This includes materials to be used for a General Biology II course (or Introduction to Biology II course) for non-science majors.
This article from the free online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle provides appropriate science lessons for Grades K-5. The focus is on acquainting young learners with climate-change concepts that are not too complex for their grade level and will not frighten them. In each issue, the magazine develops articles around one of the seven essential principles of climate science. The author believes early lessons about water availability and extreme weather events will prepare students for complex climate concepts they will encounter in later grades.
Dr. Richard Field research interests lie in conservation, biodiversity and the forces that structure ecological communities.
In this podcast, Dr Field from the School of Geography compares and contrasts his experiences as a researcher in national parks in Honduras and Indonesia, and the different types of ecological communities he has studied, and goes on to introduce the emerging field of conservation bio-geography.
Dr. Richard Field research interests lie in conservation, biodiversity and the forces that structure ecological communities.
In this podcast, Dr Field from the School of Geography compares and contrasts his experiences as a researcher in national parks in Honduras and Indonesia, and the different types of ecological communities he has studied, and goes on to introduce the emerging field of conservation bio-geography.
Different approaches to conservation and how they can protect species and habitats. Video by California Academy of Sciences. Created by California Academy of Sciences.
This book fosters the recognition of options for making progress toward increased environmental conservation through an understanding of the underlying science and practice of a variety of conservation techniques. Today, there are expected benefits from integrated science and practice, and many people are promoting this as the way forward to improve our environment. Over time, trends emerge regarding the best way to conserve the environment, but so far an outstanding solution has not emerged. Each conservation technique has its foundational concepts, limitations, and implementation issues. Reviewing a collection of techniques provides a basis for considering which approach will be best for any specific environmental challenge. This book should advance the recognition of the challenges managing the environment, techniques that can be used to address the challenges, and the ways they might help foster the integration of science and the practice of ecological conservation.
This lesson allows students the opporutunity to learn through hands-on investigation how to help our water sources one small change at a time. Journey with Pollution Paul and Conservation in a fun interactive story, then have fun working through the lab simulation. Don't forget to learn all about Algal Blooms with the informational Document. Aligned to Utah State SeeD Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Although this was created for the elementary age level, it can easily be adapted to middle school and even high school.
Students explore the science of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) by using a molecular modeling set to model the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration—building on the concept of MFCs that they learned in the associated lesson, “Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration at the Atomic Level.” Students demonstrate the law of conservation of matter by counting atoms in the molecular modeling set. They also re-engineer a new molecular model from which to further gain an understanding of these concepts.
Current Challenges in Biodiversity and Conservation, Volume 1 is the third book created by undergraduate students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts (USA). The series examines the causes and consequences of global biodiversity loss and species extinction.What's new? This open text format promotes the adaptation of materials. After all, biodiversity loss and conservation efforts are rapidly changing, and this information must be updated to stay relevant and accessible.Citation: Bakermans, M.H., L. Hanly, and W. San Martín, Eds. 2023. Current Challenges in Biodiversity and Conservation, Volume 1. Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA. https://doi.org/10.55900/n3bqx5fpThis book is licensed CC BY-NC 4.0..
Follow Simon, Anita and Dennis as they join Hannah, a local scientist, in making new discoveries at Willow Creek.
This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:
"Biodiversity keeps our planet stable. Each species, no matter how small, plays an important role in this global balancing act. That’s why the current pace of biodiversity loss is so alarming. Unfortunately, slowing that pace is extremely difficult. Scientists must first take on the virtually impossible task of measuring the richness and variety of all life on earth—the tools for which are prone to error. Now, researchers have applied a technique that promises estimates that more closely reflect true biodiversity. Proven insightful for stony coral species found throughout the world, the approach could potentially be extended to other animals and plants. Researchers typically use two types of methods to measure biodiversity: by consulting occurrence datasets, which describe points where species have been physically counted, or by combining maps describing geographical ranges where a species is predicted to occur. Each has its own drawbacks. Occurrence datasets tend to be incomplete..."
