Rainforest CLASSROOM
7.3K views | +3 today
Follow
 
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
onto Rainforest CLASSROOM
May 12, 2023 9:46 AM
Scoop.it!

Teaching Science Through Picture Books: A Rainforest Lesson | Read Write Think

Teaching Science Through Picture Books: A Rainforest Lesson | Read Write Think | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
This lesson introduces third- through fifth-grade students to a study of the tropical rainforest. Prereading activities, which allow students to access and build upon prior knowledge, include listening to sound effects of the rainforest, writing, and drawing.
The Morpho Institute's insight:

Check out this rainforest lesson for grades 3-5!  It has prereading activities, which allow students to access and build upon prior knowledge, include listening to sound effects of the rainforest, writing, and drawing. During reading, students use simple note-taking strategies, vary the reading structures, find patterns in text structure, and learn vocabulary in context. During postreading activities, students demonstrate synthesis of the text by writing efferent and affective responses to the text. As an extension to this lesson, students generate a list of questions to be pursued in small group research on the Internet.

No comment yet.
Rainforest CLASSROOM
Inspire your students with the instrucational resources.
Your new post is loading...
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
August 26, 2023 12:20 PM
Scoop.it!

25 Environmental Books by Black Authors You Need On Your Reading List | GreenLearning

25 Environmental Books by Black Authors You Need On Your Reading List | GreenLearning | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
GreenLearning has put together a list of books we’ve read or have on our to-read lists that touch on the environment and are written by Black authors.
The Morpho Institute's insight:
Representation matters. Do you have these in your classroom?
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
March 13, 9:38 PM
Scoop.it!

Nature Journaling Educator Program —

Nature Journaling Educator Program — | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
The Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Educator Program provides a supportive, nurturing community where you can gain the confidence, skills, and mentoring you need to share your love of nature journaling with others.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
February 28, 2:14 PM
Scoop.it!

Climate Change: Just Talk About It!

Climate Change: Just Talk About It! | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
By Karen Schedler
What is the best thing each of us can do about climate change? When asked this question, internationally acclaimed climate scientist Dr. Katherine Hayhoe (a Canadian now teaching at Texas Tech University) tells us, “Just talk about it!”  So, what is keeping us from teaching this critical concept within our classrooms?



In May 2023, Yale Climate Connections published results of an NAAEE survey indicating that teachers embrace the idea of teaching climate change; however, they do not feel adequately prepared to teach this topic and may be concerned about pushback from parents [1]. This is not surprising. An earlier NSTA survey summarized their dilemma this way:  “Teachers are facing pressure to not only eliminate or de-emphasize climate change science, but also to introduce non-scientific ideas in science classrooms.” [2]

For those of us in the USA, we have additional support for infusing this topic into classrooms. A 2019 NPR/IPSOS poll reported significant support for teaching this in schools: “More than 80% of parents in the U.S. support the teaching of climate change. And that support crosses political divides. Whether they have children or not, two-thirds of Republicans and 9 in 10 Democrats agree that the subject needs to be taught in school.” [3]

If you have not yet infused climate change into your curriculum, Green Teacher has a number of articles and webinars ready for use by educators at any level, whether within a formal or a nonformal educational setting. The following are just a sampling of nearly 50 resources addressing this topic - all ready and waiting to be used.

Essentials for Teaching Climate Change provides a simple-to-use overview of how to approach this topic at any grade level. Here you can find answers to commonly-asked questions:

What key messages motivate the public?
What are effective (and ineffective) strategies for addressing controversy?
What are some high-impact behaviors (beyond the 3R’s) students can employ to ‘fix’ this issue?

If you have been reluctant to teach climate change for any reason, this article is a solid place to begin your planning.

Is climate change good for us?  Designed for primary and middle-school students, this activity can easily be adapted for any audience. Students are asked to consider how changes in climate could affect them personally and to broaden their focus by looking at the big picture: how might these changes affect their community? Students complete a table indicating their ideas of what will happen if there are more or less rain and snow events, higher or lower temperatures, and more – all of which encourage students to employ critical thinking.

Where Does Our Food Come From?  introduces us to a topic that most people rarely consider. This gap in our knowledge of where and how our food is produced and how that contributes to climate change should come as no surprise: we are now an urban rather than an agrarian society, and our disconnect with the land produces a naivete that must be addressed if we are to live a lifestyle that minimizes our ecological footprint. Forbes reports that research from Europe (2021) indicates that more than a third—34%—of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions are generated by food systems. Where Does Our Food Come From? helps learners recognize how our food decisions ultimately impact global climate change via a multi-part lesson that can be adapted to any age or grade level while incorporating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities that address multiple subject area standards.

