stated for each activity.

Very little application ofskills to issues.

Information is factual and upto date. There is a balance ofreviewers and an openness todifferent viewpoints.

A few activities may be tooadvanced for selected agegroup.

Discusses some ways thatpeople can attempt to helpconserve the rainforest.

Lacks a conceptual frame-work.

"Valuable knowledge for students. This is very well put together.""If an educator needed to teach a unit on trees, he or she only needs to pick up this

booklet and get busy."

B O T T O M

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Treetures are imaginary characters crafted to helpchildren learn about trees. With names such asChlorophyllis, Rootie, and Arbor E. Tum, the charac-ters provide mnemonics to teach important factsabout trees and tree parts, and appear in stories thathelp explain tree biology. The book consists of twodifferent sets of activities, one designed for K-3 andthe other for grades 4-6. The K-3section includes simple coloringand art activities that focus onidentifying tree parts, making aTreeture book, and playing aphotosynthesis game. The activi-ties for 4-6 graders include experi-ments on transpiration, a commu-nity debate, tree word games, leaf rubbings, and otherart projects, and lessons about tree products. Studentworksheets and handouts are included. Illustrationsconsist of drawings, charts and diagrams.

Fine ArtsHealth


Written by: Bobbi Schnell &The National Tree Trust

International Society ofArboriculture

Order DepartmentPO Box 3129

Champaign, IL 61826-3129

phone: (800) 863-7175website: www.treetures.com

Cost: $8.95 + s&h

Growing Together withthe Treetures:Activity Guide Series 1

"A stimulating, creative approach to getting little onesinto the magic that is trees."

preK-6

58 pages

1997





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"Too much time is spent introducing the cute but stereotypic characters.""I really like that K-3 had their own book to follow along, to color,

and to make their own."

Includes tree stories fromdiverse cultures. Informationappears accurate.

Encourages use of imagina-tion. Stresses skills through-out.

Makes use of different waysof learning.

Easily reproduced. Informa-tion is long-lived. Correlatesactivities to science bench-marks. Pages are easy to readand are clearly laid out.

Does not substantiate allclaims.

Provides minimal back-ground information forteachers. Lacks goals andobjectives. May be toosimplistic for grades 5 or 6.


Teaches different conceptsfor deferent age levels.Develops awareness of trees,their functions, and treeproducts.

Affiliations of contributorsnot cited.

B O T T O M

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The lessons in this collection are intended to providestudents with an understanding of problems associ-ated with marine debris. The first unit addresses thekinds of debris found in and near oceans, and tracesthat debris back to its source. It then looks at thehuman behaviors which led to it entering the ocean.The second unit addresses the damage done bymarine debris. The final unit looksat efforts to clean beaches andmarine areas and includes a com-munity education campaign. Eachunit consists of three to six activi-ties and background material.Activities include board games,trash inventories, research projects,experiments, and artwork. Other features include aglossary, a resource list, nature clip-art designs, andlistings of activities by subject matter and learningskills. Illustrations consist of charts, photographs, anddrawings.



United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency,

Office of Water

National Center forEnvironmental Publications

& InformationP.O. Box 42419

Cincinnati, OH 45452Reference #842-B-92-003

phone: (800) 490-9198website: www.epa.gov

Cost: No charge

Turning the Tide onTrash:

A Learning Guide onMarine Debris

"Many of these activities are long-term and reallyget the students involved."

4-8

78 pages

1992





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"Activities may need more time than is available in school."

"Good information on sources, solutions, and prevention of marine debris."

Discusses internationalagreements. Provides infor-mation on regulations gov-erning waste disposal at sea.

Connects skills to issues.

Makes use of a variety oflearning styles. Activitiesbuild on each other and makeconnections to learners' lives.

Book is easy to photocopy.Lessons are not location-specific and are adaptableto river debris issues.

Clearly states concepts.Builds awareness of bothlocal and global effects ofmarine debris.

Looks at personal, national,and global responsibilities.

Advocates particular actions,rather than encouragingdevelopment of action steps.

