Riverdeep Interactive Learning Your Path to Success™
  

My Account Login Password




Special Offers
Today’s Flyer
New User? Sign up today  |  Access My Subscriptions

Stories for Students – Environment

Sept. 23, 2002 The Powers of Energy
Do the numbers add up for the President's national energy policy? Your students can see one math professor's view in this article for the classroom. Related Riverdeep activities: Working with Powers, Calculating Simple Interest
Sept. 9, 2002 Along the Food Chain
It's a bug-eat-bug world. Learn more about the fragile importance of food chains in this article for the classroom. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs
June 24, 2002 Holding Back the River
What happens when you put a dam in a river's way? We visit the Colorado River and Glen Canyon Dam to find out. Related Riverdeep activity: Exploring Populations
June 18, 2002 Wildfires
This year's wildfire season has started aggressively with fierce blazes forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. Related Riverdeep activities: Energy Directions, Graphing Ordered Pairs, Health and the Respiratory System
June 3, 2002 A World on Thin Ice?
Icebergs the size of Rhode Island? Robins in the Arctic? Are these more signs of global warming?
Apr. 29, 2002 Building Better Tomatoes
This article is designed for teachers to use in the classroom. As biologists engineer tomatoes to taste good year-round, you can investigate GM foods with your students. Related Riverdeep activities: DNA and Replication, Genetic Engineering
Apr. 8, 2002 Wave Wattage
Out at sea, there is vast natural energy waiting to be harnessed. Find out about the science and math of wind and wave power in this article designed for teachers to use in the classroom. Related Riverdeep activities: Boyle's Law, Electric Power, Energy in the String
Mar. 25, 2002 Cow Power
Cow burps are fueling global warming. But it's not all bad news — methane from cows' manure could be used to generate electricity. This article is designed for teachers to use in the classroom.
Mar. 4, 2002 The Importance of Insects
This article is designed for teachers to use in the classroom. Without insects, life on Earth could not exist. We look at insects' eminent role in the ecosystem. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Population Growth Curve, Factors Affecting Population Growth, Carrying Capacity, Predator-Prey Relationships, Competition Between Two Species
Feb. 25, 2002 Bush Cool on Global Warming
President Bush has unveiled his global warming plan. Will voluntary incentives curb America's greenhouse gas emissions? This article is designed for teachers to use in the classroom.
Jan. 21, 2002 Too Many Deer?
Hunting makes for a controversial method of reigning in prosperous deer populations. With this article, designed for use in the classroom, teachers can discuss animal population management — the science and ethics — with their students. Related Riverdeep activities: Population Growth Curves, Factors Affecting Population Growth, Carrying Capacity, Predator-Prey Relationships
Dec. 17, 2001 Earth's Aliens
We still don't know of all the species that share our planet. How will we meet them? And what are they like? Related Riverdeep activities: Design an Animal, Percents
Dec. 10, 2001 Underground Wonders
Caves tell a fascinating geological story — and they're home to troglobites. Related Riverdeep activities: Properties of Acids and Bases, An Overview of Photosynthesis, Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs
Nov. 19, 2001 Computers for Africa
An innovative project is saving old computers from the trash heap — and sending them to schools in South Africa.
Nov. 12, 2001 Reefs in Danger
A recent study prompts the question: what dangers face the beautiful and vulnerable coral reefs of the world? Related Riverdeep activities: Photosynthesis and Light, Destination: Ocean
Nov. 5, 2001 Coming Ashore
Why do dolphins and whales come ashore? A marine veterinarian helps us investigate the phenomenon of stranding. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Direct Variation
Oct. 22, 2001 Infinite Points of Light
Lights from Earth are washing out the skies, blocking our view of the stars. We investigate the phenomenon of light pollution.Related Riverdeep activity: Light
Sept. 3, 2001 Wildfires 2001
This Teaching the News article provides information on wildfires and suggests activities for the teacher to use in the classroom concerning wildfires and the 2001 fire season. Related Riverdeep activities: Mastering Algebra 1 Course 1: Graphing Ordered Pairs, Energy Direction, Health and the Respiratory System: Asthma, Health and the Respiratory System: Emphysema
August 20, 2001 Cutting through the Smog
NASA satellite images reveal an Earth where air pollution knows no boundaries. Related Riverdeep activities: Inhalation and Exhalation, Gas Exchange, Health and the Respiratory System: Asthma, Health and the Respiratory System: Emphysema, Fueling Photosynthesis with Carbon Dioxide and Water
August 13, 2001 Ordinary People, Extraordinary Heroes
Meet this year's Goldman Environmental Prize winners — eight courageous activists who are working to improve our world.
