Educator Spotlight: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Blade Shepherd-Jones led students through a hands-on study of the hazards of marine debris. Students explored the effects of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch on the marine animals native to the Hawaiian islands and their beachfront community. Their study culminated in student-led nature clean-ups, after which students made sculptures from debris depicting animals affected by marine pollution. Continue reading Educator Spotlight: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Oil Spill Devastates Western Colombia

ENVIRONMENT At the beginning of March, an oil well in northern Colombia burst, spewing an unclear amount of oil into the Magdalena River. (National Geographic) Use our resources to learn more about oil spills and their impact on ecosystems and human activity. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Hundreds of barrels of petroleum have spilled … Continue reading Oil Spill Devastates Western Colombia

Why is the Oil Spill in the East China Sea Frustrating Scientists?

ENVIRONMENT The biggest oil tanker spill in more than 25 years has released huge amounts of an unusual type of petroleum to the Western Pacific. (Nature) Learn more about oil spills and their impact on the environment with our collection of activities, maps, and other resources. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas On January 6, … Continue reading Why is the Oil Spill in the East China Sea Frustrating Scientists?

Just 10 Rivers Contribute Up to 95% of River-Based Ocean Pollution

ENVIRONMENT Just 10 rivers may be responsible for dumping almost four million tonnes of plastic into the ocean every year. (Cosmos) Use our activity to help students trace the sources and impacts of marine debris. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s great MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas Before reading the Cosmos article, read through our … Continue reading Just 10 Rivers Contribute Up to 95% of River-Based Ocean Pollution

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?