Curriculum is not inquirybased.

Primary focus is on theUnited States.

Learning skills may beoverstated.

Does not list sources ofinformation. Resource listsdo not include economic orbusiness organizations.Presentation not alwaysbalanced.

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U n d e r s t a n d i n gE c o s y s t e m

M a n a g e m e n t

4-7

8 pages

1994


Written by: Shelly Smith, RichardBrook, & Mary Tisdale

Bureau of Land ManagementThe Environmental Education

& Volunteers Office1849 C Street NW

MS-406LSWashington, D.C. 20240

phone: (202) 452-5078fax: (202) 452-5199

e-mail: www.blm.gov/education/education.html

Cost: No charge. Material can bedownloaded from the website.

These materials consist of a reprint of an articledescribing basic terms and concepts of ecosystems,how ecosystems are affected by humans, and themain ideas and practices of ecosystem management.An accompanying two-sided poster provides moredetails on the same topics, as well as a case studyfor student discussion. In addition, the article givesbrief suggestions for sixteenactivities dealing with ecosystemmanagement that teachers canconduct in a school setting. Thearticle is illustrated with colorphotographs, time lines, anddrawings.

The material presented is balanced and unbiased. The authors show the linkbetween current actions and long-term consequences, and make the informationrelevant to students. The materials stress citizenship and the importance of sounddecision making. The activities lack objectives and specific goals, and at timesare thin with regard to procedure.

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WILD School Sites:A Guide to Preparing Habitat

Improvement Projects on School Grounds

adult

56 pages

1993



The goals of this work are clearly stated. Reviewers felt that it was a helpfuland motivational how-to guide to developing a school site. They noted, however,that the guide lacks detail in many areas where educators would want more infor-mation, such as in describing some of the more complex projects. Connectionsare made between specific activities and curricular requirements. Students areinvolved with decision making and are encouraged to come to their own conclu-sions. The instructions were clear, sequentially ordered, and easy to follow.Learner outcomes and sources of information were not clearly identified.

Written by: Paul Schiff & CindiSmith-Walters



phone: (301) 527-8900fax: (301) 527-8912


Cost: $5.00 + s&h

This booklet provides instruction for students andeducators who wish to develop areas on schoolgrounds for habitat conservation and wildlife educa-tion activities. The first three chapters explain therationale behind such projects, the seven majorconcept areas of Project WILD, and the basic com-ponents of a wildlife habitat. Included are sugges-tions for team building, selectingan appropriate site, developing andimplementing an action plan, andobtaining the support of parentsand community members. Thetext provides sample ideas toshow how school areas can beturned into project areas. Anappendix lists specific Project WILD learningactivities that relate to developing habitat areas.Schools which complete these projects can applyfor certification as WILD School Site. The book isillustrated with black-and-white photographs.

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S U B J E C T S

This is a collection of lessons and activities related tomunicipal solid waste, hazardous waste, and theissues related to them. The thirty-four activities canbe used independently or as a unit. The text beginswith overviews and background on waste and de-scribes composting, types of plastics, toxicity, anddisposal systems. The activities are divided intochapters entitled Solid WasteIssues, Solid Waste Solutions, andEnrichment Materials. Activitiesconsist of simulation and boardgames, science experiments, modelconstruction, household surveys,and development of data banks.Each lists time requirements,materials needed, objectives, key concepts, andvocabulary, as well as suggestions for extension andevaluation exercises. The text includes references, aglossary, safety instructions, and an activities listarranged by subject. Masters of handouts andworksheets are included.

EconomicsLanguage ArtsMathematics


Edited by: Michelle Racich

Keep America Beautiful, Inc.1010 Washington Blvd.

Stamford, CT 06901

phone: (203) 323-8987fax: (203) 325-9199

e-mail: [email protected]: www.kab.org

Cost: $40.00 + s&h

Waste:A HiddenResource

"Thorough and thought-provoking coverage of thewaste management and recycling industry."

9-12

224 pages

1993





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"Students learn that you can't please all of the people."

