A view of nighttime lights from North and South Korea.

North Korea Goes Dark

WORLD North Korea’s isolation is visible in new satellite photos that show the energy-bankrupt country at night. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to see North Korea’s dark nights. Discussion Ideas Take a look at our MapMaker Interactive, with the “Lights at Night” layer activated. The bright lights of South Korea and the heavily industrialized area ringing the Bohai Sea, China, (sometimes called the Gulf … Continue reading North Korea Goes Dark

Wind Farm Project Halted

WORLD Expansion plans at the London Array, one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms, have come to a sudden halt. Owners blame concerns about migrating birds. (BBC) Use our resources to better understand the debate about offshore wind farms. Discussion Ideas Read the BBC article, then read through our activity “Stakeholder Debate: Wind Energy.” Adapt the activity’s analysis for the London Array debate. Who … Continue reading Wind Farm Project Halted

How Safe is Your Water?

ENVIRONMENT A West Virginia chemical spill brought attention to a broader national problem. “We often don’t think about where our water comes from,” or how it could be contaminated, say conservationists. (National Geographic News) Watch these “pictures of practice” to see how students and teachers understand water pollution and water purification. Discussion Ideas “We often don’t think about where our water comes from,” says Steve … Continue reading How Safe is Your Water?

Can Nuclear Power Slow Global Warming?

ENVIRONMENT Some of the world’s top climate scientists say wind and solar energy won’t be enough to combat global warming, and they’re asking environmentalists to support the development of nuclear power as one way to cut fossil-fuel pollution. (Associated Press) You Have the Power! Play our fantastic new game to balance your town’s energy portfolio. Will you incorporate nuclear power to safely, efficiently, and economically … Continue reading Can Nuclear Power Slow Global Warming?

Vultures Use Power Lines to Expand Range

ENVIRONMENT Cape vultures in southern Africa are using expanding networks of pylons and power lines to extend their range, say scientists. The power lines also put the birds at risk for collision with overhead wires. (BBC) Use our resources to learn all about Cape vultures. Discussion Ideas Look at the gorgeous photo of a Cape vulture above. Now look at our “bald and beautiful” image … Continue reading Vultures Use Power Lines to Expand Range