Environmental economists propose that the value of clean air, land, and water should count as part of the national bottom line for gross national product (GNP) considerations. Discusses the harmful effects of the present national accounting system that omits environmental costs and the efforts of environmental economists to produce an accounting…

Reports on a study of the knowledge of and values toward the natural environment of 70 primary-level teachers; 33 school administrators; 65 parents, and 135 third graders in Russia. Finds little ecological education at home. Concludes that developing attitudes of respect and protection for the environment must be the responsibility of the school.…

Explains instructions for creating an oil-spill simulation activity in which students are challenged to clean up the spill. (WRM)

This booklet is about the disposal of high-level nuclear waste in the United States with a particular focus on Yucca Mountain, Nevada as a repository site. Intended for readers who do not have a technical background, the booklet discusses why scientists and engineers think high-level nuclear waste may be disposed of safely underground. An…

During the 1986 Coastweek, a national event dedicated to improvement of the marine environment, a large beach cleanup was organized on the Texas coast. The goals of the cleanup were to create public awareness of the problems caused by marine debris, and to collect data on the types and quantities of debris found on the Texas coastline. The…

The post-World War II era is commonly described as the age of oil. Petroleum has fueled the industrialization process and has helped to raise living standards around the globe. At the same time, the current era has been referred to as the age of efficiency. Since 1973, it is estimated that the world saved far more energy through improved…

This document provides a review of the United States' progress in improving the condition of its environment and the management of its natural resources, as well as a global perspective with regard to this country's policies. The report is divided into two parts. The first five chapters describe and analyze a wide range of environmental conditions…

These Resource Papers have been developed as expository documents for the use of both the student and the instructor in undergraduate college geography courses at the introductory and advanced level. They are designed to supplement existing texts and to fill a gap between significant research in American geography and readily accessible materials.…

The ninth grade unit of the FICSS series (Focus on Inner City Social Studies -- see SO 008 271) studies the economic and political realities of the inner city. This document, the first unit of the 9th grade section, deals with the ecological crises involving pollution and its causes. Specific problems include air pollution, pesticides, herbicides,…

In times of severe social stress, social science is always plagued by the problem of its relevance. We are today involved in the most massive inward turning period in social science since World War II. We have to find answers to specific questions about such generalities as: (1) Who eats what? (2) What do we do with the "waste products"? (3) Who…

This curriculum guide was developed for use with public television's Nature series. The materials in the guide are designed to help students actively participate in the study and experience of nature. Students are encouraged to view the programs as naturalists would in order to gain a better understanding of animals, their habits and habitats, and…

This teaching unit is designed to present the Norwegian viewpoint on the importance of participation in the global community. Through its national policies and the efforts of countless citizens, modern Norway is making an urgent statement to the global community about the best course to follow for the planet's safe future. This resource guide…

Identifies metaphor as a powerful tool when utilized to facilitate concept formation pertaining to global ecological systems and universal concerns. Provides an illustration of how an instructional metaphor, spaceship earth, can be used in the classroom to help students create new meanings for abstract and complex ideas. (MCO)

Population revisionists are cited as people who do not believe that global population growth is a problem. This paper presents a small sampling of responses to revisionist books and articles, primarily focused on perceived technical problems in the revisionist position as identified by demography, economics, and hard science specialists. Includes…

Common household hazardous substances include cleansers, drain cleaners, automotive products, paints, solvents, and pesticides. This handbook was designed to serve as a resource for people frequently contacted by the public for information on household hazardous substances and wastes. Included in the handbook are: (1) an introduction to Michigan's…