"Clear, concise and understandable to both learner and leader."

Facts are well documented.Reviews conducted bytechnical experts.

Encourages creative andcritical thinking. Employsanalysis, calculation, andclassification.

Lessons are interdisciplinaryand make use of differentlearning styles. Makes con-nections to learners' everydaylives.

Easy to use. Lessons followconsistent format. Profes-sional development programsare available.

Fosters awareness of solidwaste issues. Focus is onconcept development.

Materials encourage studentsto analyze their role in theissues discussed.

Sets stage for action but doesnot follow through.

Not particularly learner-centered.

Weak on action skills.

Many statistics are dated.Does not explore differentviewpoints or encourageinquiry.

Permission to copy materialsis not given.

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S U B J E C T S

The waste hierarchy refers to four levels of wastetreatment: landfill, incineration, reuse/recycle, andsource reduction. This teaching unit uses this hierar-chy to introduce the issue of solid waste, to makestudents aware of their own waste generation, andto give them practice in issue resolution. The first ofsix exercises introduces the hierarchy and involvesstudents in measuring the wastecreated by their own household.In the four activities that follow,students conduct scientific andmathematical experiments on thefour levels of waste treatment.The final activity is a role-playin which students consider thepositive and negative consequences of different wastedisposal plans. Activities list time requirements,background information, safety suggestions, discus-sion questions, and answers to student worksheets.Text includes a glossary, transparency masters, and aconceptual overview. A kit containing all the suppliesneeded for the activities is also available.Mathematics


Written by: Chemical Educationfor Public Understanding

Program (CEPUP)

VWR Scientific ProductsScience Education

P.O. Box 5229Buffalo Grove, IL 60089-5229

phone: (800) 727-4368fax: (800) 676-2540

e-mail: [email protected]: www.sargentwelch.com

Cost: $19.99 + s&h teacher's guide$169.99 + s&h for complete kit

The WasteHierarchy:Where is "Away"?

"Shows students that science plays a useful role in theireveryday lives, and that what they are learning in

science will help them understand their environment."

6-9

154 pages

1993





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"May be used by beginning and experienced educators.""This is a great tool for teaching about waster reduction. It lets students experiment and

form their own conclusions."

Cites information sources andparticipants in field test.Encourages inquiry andexploration of differentviewpoints.

Makes use of math/scienceskills. Students are chal-lenged to think critically.

Makes connection to every-day lives. Clearly states goalsand objectives. Activities arelearner-centered and interdis-ciplinary.

Material is clear, logical, andeasily adaptable

Presents concepts in context.Addresses history as well ascurrent issues. Includesproblems faced in lower-income areas.

Challenges students to findways to reduce their ownwaste generation.

Most learning is in the class-room. May be too advancedfor stated age group.

Cost of kit (chemicals andsupplies) is an additionalexpense.

May understate the problemsassociated with landfills andincinerators.

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The package consists of a thirty-two page teacher’sguide and two sets of three posters. Each of theposters addresses a different water topic: howhumans use water, how wastewater is treated, andthe functions of wetland ecosystems. The reverse sideof each poster contains background information andinstructions for one or more learning activities. Thereare two different versions of text,allowing the posters to be usedwith diverse grade levels. Theteacher’s guide provides additionalbackground information, teachingsuggestions, a directory of govern-ment and private agencies thatsupply water education materials, alist of other resources, and brief descriptions oftwelve additional activities. Among the activitiesare journaling, creating models of water filtrationsystems, conducting local research, and conductingpersonal water use surveys. Illustrations in the guideand posters consist of charts, graphs, and drawings.Mathematics


Written by: Sue Cox Kaufman

National Science TeachersAssociation

P.O. Box 90477Washington, D.C. 20090-0477

phone: (800) 722-NSTAfax: (703) 522-6091

website: www.nsta.org

Cost: $8.96 + s&h(price reflects 10% membership discount)

Water Matters:Water Resources Teacher's Guide,

Volume 1

"The use of posters is a good technique to facilitategroup interactive learning. A pleasant change from the

usual textbook or CD-ROM."

