Tag: environment

Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Possible Good News: Some Plastic Pollution Isn’t Plastic After All

ENVIRONMENT The sea is awash with microscopic bits of plastic. But a hint of good news is emerging from Vancouver Island, where a recent investigation found that the amount of plastic contamination in shellfish there is just a tiny percentage of what the scientists expected. (Hakai Magazine) Take these 10 easy steps to fight plastic pollution. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key … Continue reading Possible Good News: Some Plastic Pollution Isn’t Plastic After All

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Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

How the Snowshoe Hare Is Losing Its Winter Whites

ENVIRONMENT As the climate warms, snowshoe hares are increasingly ditching their winter wardrobes and keeping the brown fur they sport during the rest of the year. Now, a new study shows how: by borrowing a gene from a jackrabbit. (Science) Why does the snowshoe hare change coats to begin with? Check out our terrific gallery of downloadable illustrations for some help. Teachers, scroll down for … Continue reading How the Snowshoe Hare Is Losing Its Winter Whites

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Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

We Have Unrealistic Beauty Standards for Coral, Too

ENVIRONMENT Experiments show that people value pretty reefs over healthy ones. (Hakai) Use our lesson plan to help introduce students to coral reef ecosystems. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research indicates our bias toward pretty pictures may influence our perception of coral reefs. What are coral reefs? Coral reefs are incredibly biodiverse ecosystems … Continue reading We Have Unrealistic Beauty Standards for Coral, Too

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

10 Ways to Beat Plastic Pollution!

ENVIRONMENT The theme for World Environment Day is “Beat Plastic Pollution.” We can get you started with these family-friendly tips. (National Geographic) Planet or plastic? Use our resources to help make the decision, and take the plastic pledge. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas 1. Straws Suck: Help your kids swap out the disposable straws … Continue reading 10 Ways to Beat Plastic Pollution!

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Where Are Europe’s Fairytale Forests?

ENVIRONMENT Dense clusters of old-growth forests exist in patches of the Amazon basin, Southeast Asia, and the Arctic taiga. Slivers of Europe are still luxuriant with trees, too, and very old ones at that. But they’re dwindling. (Atlas Obscura) What does Europe’s land cover look like? Use our map layer to find out. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources, including today’s … Continue reading Where Are Europe’s Fairytale Forests?

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