August 6, 2001 Hurricanes: Deadly Decades?
Why are some scientists predicting heavy winds ahead?
July 30, 2001 The Dam Dilemma
Explore why the United States is tearing down some of its dams when other countries are building them.
July 23, 2001 Visit the Wetlandsvideo
Take a virtual field trip to explore the wetlands and hear the debate over wetlands conservation. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs
June 18, 2001 Wildlife Detective Work
Learn how the children of Massachusetts are helping scientists classify all of the state's wildlife. Related Riverdeep activities: Carrying Capacity, Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Population Growth Curve, Factors Affecting Population Growth, Two Populations — What's the Difference?, Observing Population Growth, Modifying Population Growth, Effect of Food Supply, Competition between Two Species, Predator-Prey Relationships, An Overview of Photosynthesis
June 11, 2001 Global Population Trends
Flash forward 50 years. Will Earth be able to sustain the ever-growing human population? Related Riverdeep activities: Carrying Capacity, Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Population Growth Curve, Factors Affecting Population Growth, Two Populations — What's the Difference?, Observing Population Growth, Modifying Population Growth, Introducing a Virus, Effect of Food Supply, Historical Estimates of World Population, Determining Population Growth
May 7, 2001 Exploring Ecosystems Electronically
Students around the world can take an online field trip to Montana's Glacier National Park. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Carrying Capacity, Earthpulse Center's Global Warming Lab
Apr 30, 2001 Our National Parks
An ongoing problem of air pollution spoils some of our most majestic landscapes.
April 11, 2001 Environmental Friend or Foe?
Learn more about how some of Bush's policies may affect the environment.  
Mar 13, 2001 Fish Flee Farm
Environmentalists worry that the escape of 100,000 farm-raised salmon in Maine may endanger the state's wild salmon population. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Population Growth Curve, Factors Affecting Population Growth, Predator-Prey Relationships
Mar 2, 2001 Manatees or Humanity?
The gentle and endangered manatee has only one know enemy — human beings. Related Riverdeep activities: Competition Between Two Species, Two Competing Populations, Predator-Prey Relationships
Feb. 28, 2001 An American Tree
The National Arbor Day Foundation is running a campaign to choose a national tree for the United States. Related Riverdeep activity: Fueling Photosynthesis with Water and Carbon Dioxide
Feb. 20, 2001 The Wide World of Jane Goodall
Widely considered the world's leading expert on animal behavior, Jane Goodall has had a career that spans 40 years. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Population Growth Curve, Two Competing Populations
Feb. 19, 2001 The Battle for the Wetlands
A new report shows that destruction of America's wetlands is slowing down, but there is still room for concern. Related Riverdeep activity: Write for Your Life
Feb. 13, 2001 Paradise in Trouble: The Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands support many unique species, making it a biologist's dream. Yet humans are making a negative impact on the ecosystem—from a recent oil spill to overfishing. Related Riverdeep activities: S and J Curves, Introducing a Virus, Effect of Food Supply
Feb. 12, 2001 Blackout
Examine some of the factors involved in the California power crisis. Related Riverdeep activities: Electric Power, Virtual Labs: Electricity
Feb. 8, 2001 Extinction of a Species
The red colobus monkey recently became extinct, an event that raises concerns for other primates around the world. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Carrying Capacity
Feb. 5, 2001

audio Taking a World View
Explorer Wade Davis combines anthropology and botany into a career that spans the globe. Related Riverdeep activities: Destination Rainforest, Sun and Shade Plants

Feb. 2, 2001 Scaring Crows
The Canadian city of Chatham freed itself from the grip of thousands of crows by importing the crow's natural enemies. Related Riverdeep activity: Predator-Prey Relationships