3-8

32 pages

1994





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"Could be used as supplemental material during water related instruction."

"Terms and concepts were reinforced by attractive poster illustrations."

Identifies sources of informa-tion. Material appears factual.

Latest statistics are from1990.

Students are challenged tobrainstorm and comparedifferent solutions to wateruse problems.

Makes connection to learners'everyday lives. Activitiessuggest different teachingmethods.

Information presentedclearly. Posters are colorfuland helpful. Providessuggestions for expansionand further research.

Does not list objectives andlearner outcomes.

Does not go into great detailon many topics.

Would be difficult to usewith larger classrooms dueto size of posters.

Little emphasis on actionskills.

Very strong on buildingawareness.


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S U B J E C T S

This resource contains more than seventy classroomexercises focusing on water and water use issues.The activities are arranged by subject in five chapters:Introduction to Water, Drinking Water and Wastewa-ter Treatment, Surface Water Resources, Groundwa-ter Resources, and Wetlands and Coastal Waters. Acomplete set of water fact sheets is included. Lessonsinclude student and teacher sheets,answer keys, objectives, time andmaterial requirements, backgroundinformation, and vocabulary.Extension activities and resourcesare also listed. Among the activi-ties presented are simulationgames, puzzles, laboratory experi-ments, study of water samples, discussions, researchprojects, and art projects. Appendices include aglossary and lists of resources by agency or organiza-tion type, some of which are arranged by state. Illus-trations consist of drawings, diagrams, graphs, andmaps. An elementary level sourcebook for grades 3-5is also available.

EconomicsFine Arts

Language ArtsHealth

MathematicsScience

Social Studies

Prepared by: Auburn Universityat Montgomery & Troy State

University

Water Environment FederationPublications Order Department

601 Wythe StreetAlexandria, VA 22314-1994

phone: (800) 666-0206fax: (703) 684-2492

e-mail: [email protected]: www.wef.org

Cost: $10.00 + s&h

The WaterSourcebook:A Series of Classroom

Activities for Grades 9-12

"This project was well thought out. I'm impressed withthe quality and depth of the knowledge presented."

9-12

886 pages

1997





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"This unit can be used by social studies, language arts, or science classes. Very practical."

"This is the most in-depth coverage of the subject I've ever seen."

Contains an abundance offactual information. Informa-tion is accurate and reflectsdifferent perspectives andapproaches. Activities werefield-tested in classrooms.

Some statistical informationwill need to be updated.

Lessons encourage criticalthinking, scientific investiga-tions, and independentinquiry. Extensions encour-age further application ofskills.

Activities are interdiscipli-nary and connected to thelearner's everyday life.Objectives are clearly stated.

Binder format is helpful inthat it makes pages accessiblefor copying.

Weak on assessment. Doesnot expand the learningenvironment beyond theclassroom.

Includes simple to complexwater issues. Concepts arewell defined. Material isappropriate for differentdevelopmental levels.


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S U B J E C T S

These two guides contain activities designed tointroduce students to the chemical and physicalproperties of water, and to the importance of waterto people. The activities deal with water’s molecularstructure, heat conductivity, buoyancy, and ability todissolve toxins. Through laboratory experiments andother research, students examine salinity, the move-ment of water in soil and throughplants, water pressure, how ani-mals deal with salt water, and theamount of water used in their ownhouseholds. Although the guidesare similar in structure and organi-zation, each contains uniqueactivities for its given age group.Each includes a vocabulary list, objectives, a posterof the water cycle, background information onwater’s chemistry, and a list of additional resources.Illustrations consist of photographs, drawings, maps,and charts. Some extension activities are suggested.


Written by: Judith Swift

Sea World500 Sea World Drive

San Diego, CA 92109-7995

phone: (800) 23-SHAMUTDD: (800) TD-SHAMU

fax: (619) 226-3634website: www.seaworld.org

Cost:K-3 Teacher's Guide $4.00 + s&h

4-8 Teacher's Guide $4.00 + s&h

Water:Teacher's Guide

"Good, basic information and water-relatedexperiments for teachers."

