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.

This Science Update looks at the unexpected impact marine reserves have on their surroundings. The original update is an audio file, but a transcript of the update is also provided on the page. Supplemental resources, including a background essay and discussion questions, are also provided.

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.

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.

Students will investigate photosynthesis and respiration in plants. They will also apply their knowledge about these processes to the issue of deforestation in tropical forests.

In this activity, students will compare immigration statistics with the arrival of invasive species to understand how and why invasive plants came to America.

This activity guides students through a process that uses the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework inquiry arc. Students identify and research compelling and supporting questions, leading them to develop explanations and arguments and, ultimately, to take action on issues related to preservation of species.

This comprehensive online resource discusses how an ecosystem is affected and begins recovery from an major oil spill. The Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska's Prince William Sound is highlighted as an example.

Students learn how a growing demand for natural resources threatens habitats and wildlife. They select an issue to focus on and develop a list of actions people could take to reduce or reverse the problem.

Students discuss "who owns the ocean" and work in small groups to explore ocean use questions. Then they watch videos and discuss concepts related to the creation and designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

In this lesson, students explore questions related to wolf populations. Do the ecological relationships of predator and prey populations, specifically gray wolf and elk, warrant a return to hunting of the gray wolf? What are the economic issues surrounding the hunting of wolves, such as effect on ranchers, hunters, and eco-tourism? Can humans and wolf populations co-exist?

In this lesson, students read an article that discusses the physical states of rivers around the globe and work that is ongoing to protect the rivers. Students will research one of the rivers discussed in the article and then participate in a class discussion. Then, they will write a response to demonstrate their understanding of the topic.

This multimedia resource, part of the NC Science Now series, describes how new research is showing how oyster reefs can grow at a rate that would out-pace projected sea level rise, offering a new way to protect shorelines from erosion as well as create fish habitat, clean the water, and provide tasty treats for people to eat. 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." Discussion questions are also provided.

In this video, scientists and resource managers speak about balancing the need to manage the Mississippi River Delta for flood control and navigation with the need to maintain a healthy delta ecosystem.

Students consider a novel approach to conservation biology in which the goal is not to preserve a particular organism or even a habitat, but to actively promote the reestablishment of the late Pleistocent environment. Once introduced to the topic, students will take on the role of a conservation biology advisory group and conduct research to gather more information and assess the overall impact of re-wilding, including environmental, social, and economic concerns. At the conclusion of the lesson, students will present their recommendation to reintroduce the organism or not.

In this video, students learn how the Tijuana estuary stands as the last barrier between the Pacific Ocean and pollution. Its mix of plants and silt acts as a filter that purifies inland rain and floodwaters before they reach the ocean.