Educator Spotlight: Examining Local Flora

Camile Clarke led her high school students on a study of how human activities affect forest biomes in the Caribbean. Students conducted a field experience around their school in central Jamaica to observe characteristics of the local soil and vegetation as well as map the human impact on the natural landscape. Continue reading Educator Spotlight: Examining Local Flora

Iceland Is Growing New Forests for the First Time in 1,000 Years

ENVIRONMENT Within a few centuries, Iceland became “among the worst examples in the world of deforestation.” Today, the Icelandic Forest Service has taken on the mammoth task of bringing back the woodlands. (National Geographic) Use today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map to help students understand land-use patterns in Iceland. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including a link … Continue reading Iceland Is Growing New Forests for the First Time in 1,000 Years

Deforestation in the Amazon is Devastating Fish Stocks

ENVIRONMENT When it comes to deforestation, wood and water are often looked at in isolation. However, there is a significant link between deforestation and reduced fish catches. (Geographical) This current event pairs beautifully with our activity on the effects of deforestation in the Amazon. Use it! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research has … Continue reading Deforestation in the Amazon is Devastating Fish Stocks

How Can Planting a Tree Save an Orangutan?

How can planting a tree save an orangutan? That is the same question we asked our friends at Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) when we heard about their Tree Planting Project—and the answer will amaze you. Below is a great explanation  from Barbara Bichler, director of School Projects for BOS in Germany: Located in the Indonesian part of central Borneo, Mawas is an area of 309,000 hectares—twice … Continue reading How Can Planting a Tree Save an Orangutan?

Gone from the Amazon?

ENVIRONMENT Deforestation adds up. New research finds that the Amazon region could lose more than half of its tree species by the year 2050. (Scientific American) Use our resources to learn more about human impact in the Amazon. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, including a link to today’s beautiful hi-resolution maps of human impact and biodiversity … Continue reading Gone from the Amazon?