brain vs. left brain thinking approach- es, and even an in-depth analysis of the popular television show LOST. This is a very dense volume, and many readers may find the language and academic writing style a bit hard to digest. The core ideas in the book are expressed most clearly and accessibly in the later chapters, so if readers can persevere through the end, they will be rewarded with challenging perspec- tives on creatively rethinking media education methods through the prism of sustainability and permaculture. – (JK)
Peter Lang Publishing, 2008, ISBN 978-0- 8204-9707-5 (pb), 178 pp., US$32.95 from Peter Lang Publishing, 275 Seventh Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY, 10001, .
Water
Inspectors If you are a classroom teacher looking for hands-on, inquiry-based, water-related activities, Water Inspectors:
Examining H2 O is the resource for
you. Best suited for students in grades 4-8, the easy-to-follow activities address topics such as water density, salinity, hardness, temperature and aquatic life. Each activity is designed in laboratory format and includes data sheets for students. In this practical volume, most activities make use of everyday household materials such as glue, paper, soap, or food coloring, and can be altered for various sized groups ranging from one student to groups of 4-6. The book includes a total of nine labs and is also available in Spanish. – (EJ)
University of California Division of Agricul- ture and Natural Resources, 2001, Publica- tion 21609 (pb), no ISBN, 46 pp., US$8.50 from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Communication Services, (800) 994-8849, .
Crapshoot Subtitled “The Gamble with Our Wastes” Jeff McKay’s documentary offers a clear and powerful message. Whether we are indifferent or ill- informed, the billions of liters of water and waste that are flushed into sewers each day are putting public safety at risk. McKay interviews engineers,
concerned citizens, and activists who maintain that the continued use of sewer systems to dispose of household and industrial waste
will have disastrous consequences. The flushed concoction of chemicals, solvents, heavy metals, food and human waste is resurfacing in the food chain of every living organism on Earth. Filmed in five countries, including Canada and the United States, McKay shows examples of untreated waste being dumped into oceans, and par- tially treated waste being dumped into waterways or collected as sludge and spread on farmland as fertilizer. A few alternatives to the present system of sewer disposal are suggested. Recommended for ages 14 and above, and highly recommended to teachers and youth leaders. – (BM)
National Film Board of Canada, 2003, 53-minute DVD, C$19.95 (home use)/$59.95 (institutional use), (800) 267- 7710, .
Crude Impact Crude Impact is an award-winning documentary showing how oil extrac- tion affects individuals, indigenous peoples, nations and the planet. We hear from people directly affected by oil industry pollution, but also from one scientist who believes that fossil fuels are here to stay. The film shows the
impact of oil on the foreign policies of many nations, and the environmental damage it has caused. With peak oil — the point at which oil production begins to irreversibly decline — as a backdrop, additional interviews reveal the urgent need for positive change. Four solutions are proposed to limit our need for oil: bringing population into balance with the planet’s resources and other species through educating and empowering women; reducing energy consumption; promoting organic farm- ing; and making our voices heard with politicians. Supported by a website that includes further interview content
GREEN TEACHER 89
and stories of hope as well as ways to get involved, this documentary is a must-see for all high school-aged youth and adults. – (PM)
Vista Clara Films, 2006, no ISBN, 200-min- ute DVD, US$24.49 (1-20 copies)/US$12.25 (20+ copies), from Vista Clara Films, .
Good Earth Art Good Earth Art is a wonderful resource for teachers wishing to incorporate art and nature into the curriculum or for parents looking for nature themed art projects for their children. Written by MaryAnn Kohl and Cindy Gainer, this book includes over 200 hands-on
activities that can be completed indoors or out. Recommended for children ages 4-8, most activities use recycled materials like egg cartons, paper or items easily collected out- doors such as leaves, twigs or sand. Activities are divided into categories such as drawing and painting, sculp- ture and mobiles, and weaving and crafts. A resource guide at the back tells readers where to find free materials and lists of environmental organizations for further information. From Dried Bean Pictures to Six Pack Ring Weaving, the projects in this resource are a great way to introduce nature or art to young students. Teens and adults will enjoy many of them too. – (EJ)
Bright Ring Publishing, 1991, ISBN 0-935607-01-3 (pb), 223 pp., US$18.95 from Independent Publishers Group, (800) 888-4741, .
How We Know Our Climate
is Changing With colorful and interesting graphics, charts, photographs and concise, scientific explanations, How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate is an excellent resource. Written by
Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch, the book helps students and educators to better understand climate change and its scientific evidence. It illustrates
Page 47
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52