ENVIRONMENT In the Swiss Alps, efforts to stop glacial melting have become commonplace. Each year, for example, a group of residents makes its way to the Rhône Glacier to cover up the ice in huge white blankets. (Smithsonian) Adapt our activity to learn more about how light-colored surfaces have a cooling effect on Earth. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in … Continue reading Switzerland Protects the Alps with a Blanket
ENVIRONMENT New research shows a trend of vultures avoiding Portugal in favor of Spain, and human activity is likely to blame. (BBC) How else are vultures adapting their species ranges? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Portugal is a nice place! Why are vultures avoiding it? Read through the short BBC article for some help. … Continue reading Why Vultures Avoid Portugal
ENVIRONMENT Tiny pieces of plastics are turning up in the feces of seals that feed on whole fish, demonstrating how seaborne contamination can move up the food chain. (Seeker) Use our inquiry-based activity to help guide student discussion about human impact on ocean animals. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research documents the presence … Continue reading Seal Scat, Plastic Pollution
ENVIRONMENT Across Asia, rampant extraction of sand is eroding coastlines and scouring waterways. San mining is taking a toll that scientists are beginning to assess—and environmentalists hope to reduce. (Science) How do miners “quarry” sand? Use our resource to learn more. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Sand mining is a multi-billion dollar industry, practiced … Continue reading Sand Mining Threatens Ecosystems and Endangered Species
ENVIRONMENT Using satellite data and machine learning, scientists have mapped activity in fisheries around the world. (National Geographic) Use our activity on “Fisheries and Seafood Consumption” to help make sense of the new mapping data. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research maps the footprint of industrial fishing in the world ocean. What … Continue reading Tracking the Footprints of Global Fisheries