Climate Change and Regional Geography Middle school students will find an excellent correlation between science and social studies (geography) in this lesson as they apply the science behind climate change to their individual community. Encouraging students to look more closely at their immediate surroundings fosters a stronger sense of lace while also viewing the natural world through a more focused lens.  Once they learn to observe nature more closely, the natural systems and cycles begin to make more sense and can help motivate environmental stewardship.

Climate Change Despair and Empowerment Activity Sequence assists secondary students in pulling together what they know about climate change, sharing their anxieties for the future, understanding they are not alone in their concerns, and preparing them to take action to minimize their fears. Through guided exploration through these, students eventually develop a sense of empowerment that the future IS theirs. They CAN make a difference!

In addition to 31 articles about climate change, Green Teacher also has a library of 16 webinars. The following three address the issue of energy, which is the driving force behind our changing climate.

Webinar #1 – A simple model for teaching the energy transition” (October 2021) explores a simple model for teaching about the current energy transition and the changes we will experience by 2030.
Webinar #2 – Teaching about contrasting energy solutions (November 2021) addresses how future electricity systems of North America could be critically important to economic success and provides a structure to better understand challenges and opportunities we face in transitioning off fossil fuels to power our grids.
Webinar #3 – How do our current needs fit into the transition? (November 2021) investigates how we can transition into a low-carbon future while addressing a plethora of challenges to such a massive transition away from fossil fuels and fostering the opportunities such a transition will present.

I urge those of you in the USA to watch for the revised NASA climate change framework for educators [4] is currently being updated and is expected to be released by the end of 2023. It will be an easy way to correlate your academic standards with the objectives identified as leading to climate change literacy.

 

Karen Schedler’s love of the natural world led her into environmental education, where she worked in education programs at The Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the Center for Teacher Success. She now consults as Natural Teacher LLC, serves as a certified Master Naturalist, and is a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University.  She considers working on climate change to be her most urgent work.

 

 

Endnotes

1  “Most teachers support teaching students about climate change, survey finds”, https://yaleclimateconnections.org/

2   NESTA 2011; Branch 2013; Branch, Rosenau, and Berbeco 2016

3  “Most Teachers Don't Teach Climate Change; 4 In 5 Parents Wish They Did” https://www.npr.org/2019/04/22/714262267/most-teachers-dont-teach-climate-change-4-in-5-parents-wish-they-did)

4   NASA climate change framework (under revision at the time of this posting) https://www.climate.gov/teaching/climate)
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
February 15, 7:24 AM
Scoop.it!

Critical transitions in the Amazon forest system

Critical transitions in the Amazon forest system | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
The possibility that the Amazon forest system could soon reach a tipping point, inducing large-scale collapse, has raised global concern1–3. For 65 million years, Amazonian forests remained relatively resilient to climatic variability. Now, the region is increasingly exposed to unprecedented stress from warming temperatures, extreme droughts, deforestation and fires, even in central and remote parts of the system1. Long existing feedbacks between the forest and environmental conditions are being replaced by novel feedbacks that modify ecosystem resilience, increasing the risk of critical transition. Here we analyse existing evidence for five major drivers of water stress on Amazonian forests, as well as potential critical thresholds of those drivers that, if crossed, could trigger local, regional or even biome-wide forest collapse. By combining spatial information on various disturbances, we estimate that by 2050, 10% to 47% of Amazonian forests will be exposed to compounding disturbances that may trigger unexpected ecosystem transitions and potentially exacerbate regional climate change. Using examples of disturbed forests across the Amazon, we identify the three most plausible ecosystem trajectories, involving different feedbacks and environmental conditions. We discuss how the inherent complexity of the Amazon adds uncertainty about future dynamics, but also reveals opportunities for action. Keeping the Amazon forest resilient in the Anthropocene will depend on a combination of local efforts to end deforestation and degradation and to expand restoration, with global efforts to stop greenhouse gas emissions. Analyses of drivers of water stress are used to predict likely trajectories of the Amazon forest system and suggests potential actions that could prevent system collapse.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
January 29, 9:06 AM
Scoop.it!

Use These Engaging Amazon Activities to Deepen Student Learning –

Use These Engaging Amazon Activities to Deepen Student Learning – | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
Estimated to be twice the size of India and contain 10 percent of the world’s known species, the Amazon rainforest is a critically important ecosystem — but not just to the plants and animals that …
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
September 28, 2023 12:27 PM
Scoop.it!