Feb. 1, 2001 Panda Preservation
The arrival of two giant pandas at the National Zoo has renewed attention on panda survival worldwide . Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Factors Affecting Population Growth, Talking Walls
Jan. 22, 2001 The Heat Is On
The continuing rise in average global temperatures has scientists looking for answers. Related Riverdeep activities: Fueling Photosynthesis with Carbon Dioxide and Water
Jan. 8, 2001 Green Bananas
Bananas can be certified by the Better Banana Project, an environment certification program monitored by the Rainforest Alliance. Related Riverdeep activities: Pricing Bananas, Exploring Line Graphs, Exploring Bar Charts, Interpreting Pie Charts. Related Riverdeep event: Into the Brazilian Rainforest
Jan. 2, 2001

Saving an Underwater World
Sylvia Earle, marine biologist and underwater explorer, dedicates herself to protecting the world under water. Related Riverdeep activity: Factors Affecting Population Growth

Dec. 18, 2000 Journey to the Bottom of the Sea
audio videoOcean explorer Robert Ballard embarks on a new expedition to uncover the ancient secrets of the Black Sea.
Dec. 15, 2000 Looking for Lobsters
Environmental groups throughout New England are working together to collect data about the area's lobster population. Related Riverdeep activity: Factors Affecting Population Growth
Dec. 14, 2000 Growing Green Buildings
The green approach to building may solve the problem of saving money vs. saving the environment. Related Riverdeep activities: Solving Missing Value Problems when Dividing Fractions, Identifying the Variables in a Given Formula, Defining Similarity
Dec. 11, 2000 Remnants of a Rainforest
audioBrazil's once-sprawling Atlantic rainforest has almost disappeared, and many rare species are threatened. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, An Overview of Photosynthesis. Related Riverdeep event: Into the Brazilian Rainforest
Dec. 8, 2000 Water Woes at the Panama Canal
The future of the Panama Canal is troubled as the lake that stands at the center of the lock-and-lake system is short of water.
Nov. 28, 2000 An Upstream Battle
The tearing down of dams across the country has provided salmon with a new lease on life. Related Riverdeep activity: Factors Affecting Population Growth
Nov. 27, 2000 Aquarium Architecture
VideoAquarium architect Peter Chermayeff incorporates elements from mathematics, engineering, and the environment into his designs.
Nov. 27, 2000 Reducing Smog
Mexico City has made significant strides in reducing urban smog, showing that communities can work to make a difference in the quality of the air they breathe. Related Riverdeep activities: Inhalation and Exhalation, Gas Exchange, Health and the Respiratory System: Asthma, Health and the Respiratory System: Emphysema, Fueling Photosynthesis with Carbon Dioxide and Water
Nov. 22, 2000 Emerging Energy Trends
The Worldwatch Institute issues revealing facts about coal, nuclear, wind, and solar power. Related Riverdeep activities : Where to Buy a Lightbulb, Endangered and Threatened Species, Exploring Line Graphs, Graphing Parallel & Perpendicular Lines. Related Riverdeep event: Going Solar
Nov. 13, 2000 Cool Off with Algae
Scientists propose that fertilizing the ocean with iron may cause more phytoplankton to grow, thereby counteracting global warming. Related Riverdeep activities: Limiting Factors I, Limiting Factors II, Fueling Photosynthesis with Carbon Dioxide and Water
Nov. 8, 2000 Lead Poisoning: From Beethoven to Ducks
A new study shows that Beethoven suffered from lead poisoning, which now also affects wildlife. Related Riverdeep activities: Functions of the Circulatory System, Periodic Table Tool
Nov. 3, 2000 A World within a World
The Biosphere 2 project is currently conducting research that examines the effects of increased levels of CO 2 . Related Riverdeep activity: Fueling Photosynthesis with Carbon Dioxide and Water. Related Riverdeep event: Going to Extremes
Oct. 26, 2000 When the Tap Runs Dry
As the world's water resources are being pushed to the limit, solutions need to come quickly.