K-3, 4-8

24 pages each

1995





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"This material will be valuable for some, but probably is too basic fortrained science teachers."

"A nice set of introductory water materials."

Encourages different perspec-tives. Provides up to dateinformation. Seems to befactually accurate.

Does not provide referencesfor specific facts. Does notalways provide all relevantinformation.

Provides some opportunitiesfor creative thinking. Activi-ties encourage learners toarrive at their own conclu-sions.

Includes some outdooractivities. Lists goals for unitand for individual activities.Provides pre- and post-tests.

Very readable. Step by stepinstructions presented logi-cally.

Does not specify learneroutcomes. Material isminimally interdisciplinary.Some of the K-3 activitiesmay not be age-appropriate.

Weak connection betweenconcepts and facts.

Background informationmay be insufficient.

Experiments are weak interms of analytical thinking.

Covers molecular to globalsignificance of water.


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S U B J E C T S

This leader’s guide contains four activities designedto increase knowledge about wetlands while develop-ing critical thinking skills. Through these activities,students learn to identify wetlands, and decide whereto direct limited dollars for wetland restoration. Tworole plays involve making choices about wetlandhabitats. The guide provides step-by-step instructions,time requirements, backgroundinformation, role play cards,worksheets, and discussion ques-tions for each activity. A resourcelist, footnotes, and additionalleader information on wetlandsand on group management are alsoincluded. The text comes with acolor poster that defines wetlands, gives reasons whystudents should be concerned about them, and showsa timetable of wetland conservation efforts from the18th century to the present.


Written by: Mary Kroll

National 4-H Supply Service7100 Connecticut Avenue

Chevy Chase, MD 20815-4999

phone: (301) 961-2934fax: (301) 961-2937


Cost: $5.00 + s&h

Wetlands:Critical Issues/CriticalThinking Experiences

for YouthCurrently Out of Print

"If you would like to involve your students in fourgreat activities on wetlands that teach concepts and

critical thinking, you'll love this booklet."

7-9

28 pages

1995





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"A brief overview of wetland issues—too brief to be used alone."

"Contains lots of good, usable ideas."

Encourages discussion ofdifferent perspectives. Infor-mation is referenced.

Lacks a clear conceptualframework.

Encourages critical thinking,decision making, and com-munication skills.

Includes both classroom andfield-based activities.

Material is clearly written.Activities are adaptable.

Text does not list subjectdisciplines, goals, or objec-tives.

Emphasizes concept ofinterdependence. Builds oneconomic, social and environ-mental concerns.

Students are encouraged toexamine consequences oftheir own actions.

Actions listed are simulated;little link to local area or toactual steps that students cantake.

Weak in basic laboratoryand field observation skills.

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S U B J E C T S

The twenty-eight chapters in this book provide stu-dents with an introduction to different kinds of fresh-water and saltwater wetlands. Lessons are arrangedby wetland type including bogs, marshes, prairiepotholes, swamps, estuaries, and tidal marshes. Eachlesson provides brief information about a wetlandorganism or issue. Individual lessons are dedicated tospecific wetland organisms, suchas herons, muskrats, cranberries,mangroves, and carnivorousplants. Other chapters deal withphenomena of the wetland, such assuccession, erosion, or quicksand.Some lessons invite students towrite opinions on human interac-tions with different wetlands, such as the disappear-ance of prairie potholes or the environmental effectsof farming peat. Students are frequently instructed towrite or draw their thoughts and observations. Thekeeping of a journal is an important component ofthis curriculum. Learners are encouraged to reviewwhat they have learned in previous lessons, and twochapters are specifically to help students evaluatetheir learning. A bibliography of fiction and non-fiction works related to wetlands is included.