21 Actions & 21 Resources for Indigenous Learning

21 Actions & 21 Resources for Indigenous Learning | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is October 9 and here's list of 21 actions and 21 Indigenous Learning Resources recommended by Indigenous advisors and partners as a way for you to deepen your understanding and undertake meaningful action.

The Morpho Institute's insight:

Great resources to jumpstart or deepen your learning and teaching! 

No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
September 21, 2023 12:44 PM
Scoop.it!

Amazon Research Initiative for Educators

Amazon Research Initiative for Educators | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it

Educators!  Take a deep dive into tropical ecology field research and biodiversity monitoring with the Morpho Institute!  Join research scientists and faculty to dig deep into how Amazon biodiversity responds to a changing world. During this field research crash course, you will monitor tropical biodiversity, design research questions and contribute to long-term Morpho Institute research initiatives. Be part of the team that defines the future of teacher research in the Amazon with the Morpho Institute!

The Morpho Institute's insight:

We are SO excited to launch this new program in the Peruvian Amazon!  Join us on a deep dive into tropical research with expert faculty and bring it all back to your classrooms!   Registration is open and space is limited.  Open to all K16 educators!  #scienceteacher #inquiry #fieldstudies #amazonrainforest #tropicalecology #teacherpd #teachertravel

No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
August 30, 2023 12:53 PM
Scoop.it!

River of Dust –

River of Dust – | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it

"I am dust,the dust of North Africa.I connect continents." A River of Dust takes readers on a journey through vibrantly illustrated landscapes, celebrating the power and wonder of Earth's ecosystems, and showing how these tiny particles are in fact key to the health of our planet. 

The Morpho Institute's insight:

NEW classroom resource! 

No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
June 8, 2023 7:45 AM
Scoop.it!

A Tool for Your Science Toolbox: Natural Inquirer

A Tool for Your Science Toolbox: Natural Inquirer | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
Natural Inquirer is a free science education journal written for middle through high school age students. Several PLT resources have been correlated to Natural Inquirer articles.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
May 3, 2023 10:48 AM
Scoop.it!

Resources

Resources | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY RESOURCE LIBRARY We develop all the materials  you need to put together your World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) program. Download fact sheets, adapt our press release, fi…
The Morpho Institute's insight:

May 13 is World Migratory Bird Day! These year's theme is Water. Check out these awesome multilingual resources and find an event near you!

-

-

-

#WMBD2023 #worldmigratorybirdday #birds #birder #natureclassroom

No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
April 25, 2023 3:20 PM
Scoop.it!

How glasswing butterflies make their wings transparent

How glasswing butterflies make their wings transparent | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
Close-up views of glasswing butterflies reveal the secrets behind the insect’s see-through wings: sparse, spindly scales and a waxy coating.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
April 15, 2023 11:34 AM
Scoop.it!

Earth Day activities to inspire your students and make a difference

Earth Day activities to inspire your students and make a difference | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
Use these activities to inspire your students to take action this Earth Day, and every day. Earth Day is more than learning about recycling - it's about taking action.
The Morpho Institute's insight:

This upcoming week is Earth Week, culminating in Earth Day on April 22!  All week, we'll be sharing interesting resources, fun activities, and innovative ways to bring to your classroom.  

 

Check out these cool activities from our friends over at @projectlearningtree ! 

-

-

-

#earthweek #earthday #teacherresources #classroom #plt #projectlearningtree #celebrateeartyh #savetheearth #conservation #conservationeducation #k12 #education #raisethemright #startthemyoung 

No comment yet.
Rescooped by The Morpho Institute from iGeneration - 21st Century Education (Pedagogy & Digital Innovation)
March 9, 2023 2:08 PM
Scoop.it!

Conservation and EcoSystems - free resources and interactives

Conservation and EcoSystems - free resources and interactives | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
Nature works everywhere, understanding how nature affects our lives every day. Forests, reefs, rivers, watersheds — all ecosystems impact human life.

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)
Lynette DeBoer's curator insight, August 1, 2013 9:12 AM

a bright colourful presentation that has some interesting interactive tasks for students about conservation

Scooped by The Morpho Institute
June 20, 8:12 AM
Scoop.it!