The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.
Throughout this unit students will be able to gain an understanding of the importance of protecting the environment. This will be done through a series of mini projects that will focus on the various facets of the environment from a variety of lenses. This unit will change the focus from the personal level to a more global level.
Throughout this unit students will be able to gain an understanding of the importance of protecting the environment. This will be done through a series of mini projects that will focus on the various facets of the environment from a variety of lenses. This unit will change the focus from the personal level to a more global level.
This list of carefully selected books for grades K-5 highlights nonfiction about climate proxies, those preserved physical characteristics, such as fossils, that scientists use to reconstruct past climates. Also highlighted are a few books that provide information about two past climatic events -- the last ice age and the Dust Bowl. In each issue of the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle, the virtual bookshelf recommends books that accurately portray the theme drawn from the principles of climate sciences.
This video resource is presented as a real-world application of chemistry in the field of archaeology. Conservator, Nichole Doub, walks through the process of electrolytic reduction and how it is used to conserve archaeologically recovered artifacts. Use to support Maryland/NGSS for grades 5, MS, and HS. For 5-PS1-1, pair with the Exploratorium's "Copper Caper" activity for a similar reaction which can be conducted safely in the classroom--have students watch the video and discuss why the spoon formed tarnish and why the tarnish was not visible as particles moved from the spoon to the sacrificial anode. For MS-PS1-1, pair with the Exploratorium's "Indicating Electrolysis" activity and have the students explain the charges of oxygen/hydrogen and compare/contrast those with the silver and sulfur in the tarnish. Have students research silver sulfide (the usual tarnish found on silver artifacts) and model a single molecule of it before and after electrolysis. For HS-PS1-1 have students research silver sulfide and model a molecule of it prior to watching the video and predict what will happen when the positive or negative charges change. For HS-PS2-6, have students postulate why, historically, coins were made from silver and gold (with reference to their chemical reactions), then have students design a coin and specify a different metal to make it out of, explaining why the atomic properties of that metal make it appropriate for use in currency. If you evaluate or use this resource, consider responding to this short (4 question) survey at bit.ly/3G0bNqy
Use this board game to introduce the concepts of energy use in our lives and the very real impact that personal choices can have on our energy consumption, energy bills and fuel supply. The game begins as students select cards that define their modes of transportation and home design. The players roll dice and move around the board, landing on "choice" or "situation" blocks and selecting cards that describe consumer choices and real-life events that impact their energy consumption and annual energy bills. As the players pass gasoline stations or energy bill gates, they must pay annual expenses as defined by their original cards, with amounts altered by the choices they've made along the way. Gasoline cards are collected to represent total consumption. Too many gas-guzzling vehicles can result in total depletion of their gasoline supply – at which point everyone must walk or ride the bus. At the end of the game, the players count their remaining dollars to determine the winner. Discussion questions probe the students to interpret what choices they made and which situations they encountered had the most impact on their energy consumption and energy bills. All game board, card and money files are available online free of charge.
Students are introduced to the idea that energy use impacts the environment and our wallets. They discuss different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, as well as the impacts of energy consumption. Through a series of activities, students understand how they use energy and how it is transformed from one type to another. They learn innovative ways engineers conserve energy and how energy can be conserved in their homes.
The students participate in many demonstrations during the first day of this lesson to learn basic concepts related to the forms and states of energy. This knowledge is then applied the second day as they assess various everyday objects to determine what forms of energy are transformed to accomplish the object's intended task. The students use block diagrams to illustrate the form and state of energy flowing into and out of the process.
Data sets and graphs on energy production, use, dependency, and efficiency are compiled through following key World Development Indicators.
The Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners (NCEP) produces peer-reviewed teaching resources summarizing topics on conservation biology. Each module contains a synthesis document outlining the main concepts of a subject, a modifiable visual presentation, classroom exercises and solutions, teaching notes, and interdisciplinary case studies. For more information please visit where all NCEP modules are available free of charge.