Fine ArtsLanguage Arts

HealthScience

Social Studies

Written by: Jean L. Pottle

Dino ProductionsP.O. Box 3004

Englewood, CO 80155

phone: (303) 741-1587fax: (303) 741-8927

website: www.dsuper.net/~dinoprod/index.htm/

Cost: $14.95 + s&h

Wetlands:An Interdisciplinary Unit for Science and

Language Arts

"Too complex for primary levels, and too simple for upperlevels. It is unclear what audience this material is for."

6-8

76 pages

1997

"Even the introduction is interactive."





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"Would probably be appropriate for a home schooling program. It requires aself-motivated learner with good reading skills. Material is structured

but almost totally self-contained."

Provides historical perspec-tive and includes folklorefrom different cultures.Encourages learner to reflecton information and to formown opinions.

Uses vocabulary to explainconcepts which may not beappropriate to targeted agegroup.

Promotes critical thinkingskills and creative writingskills.

Does not provide instructionsfor teachers such as timerequirements, objectives oroutcomes.

Includes clear illustrations.

Geared mainly to indepen-dent study.

Provides information onchanges in wetlands overtime. Addresses relatedconcepts such interdepen-dence of human and animalpopulations.

Provides examples of peoplewho "make a difference."

Does not encourage personalaction taking or providesuggestions of what studentscan do.

Some activities may unreal-istically expect technicalskills or other preparation onthe part of the student.

Does not cite sources ofinformation. Questions areworded to elicit a preferredanswer.

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The nine chapters of this book are designed to in-crease elementary school students’ awareness of thescope and origins of solid waste problems, and theirown role in addressing these problems. The first fourchapters contain lessons and activities that definesolid waste, and explore where it comes from, howit affects nature, and how people dispose of it. Theremaining chapters introducereusing, reducing, recycling, andcomposting, and offer suggestionson responsible consumerism.Activities consist of discussions,measurements of trash, field trips,word games, and independentresearch. Students are asked todesign more efficient packaging for products, makeart projects out of refuse, create their own recycledpaper, complete poems or stories about trash, andto brainstorm ways that their actions can make adifference. Each activity lists related subjects, goals,focus, time requirements, and possible extensions.Worksheet masters are included when necessary.The text includes a glossary resource lists, andsuggestions for school recycling.



Edited by: Millie M. Horosko

The Southwest ConnecticutRegional Recycling

Operating Committee125 East Avenue

Norwalk, CT 06856

phone: (203) 381-9571fax: (203) 377-1930


Cost: $10.95 + s&h

What a Waste!A Teacher's Resource for

Integrating the Solid WasteCrisis into the Classroom

"The materials offer a strong connections tolearners' everyday lives, including having them

bring waste items from home."

3-6

100 pages

1992





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"One viewpoint is expressed over and over: the need to recycle within our communities."

Cites references. Encouragesstudents to form own opin-ions.

Promotes environmentalproblem solving.

Binding makes pages difficultto copy.

Layout is clear and easy tofollow. Includes supportmaterials and how to accessinstructional support.

Uses different styles toconvey information. Makessubject relevant to learners'lives. Lists goals and objec-tives.

Fosters awareness of builtenvironment. Concepts arepresented in historical con-text.

Encourages students to assesstheir own behavior.


Contains few opportunitiesfor students to come up withnew or unique solutions.

Some bias detected againstpackaging and landfills andin favor of recycling. Littlereflection of cultural orregional differences.

"Our students and teachers would enjoy using many of these activities."

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The video component of this package consists of fourbrief segments. The story follows four high schoolstudents who are trying to produce an educationalfilm on biodiversity. In the process, they researchinformation on the Internet, review short films deal-ing with individual species, interview a leukemiapatient who has been treated with medicine from aonce-endangered plant, anddiscuss among themselves theimportance of protectingbiodiversity. Important vocabularywords appear in print on thescreen. The accompanying activityguide contains overviews of thefour segments along with objec-tives, key words, and a series of discussion questionsand possible answers. The guide also contains tencomplete activities, drawn from a number of sources,which can be used as extensions or reinforcementactivities to complement the video. Activities includeaction projects, models, games, and surveys of com-munity attitudes. Illustrations consist of charts, draw-ings, and photographs. An appendix lists field officesof the United State Fish andWildlife Service.