When in drought: Researchers map which parts of the Amazon are most vulnerable to climate change | University of Arizona News

When in drought: Researchers map which parts of the Amazon are most vulnerable to climate change | University of Arizona News | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
Some areas of the Amazon rainforest are more resilient to drought than others, new UArizona-led research shows. If not managed carefully, we could "threaten the integrity of the whole system," researchers say.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
March 3, 11:25 AM
Scoop.it!

[listen] The Awe-Inspiring, Absolutely Crucial Amazon - Stuff You Should Know Podcast

If you’ve ever thought, “What’s the Amazon rainforest ever done for me? Nothin, that’s what,” then you’re dead wrong, friend. It covers 1 percent of the Earth’s surface but houses perhaps 30 percent of its species and it’s invaluable to all life on Earth.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
February 15, 7:25 AM
Scoop.it!

A Collapse of the Amazon Could Be Coming ‘Faster Than We Thought’ - The New York Times

A Collapse of the Amazon Could Be Coming ‘Faster Than We Thought’ - The New York Times | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
A new study weighed a range of threats and variables in an effort to map out where the rainforest is most vulnerable.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
January 29, 9:59 AM
Scoop.it!

New Amazon species are discovered every other day

New Amazon species are discovered every other day | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
A new report highlights the discovery of hundreds of new species in the Amazon, the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
December 6, 2023 8:49 AM
Scoop.it!

Symbiotic Schoolyard

Symbiotic Schoolyard | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
Students take on the role of restoration ecologists to figure out how to increase the biodiversity of their own schoolyard. Through hands-on lessons they figure out that planting native plants restores a complex food web.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
September 25, 2023 11:44 AM
Scoop.it!

12 new climate change books for professors and teachers »

12 new climate change books for professors and teachers » | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
These books offer valuable guidance to educators at all levels, from universities to primary schools.
The Morpho Institute's insight:
[classroom connection] An excellent set of new books to improve & strengthen your climate change education initiatives. #climatechange #education #climatechangeeducation #nsta #nabt #naaee
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
September 14, 2023 2:57 PM
Scoop.it!

Teach climate change:  Resources from the Paleontological Research Institution

Teach climate change:  Resources from the Paleontological Research Institution | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
June 19, 2023 12:49 PM
Scoop.it!

The Nile is the world’s longest river? The Amazon would like a word.

The Nile is the world’s longest river? The Amazon would like a word. | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
A new expedition wants to set the record straight.
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
May 12, 2023 9:46 AM
Scoop.it!

Teaching Science Through Picture Books: A Rainforest Lesson | Read Write Think

Teaching Science Through Picture Books: A Rainforest Lesson | Read Write Think | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
This lesson introduces third- through fifth-grade students to a study of the tropical rainforest. Prereading activities, which allow students to access and build upon prior knowledge, include listening to sound effects of the rainforest, writing, and drawing.
The Morpho Institute's insight:

Check out this rainforest lesson for grades 3-5!  It has prereading activities, which allow students to access and build upon prior knowledge, include listening to sound effects of the rainforest, writing, and drawing. During reading, students use simple note-taking strategies, vary the reading structures, find patterns in text structure, and learn vocabulary in context. During postreading activities, students demonstrate synthesis of the text by writing efferent and affective responses to the text. As an extension to this lesson, students generate a list of questions to be pursued in small group research on the Internet.

No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
April 27, 2023 5:35 PM
Scoop.it!

Research-Backed Strategies to Engage Students on the Environment (Opinion)

Research-Backed Strategies to Engage Students on the Environment (Opinion) | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
Using photos in lessons can help kids understand challenging issues, explains a researcher.
The Morpho Institute's insight:
Helping kids grasp big ideas
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
April 18, 2023 5:26 PM
Scoop.it!

Free eBird Lessons –

Free eBird Lessons – | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
Download your free eBird lesson to get a taste of the eBird world! Meet standards, get kids outdoor and engage their inner scientist.
The Morpho Institute's insight:
Great resources from our friends at Cornell Lab K12 Education!
No comment yet.
Scooped by The Morpho Institute
March 22, 2023 1:04 PM
Scoop.it!

National Geographic Society World Water Map

National Geographic Society World Water Map | Rainforest CLASSROOM | Scoop.it
The World Water Map helps us understand where and why water gaps arise, how climate change might aggravate them—and even how they might be managed.
The Morpho Institute's insight:
Great teaching tool and a powerful way to bring #geography into your instruction. #worldwaterday #geoinquiry @natgeo
gaurav Gautam's comment, March 23, 2023 5:23 AM
hi sir