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General Curricula
Here are a collection of curricula of a more general nature, for use both in and outside of the state of Washington.
The Biodiversity Collection:
A review of biodiversity resources for educators
The World Wildlife Fund and the North American Association for Environmental Education put together The Biodiversity Collection, a compendium of environmental education resources on biodiversity. It highlights 47 of the best curricula for grades K-12.
After a general overview of biodiversity as a theme, they outline evaluation criteria along with suggestions on how to link to related resources, websites, and organizations. Each listing includes a curriculum summary, grade level, subjects, publisher, and comments from reviewers.
National Biological Information Infrastructure
The National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) is a broad, collaborative program to provide increased access to data and information on the nation's biological resources. Its website includes a list of K-12 teaching units and resources, on everything from creating a schoolyard habitat to understanding ecosystem management.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
The aim of the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science is to promote the development and dissemination of innovative materials and sound educational practices for case teaching in the sciences.
Their website provides access to an award-winning library of case materials, including “Watch Your Step: Understanding the Impact of Your Personal Consumption on the Environment,” “The River Dammed: The Proposed Removal of the Lower Snake River Dams,” and “Exotics.”
National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society has created Wide World maps and an Educator’s Guide. These are designed to help bring into the classroom the wonders of biodiversity and the urgency of conserving it. The Educator’s Guide offers lesson plans and activities on subjects like map fundamentals, biodiversity, and ecoregions.
North American Association for Environmental Education
The North American Association for Environmental Education offers a Biodiversity Activities page that includes links to programs such as “Flying Wild,” on bird conservation, and “Crickets in the Classroom” with lesson plans for using crickets to study scientific concepts.