Tag: industry

Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Sand Mining Threatens Ecosystems and Endangered Species

ENVIRONMENT Across Asia, rampant extraction of sand is eroding coastlines and scouring waterways. San mining is taking a toll that scientists are beginning to assess—and environmentalists hope to reduce. (Science) How do miners “quarry” sand? Use our resource to learn more. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Sand mining is a multi-billion dollar industry, practiced … Continue reading Sand Mining Threatens Ecosystems and Endangered Species

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Why Is This Dog Blue?

ENVIRONMENT While the dogs are reportedly fine, their appearance prompts a number of questions, chief among them—how did a bunch of dogs turn bright blue? (Nat Geo News) What is turning Mumbai’s dogs blue? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Why are dogs in the Taloja neighborhood of Mumbai, India, blue? Consult the Nat Geo … Continue reading Why Is This Dog Blue?

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Brownfield Blooms

ENVIRONMENT Industrial wastelands sound like grim places but many of them are refuges for fascinating plants. (Guardian) Exotic flowers thrive in nutrient-poor soils, but what are nutrients? Use our resources to find out. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The super-short Guardian article offers some encouraging news about the ecology of brownfields. What are brownfields? … Continue reading Brownfield Blooms

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Current Event Connection, Geography Awareness Week, Geography In the News, Main

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?

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Current Event Connection, Main

Will 3D Printers Bring 3k Lawsuits?

BUSINESS 3D printing technology “will do for physical objects what MP3 files did for music,” says an upcoming legal article. Industries from medical-device makers to auto manufacturers will have to respond. (New York Times) Use our resources to better understand intellectual property, counterfeiting, and piracy. Discussion Ideas One legal expert quoted in the NY Times article says 3D printing technology “will do for physical objects … Continue reading Will 3D Printers Bring 3k Lawsuits?

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