HealthLanguage Arts


Written by: Mariam Westervelt& Elizabeth Wooster

Karol Media

phone: (800) 528-4773

Cost: No charge

Wild About Life!Activity Guide

"Positive tone and message. I would like to seehow kids react to these activities."

4-12

42 pages& video

1997





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"Most skills come from the Activity Guide. If these activities are not completed,it's just another video."

Open to inquiry.

Promotes environmentalproblem solving.

Short on background material.Format of curriculum ishelpful. Guide and video areeasy to use.

Activities appear learner-centered.

Reflects and includes bothlocal and global scales.

Gives examples of successfulinterventions.


Focus is on large animals;doesn't adequately coverplants, insects, fish or otherless charismatic creatures.

Does not list field testinginformation. Presentation isnot well balanced.

"Good overview of biodiversity, endangered and threatened species."

Not all activities have goalsor objectives listed.

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WILD School Sites:A Guide to Preparing Habitat

Improvement Projects on School Grounds

adult

56 pages

1993



The goals of this work are clearly stated. Reviewers felt that it was a helpfuland motivational how-to guide to developing a school site. They noted, however,that the guide lacks detail in many areas where educators would want more infor-mation, such as in describing some of the more complex projects. Connectionsare made between specific activities and curricular requirements. Students areinvolved with decision making and are encouraged to come to their own conclu-sions. The instructions were clear, sequentially ordered, and easy to follow.Learner outcomes and sources of information were not clearly identified.

Written by: Paul Schiff & CindiSmith-Walters



phone: (301) 527-8900fax: (301) 527-8912


Cost: $5.00 + s&h

This booklet provides instruction for students andeducators who wish to develop areas on schoolgrounds for habitat conservation and wildlife educa-tion activities. The first three chapters explain therationale behind such projects, the seven majorconcept areas of Project WILD, and the basic com-ponents of a wildlife habitat. Included are sugges-tions for team building, selectingan appropriate site, developing andimplementing an action plan, andobtaining the support of parentsand community members. Thetext provides sample ideas toshow how school areas can beturned into project areas. Anappendix lists specific Project WILD learningactivities that relate to developing habitat areas.Schools which complete these projects can applyfor certification as WILD School Site. The book isillustrated with black-and-white photographs.

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S U B J E C T S

This video features the “Worm Woman” (MaryAppelhof), teaching “Billy B." (Billy Brennan) andhis family about the world of worms. Through pho-tography and computer graphics, worms of NorthAmerica and elsewhere in the world are shown anddescribed. Worm reproduction, anatomy, feedinghabits, and locomotion are explored, accented by fourworm-related songs. Instructionsfor setting up a worm compostingbin are given. A teaching guideincludes a pre- and post-test withanswers, learner outcomes, anindex, and seven units coveringdifferent topics on the video.Each unit lists the time code tothe corresponding section of the video, key ideas,vocabulary, extension questions, exploration activi-ties, and trivia questions about worms. Related activi-ties and reading form Appelhof’s previous books arealso cited.

Science

Written by: Mary Appelhof,Bill Brennan, Canton Gauthier

& Barbara Loss Harris

Flower Press10332 Shaver Road

Kalamazoo, MI 49024

phone: (616) 327-0108fax: (616) 327-7009


website:www.wormwoman.com

Cost: $34.90 + s&h

Wormania!Live Worms & Song

"Excellent photography of worm behavior andphysiology is interpreted with acting and singing."

3 & up

video & teacher'sguide

1995





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"Thirteen-year-olds, I imagine, would not find this video 'cool'."

"Thorough coverage of worm composting."

Provides accurate anddetailed information.

All people shown in thevideo are middle-classCaucasians.

Activities involve classifica-tion and measurement.

Provides cross-references tomore complete curricula bythe same author. Lists keyideas and defines importantvocabulary.

Photography in video is veryclear and precise.

Teacher's Guide is too smallto photocopy.