Oct. 23, 2000 Telling the Secrets of Mountains
audioHigh-altitude archaeologist Johan Reinhard takes his field to new heights.
Oct. 20, 2000 Space Fungus Gets Scientists' Attention
Fungus growing in space stations poses a surprising challenge for astronauts and scientists.
Oct. 9, 2000 Exporting "Surplus" Elephants
The elephants' changing habitats are making their survival more difficult. Related Riverdeep activities: Population Growth Curve, Carrying Capacity
Oct. 3, 2000 Surviving the Antarctic
A museum exhibit examines the Antarctic expedition of explorer Ernest Shackleton.
Oct. 2, 2000 Dating Ancient Finds
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Robert Ballard finds evidence that the Black Sea covers areas that were once inhabited. Related Riverdeep activities: Periodic Table: An Introduction, Fueling Photosynthesis with Carbon Dioxide and Water, Working with Powers, The Mass Spectrometer
Sept. 29, 2000 The Monarch Migration
Urban sprawl affects the monarch butterfly's winter habitats.
Sept. 27, 2000 Ghost Roads Haunt U.S. Forests
Roads illegally cut into forests around the country cause environmental problems. Related Riverdeep event: Into the Brazilian Rainforest
Sept. 25, 2000 Covering Science audio
Take a behind-the-headlines look at science from a journalistic angle with this profile of David Baron, a well-known science reporter. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Two Competing Populations
Sept. 18, 2000 The Year of the Wildfires
The wildland acres going up in flames across America endanger communities and ecosystems. Related Riverdeep activities: Energy Directions, Health and the Respiratory System: Asthma, Health and the Respiratory System: Emphysema, Graphing Ordered Pairs
Sept. 14, 2000 Life without Trees
Increasing development destroys nature's "vacuum cleaners." Related Riverdeep activities: What Is Photosynthesis?, An Overview of Photosynthesis
Sept. 13, 2000 An Olympic-Sized Ozone Hole
With the Olympics in Australia, global attention turns to the growing ozone hole nearby.
Aug. 31, 2000 "Going for Gold and Staying Green"
The Sydney Olympics are going "green," but maybe not green enough. Related Riverdeep activities: Electric Power, Maintaining System Balance
Aug. 10, 2000 Fighting Oil Pollution
Several surprising factors cause oil pollution in the world's oceans and seas. Related Riverdeep activity: Environmental Changes
Aug. 4, 2000 A Perilous Journey
The population of the world's largest reptile is declining, but there's some good news from the beaches of Trinidad. Related Riverdeep activities: Factors Affecting Population Growth, Population Growth Curve, Observing Population Growth
July 24, 2000 Everybody into the Water
Clean-up efforts return the Charles River in Massachusetts to a safe and clean boating and swimming haven. Related Riverdeep activity: Design an Ecosystem
July 3, 2000 Don't Pick the Flowers
Rare plants become a profitable crop for poachers.
June 21, 2000 Motorboats vs. Manatees
Speed restrictions on motorboats may keep the endangered manatee population safe. Related Riverdeep activities: Momentum and Force, Collisions in One Dimension II
June 15, 2000 Where Have All the Sea Otters Gone?
Back from the brink of extinction, these creatures face new dangers. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Enter Predator, Factors Affecting Population Growth
June 9, 2000 Setting Wildland Fire Policy
Revised fire management strategies designed to protect the environment spark debate.
June 7, 2000 China's Great Dam
Electricity and flood control are two reasons the Chinese are building the world's largest dam.
