Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Forests

Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Forests module uses forest related examples to help students better understand the complexity of environmental issues. Students examine issues objectively, collect and analyze data, and become involved in decision making experiences. They learn how to present arguments clearly and how citizens can play a role in forest management decisions.

Here's what's inside:

• Introduction

• Background Information – Forests: Issues and Answers

• Student Activities - Overviews and resources for the activities can be viewed by clicking on one of the following activity titles:
  
  1. What's a Forest to You?
  2. Case Study: Old Growth Forests
  3. Tough Choices
  4. Who Owns America's Forests?
  5. Balancing America's Forests
  6. Squirrels vs. Scopes
  7. Words to Live By
  8. Take Action!

• Appendices:
  
  1. Bibliography
  2. Glossary
  3. A History of Forest Legislation
  4. Old Growth Articles and References
  5. Forest Facts and Figures
  6. PLT Mission, Goals, and Methods
  7. PLT Conceptual Framework

  Find a Focus on Forest workshop near you.

Resources

Earth & Sky
The following activities can be supplemented with related Earth & Sky radio shows that you can download for use in your classroom.
       Activity 1: What’s a Forest to You?
       Activity 2: Old-Growth Forests 
       Activity 3: Tough Choices
       Activity 4: Who Owns America’s Forests?
       Activity 5: Balancing America’s Forests
       Activity 6: Squirrels vs. Scopes
       Activity 7: Words to Live By
       Activity 8: Take Action!

Use of Giant African Land Snails in Classrooms

State Specific Resources
Article on Galveston, TX development plans. Critics say the plans are dangerous because homes and hotels are being built on a ridge that some say protects the island