Some children may be putoff by the music and acting.Vocabulary is rather ad-vanced for the targeted agegroup.


Discusses worm biology,physiology, and the impor-tance of worms to humansand the ecosystem.

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W o r mWo r l d s

3-6

4 pages

1996

MathematicsScience

Written by: Alan R. Berkowitz& Patrick Bohlen

NAAEE Publications &Membership Office410 Tarvin Road

Rock Spring, GA 30739

phone: (706) 764-2926fax: (706) 764-2094

e-mail: [email protected]: www.naaee.org

Cost:$2.45 + s&h for NAAEE members

$2.70 + s&h for non-members

Worm Worlds is one of a series of schoolyardenvironmental investigations. It consists of a folderwith instructions for conducting a multi-part experi-ment in worm habitats. Within the folder are mastersof an equipment card, an action card explainingprocedures, and a record sheet. Two different sitesare used so students can compare how earthwormsrespond to different environmentalfactors. Students learn how todesignate a quadrant for study andare given practice in observationand data collection. A materialslist, preparation instructions, timefactors for each part of the experi-ment, and suggestions for time andplace are provided, as are debriefing questions andpossible extension activities. There is also a brieflist of additional resources on worms.

The instructions are concise but complete. Students are given an opportunityto engage in cooperative learning and to practice critical and analytical thinkingskills. The information is long-lived and requires materials that are inexpensive.The experiment is simple to implement. Finding a location to conduct theexperiment in urban settings or areas with heavily compacted earth could be aproblem.

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Zebra Mussel Mania was designed to be used inconjunction with the Zebra Mussel Traveling Trunk.The ten activities in this guide address specific fea-tures and problems caused by zebra mussels (e.g.,their ability to clog water lines) as well as generalproblems and concerns raised by the introduction ofexotic species into natural habitats. Activities aredesigned to fit into one or more45-minute class periods. Each listsa scientific process skill, a conceptto be explored, benchmarks forlearning, objectives, instructionsfor students, connections to otherareas of study, important vocabu-lary, and possible variations. Someactivities call for videos, actual mussels or othermaterials from the traveling trunk. The guide alsoincludes a pre- and post-test, fold out sheets describ-ing different mussel types and their life cycles, factcards, student sheets, a journal, transparency masters,and other material on laminated pages. It also in-cludes suggestions for facilitating cooperative learn-ing, a glossary, resource lists, and suggestions forusing mussels in the classroom. The Traveling Trunkis available for rent or sale through the Sea Grantprogram.



Developed by: John Barger,Marjorie Burgett,Jane Greenberg,

Marla Hostetler, BeckyKeim, & Katy Scukanec

Illinois-Indiana Sea GrantProgram

University of Illinois65 Mumford Hall

1301 West Gregory DriveUrbana, IL 61801

phone: (217) 333-9448fax: (217) 333-2614


Cost: $45.00 + s&h

Zebra MusselMania:

Teacher's Guide forGrades 5 & 6

"A good deal of science is conveyed throughthe activities and there are interdisciplinary

linkages built in."

5-6

73 pages

1997





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"There are probably more exercises here than are required to convey a basic workingknowledge of the zebra mussel problem."

"Could be an excellent tool for teaching cooperative learning, but it lacks incentive forthe students to care about this particular species."

Provides lists of agencies forfurther information.

Requires measurement,observation, classification,prediction, and other scien-tific skills. Encouragesstudents to think about howthey arrived at conclusions.

Lessons are learner-centeredand interdisciplinary.

Instructions are well orga-nized, clear and easy tofollow. Provides helpfulteacher support.

Uses mostly indoor activi-ties. Connections to learners'lives are weak.

Thorough discussion of theconcept of population growthand rapid colonization.

An action plan is developedat the end of the unit.

Uses such terms as "evil,""menace," and "alien invad-ers" to describe zebra mus-sels.

Most activities are specificto zebra mussels. Cost maybe prohibitive.

Actions consists of educat-ing the public. Weak in thearea of personal stake.

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