For background reading on biodiversity and ecosystems, see...
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Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Here is a list of recommended resources for teaching and learning about biodiversity and ecosystems, including topics such as invasive species, conservation, and life cycles. Below each resource you will find links to related Facing the Future lessons. View the criteria used to select these resources.
High School Resources
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Life Out of Bounds: Bioinvasion in a Borderless World
Chris Bright
In this 224-page book Worldwatch Institute researcher Chris Bright explains why conservation biologists are raising the alarm about a global threat to biodiversity that is unfolding largely unnoticed — bioinvasion, the spread of alien, "exotic" organisms.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 0393318141 | $
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Rising Waters: Global Warming and the Fate of the Pacific Islands
Andrea Torrice
This 57-minute video details the personal stories of Pacific Islanders in Kiribati, the Samoas, the atolls of Micronesia, and Hawaii, as well as researchers in the continental United States, putting a human face on the international climate change debate.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | ISBN 1594582785 | $
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The Gaia Foundation
The Gaia Foundation works to protect and enhance biological and cultural diversity by partnering with organizations who promote ecological governance. On their website you will find links to books, articles, and podcasts about community ecological governance.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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World Conservation Monitoring Centre
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
On this website you will find information about a variety of UN programs, research, facts, and findings revolving around environmental issues. This website also gives access to an array of UNEP annual reports, atlases, newsletters, and e-books.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Middle School Resources
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Biodiversity
Dorothy Hinshaw Patent and William Allen Munoz
This 112-page photo essay illustrates what biodiversity is and why our survival depends on the interdependence of the many life forms on Earth.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 0618315144 | $
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The Future of Life
E.O. Wilson
In this 256-page book, E.O. Wilson argues that the integrity and diversity of the planet are under grave threat and outlines a strategy for protecting most of the world's remaining ecosystems and species.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 0679450785 | $
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Biodiversity: The Variety of Life
Dal Neitzel
This 42-minute video uses maps, diagrams, and examples to present key insights into preserving the balance of our dynamic ecosystems.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | ISBN 1594583668 | $
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Natural Connections
Sharon Howard and Michael Rosen
This 57-minute video features interviews with scientists that stress the importance of maintaining biodiversity if we want to survive and thrive as as a species on our home planet.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Video | ISBN 1594584532 | $
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Conservation International
Conservation International's mission is to conserve the Earth's living heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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The Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention on Biological Diversity is an agreement that was adopted by the majority of the world's governments at the 1992 Earth Summit.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Website | Free
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Elementary School Resources
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The Empty Lot
Dale H Fife
In this 32-page book, Harry Hale owns a vacant lot he hasn't visited for years. "What good is an empty lot?" he thinks, and he makes up his mind to sell it. But when Harry visits his lot to decide on a price, he's surprised to find that it's far from empty. In fact, his little patch of land is bursting with life.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 9780871568595 | $
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Once a Mouse
Marcia Brown
Marcia Brown retells this "mirror for princes" Indian fable from the Hitopadesa in a 32-page book that is illustrated in woodcuts of exceptional quality.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 9780689713439 | $
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A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History
Lynne Cherry
Based on a true story, this 40-page illustrated book details the life cycle of a river from the time of settlement, over 7,000 years ago, through pollution, and finally successful efforts to restore the river.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 0152163727 | $
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Salmon Stream
Carol Reed-Jones
In this 32-page book the reader follows the life cycle of salmon as they hatch from eggs in a stream, swim into the wide ocean, and eventually make a hazardous journey home to their stream of origin.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 1584690135 | $
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This Land is Your Land
Woody Guthrie and Kathy Jakobsen
This 32-page book features the complete lyrics and musical notation to the anthem "This Land Is Your Land." It is illustrated by folk art-style paintings.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 9780316065641 | $
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Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobab
Barbara Bash
This 32-page picture book, illustrated with water colors, explores the life cycle of the Baobab tree in the African Savannah, introducing readers to the rich array of species that depend on the tree.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Book | ISBN 9781578050864 | $
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The Wombat
Foundation for Global Community
This 60-second video reveals information about ecosystems and interdependence on Earth aimed at primary students.
Links to resources containing related Facing the Future lessons:
Online Video | Free
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Please contact us if you would like to suggest a resource or comment on any of these resources.
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