May 15, 2000 Saving the Sequoias
These natural giants receive federal recognition and protection. Related Riverdeep activities: An Overview of Photosynthesis, The Role of Light in Photosynthesis
May 11, 2000 Manatees or Humanity?
These gentle sea mammals have no known enemies, except humans. Related Riverdeep activities: Competition between Two Species, Two Competing Populations
Apr. 28, 2000 Recycling in Action
Recycled material conserves our natural resources and energy. Related Riverdeep activity: The Cost of Electricity
Apr. 27, 2000 Urban Sprawl Changes Landscape
Tension between developers and environmentalists heightens as urban centers reach outward. Related Riverdeep activity: Health and the Respiratory System: Asthma
Apr. 24, 2000 Orcas in Our Midst
Whales living in captivity face dangers, too.
Apr. 20, 2000 Going Solar
Harnessing the Sun's energy reduces our dependence on fossil fuels. Related Riverdeep activities: The Role of Light in Photosynthesis, Light & Photosynthesis
Apr. 18, 2000 Ups and Downs for Grizzly Bears
A North American species faces threats from humans. Related Riverdeep activities: Food Chains and Food Webs, DNA Fingerprinting, Maintaining System Balance
Apr. 7, 2000 Conquering Mt. Everest—and Trash
Mountains of trash litter the trails leading to the world's highest peak. Related Riverdeep activity: Acclimatization
Mar. 29, 2000 Digging the Mastodon
Excavation in New York State unearths some prehistoric discoveries. Related Riverdeep activities: The Master Molecule, Predator-Prey Relationships, Competition Pressure
Mar. 7, 2000 Warming the Food Web
Global warming disrupts hibernation and migration patterns. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Predator-Prey Relationships
Feb. 28, 2000 Saving a Part of Brazil
Developers and environmentalists compete for an Iowa-sized piece of Brazil. Related Riverdeep activities: Exploring Food Chains and Food Webs, Factors Affecting Population Growth, Competition between Two Species. Related Riverdeep event: Into the Brazilian Rainforest
Feb. 4, 2000 The Harshest Weather on Earth
The severe weather conditions atop New Hampshire's 6,000-foot Mt. Washington pack a powerful punch. Related Riverdeep event: Going to Extremes
Jan. 26, 2000 Iguanas Fit Their Shrinking Food Supply
Marine reptiles on the Galapagos Islands adapt to changes in their food supply. Related Riverdeep activities: Eating Efficiently, Survival Strategies, Environmental Changes
Jan. 12, 2000 Happy Anniversary, NOAA
Agencies of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration monitor weather, assess climate changes, and study the environment. Related Riverdeep activities: Fueling Photosynthesis with Carbon Dioxide and Water, Carbon Dioxide, Defining Mean & Median, Calculating the Mean, Median & Mode
Jan. 7, 2000 The World at Six Billion
Rising populations make their mark around the world. Related Riverdeep activity: Population Growth Curves
Jan. 6, 2000 Mapping Global Warming
Numerous environmental organizations publish a map indicating the "fingerprints" and "harbingers" of global warming.
Jan. 6, 2000 White Rhinos Rebound from Extinction
Rhinos face extinction in certain African countries, but in one South African game reserve, the population is on the rise. Related Riverdeep activities: Maintaining System Balance, Competition Pressure
Jan. 3, 2000 Global Celebrations Greet 2000
Global revelers party to ring in the millennium, and leave behind more than tons of confetti.
Dec. 20, 1999 Importing Natural Enemies for Fire Ants
Bringing in natural predators controls a menacing population of fire ants. Related Riverdeep activities: S and J Curves, Introducing a Virus, Effect of Food Supply
Sept. 22, 1999 World Population Hits 6 Billion
The world's booming population stretches Earth's resources. Related Riverdeep activities: Factors Affecting Population Growth, Carrying Capacity
Aug. 17, 1999 Drought Affects Much of US
The eastern U.S. has its driest weather in over 100 years. Related Riverdeep activity: The Delicate Balance