90.3 WCPN ideastream®: Environment

environment

SERIES

The Return of the Cuyahoga
The Return of the Cuyahoga is a fascinating look at the life, death and rebirth of one of America’s most polluted rivers. Perhaps best known as “the river that burned,” the Cuyahoga is, in fact, an emblematic waterway. Its history is the history of the American frontier, the rise of industry, and the scourge of pollution. In 1969, when the river caught on fire, the blaze ignited a political movement that not only saved the Cuyahoga and its communities, but continues today with the current environmental movement. More information about the movie, which premiered April 22, 2008 on WVIZ/PBS, is available here.

Climate Connections
NPR and the National Geographic Society embark on a new, long-term, multi-platform initiative focusing on how the environment changes people and vice versa. Its centerpiece is a yearlong news series, “Climate Connections,” focusing on climate-related issues. The initiative spans all NPR News programs and NPR.org, as well as National Geographic’s many media platforms, including National Geographic magazine and nationalgeographic.com.

RESOURCES

The Return of the Cuyahoga On-Line Curriculum
The Return of the Cuyahoga On-Line Curriculum answers questions about how a river could burn and why it happened here. Included is an entire unit plan containing several cross-curricular lessons correlated to State of Ohio Science Standards in the areas of environmental history, environmental investigation, and eliciting social action. Interactive features include animated maps, streaming video, and a glossary which is linked to new words throughout the site. A database allows teachers to enter and compare water testing data gathered from local tributaries.

The Life Depends on Water web site was created in cooperation with Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District to inform and inspire students and the general public into environmental conservation action. In addition to a wealth of information, links to supplementary resources, a glossary, and an animated map, you will find: Lessons, correlated to State of Ohio Science Standards, Web quests, and Service learning projects that will encourage your students to take action and get involved in real world solutions.

Making Connections to the Natural World
You've recently moved to Northeast Ohio or else you're a longtime resident. Either way, you're someone who wants to know more about the world around you and how we interact with it. Here are some quick links to help you get involved in making the region a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Webliography: Wind Power