Students research the ways that humans impact coral reef ecology and identify some of the organisms that live in coral reef habitats. They will write a narrative essay as if they are one of these organisms and discuss how they are affected by human activities such as over-fishing, habitat destruction, pollution, etc.

Students analyze a map to identify and describe multiple landscapes in the Amazon rain forest, the organisms that inhabit those landscapes, and the role of the forest in the water cycle and nutrient cycle. Then they construct a scientific argument for the effects of deforestation on the local ecosystem and the water and nutrient cycles.

In this WebQuest students will research the natural history and biological diversity of the Mono Basin, an environment directly affected by the needs of humans. They will explore the unique environment of Mono Lake, the extreme forms of life inhabiting the area, the role of Mono Lake in the search for extraterrestrial life, and the impact humans have made on the area. In the end, they will be faced with a very tough decision: Are humans justified in taking water- the very life- from the Mono Basin to satisfy their needs?

Students will analyze a real-world environmental case of building a road through the Amazon rain forest. They will explore the geographical, cultural, and environmental context of building the road, identify the stakeholders and their role and impact, and map out the intended and unintended consequences from the decision that they make.

In this lesson, students participate in a group discussion that defines urban forest management and how different situations require different management. Students then learn about the impact of biodiversity on an urban forest using a map-reading and data-manipulation exercise. Students learn about potential management problems caused by invasive species and plot where exotic species come from on a world map. Finally, students present their opinions to the class in a group presentation, explaining if and how the problems of urban forests are problems in rural forests.

Students explore the Everglades ecosystem using the Internet, to develop an understanding about conservation of resources in the context of the Everglades, to explore relationships between species and habitats, and to develop an understanding of how human beings have altered the equilibrium in the Everglades.

In this lesson, students explore man's relationship to the wolf, particularly as related to ecological issues, and reflected in photography. Students will write a response to demonstrate their understanding of the topic.

Students geolocate marine ecosystems. They watch videos, make observations about species, populations, and communities of organisms, and discuss how they interact with and depend upon one another for survival.

Students use videos and a mapping tool to identify species, populations, and communities of marine organisms and make observations about how they are impacted by anthropogenic disturbances.

Students compare and contrast two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by evaluating case studies. Then they learn how the MPA classification system works in the United States and apply that system to the MPA case studies.

In this lesson, students explore Marine Protected Areas on an interactive map and compare and contrast three case studies. They learn how the MPA classification system workd in the United States, apply that system to example scenarios, and create case studies of their own.

Students read a case study and debate the pros and cons of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the region. Then they select a MPA and develop and present a management plan for it.

Investigate marine debris, the role of ocean gyres, and how humans impact trash accumulation.

This module focuses on the population of mountain gorillas living in the central highland area of Africa. The module looks at human activity around the gorilla habitat and how that activity is threatening the survival of the remaining gorillas.

This article discusses how the rise in population and urbanization in Pakistan has contributed to shortages in what the rivers can provide.

This interactive helps students understand the role of biodiversity in different regions of the U.S., and how invasive species impact native populations.

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During this extended unit, students will explore environmental sustainability from a number of different perspectives. They will dive deep into global policies regarding the environment, specifically the dedication of different countries to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Students will review and discuss specific case studies, offering their opinion of certain practices and policies. As a summative assessment, students will create a “Call to Action” project, with the intent of raising awareness and instigating action on environmental sustainability. This unit includes language (objectives, vocabulary, and lesson modifications) that will help the teacher meet the needs of ELL students. These strategies may be helpful for other students, as well.

This multimedia resource, part of the NC Science Now series, describes how United States Forest Service scientists are trying to save the Carolina and Eastern Hemlock trees from the invasive wooly adelgid. They are doing research on an integrated pest management strategy, combining spot treatment with pesticides and the release of a predator beetle Laricobius nigrinus, in the hopes that the life of the trees can be prolonged. Components of this resource include a video and a related blog article. Links to these components are provided on the page under the heading "UNC-TV Media."

This video highlights the life cycle of salmon. As they swim upstream, they are impacted by predators and hydropower.