Major US and North American Federal Organizations: Environment

United States Geological Survey

The US Geological Survey has provided special packages for schools for many years. Resources are broken out by grade level and subject areas, with literally hundreds of resources. Topics include 3D paper models (no printer required!), citizen science, images, maps, online lectures, schoolyard geology, water science, videos and animations.

The USGS is one of the few groups that offer topological maps. Coupled with modern software, students can create 3D images of their local area or a nearby recreation area.

Recycle City

This game from the EPA allows students to explore Recycle City to see how its people reduce waste, use less energy, and save money by doing simple things at home, at work, and in their neighborhoods.

The site includes offline learning activities ans ideas for getting involved.

Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency hosts resources on a wide variety of topics, from air quality to bed bugs.

Information is broken out by state. Select your state to see local news and resources.

Fish and Wildlife Service

The US Fish and Wildlife Service highlights regional contrasts.

EPA Climate Change Indicators

EPA partners with more than 40 data contributors from various government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations to compile a key set of indicators related to the causes and effects of climate change.

ScoreCard

ScoreCard, originally sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund, allows students to enter their own zip code to discover a list of hazardous chemicals with toxic ratings and health effects in their own region.

Action tools are offered. And, yes, the names of real companies are given. A controversial site.

The Natural Resource Projects Inventory

The Natural Resource Projects Inventory (NRPI) covers a wide range of issues, conservation and resource management organizations, project types, and funding sources. It has particularly rich information on water quality and watershed protection, fisheries habitat and exotic species removal. Users are able to identify projects on multiple levels; statewide educational and outreach efforts, regional planning, conservation and watershed assessments down to small local restoration efforts.

The Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management has designed a wonderfully interdisciplinary and imaginative site.

The Programs section of the site offers a window into the many aspects of the BLM, from paleontology and land conservation to fire management and working with Native American communities.

The Sierra Club

The Sierra Club highlights regional contrasts. The Sierra Club, devoted to the preservation of the environment primarily in California, also sponsors real world excursions.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy hosts excellent information on rain forests ans well as local issues. Check out their photographs and videos.

The JASON Project

JASON is an example of the 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing environmental educational resources.