1. Around the World in 2
Class Periods
Human Impact on Environments

2. Getting started
► During this trip you will visit several sites
around the world. Click on the underlined
links and follow instructions to learn about
the areas you visit. When finished with a
page, “x” out and return to the PowerPoint
to continue your journey.
► Keep your travel log nearby so you can
record your thoughts and answers to
questions as you go! Bon Voyage!

3. First Stop: Greenland and the Arctic!
► Click here to watch a Travel log questions:
video showing the 1. What are at least 3
“Frozen Earth” forms of ice on
Earth’s surface?
2. How does Earth’s ice
help moderate the
Greenlan
d
planet’s temperature?

4. Edge of the Arctic Shelf
► I hope you packed a coat! We are now at
the Arctic Shelf. Select thumbnails on the
right of the page to view images of wildlife
and scenery. Choose at least 3-5 images
to view. Make sure you read the provided
captions, too!
Travel Log Questions:
3. What are some animals of the Arctic?
4. Describe the scenery.

5. Importance of Ice
► Examine the Global Ice Viewer. Click on
‘Greenland’ and then click on a few red dots
to watch and READ about ice melts. Then,
click on ‘Arctic’ and follow the instructions to
explore how ice levels are changing.
Travel Log Question:
5. How do sea ice and glaciers change
Earth’s landscape? Give a specific example
based on your exploration of this site.

6. The Connection between Ice sheets,
Sea levels, and Climate change
► Read the article to understand how climate
change is affecting the world’s ice.
Travel log questions:
6. Historically, ice and sea levels fluctuate naturally.
So, why all the attention to this data now? In
other words, what does the data show that
causes concern?
7. If ice sheets and glaciers continue to melt at
predicted rates, what effects would that have on
Earth’s landscape?

7. Putting it all together
► Watch the Travel log questions:
8. How does burning coal and
Carbon Crisis in 90 seconds
other fossil fuels affect levels
of CO2 in the air?
. Then, click on 9. Why does this matter?
“Interactives- 10. What correlations do you see
Climate Time when examining the CO2, sea
level, ice, and global
Machine” (left side temperature data?
of the webpage). 11. How might the Arctic and
Greenland differ if you “re-
Follow the visited” it in 20 years? What
instructions on the would it mean for the rest of
the world? What can be done
page to explore all to help preserve it?
the climate data.

8. 2nd Destination: Yangtze River, China
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► The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia. It’s waters
are used for rice and wheat irrigation, fishing, drinking,
transportation, and hydroelectric power. It is home to
several endangered species.
► Click through the slideshow and read the captions for each
picture.

9. Water pollution
► To understand more about water pollution,
click here. Choose at least 3 different
sources of pollution to read about (click on
their images).
Travel log question:
12. List several types of pollution that affect
water. For each, describe some of the
problems associated with it AND possible
solutions.

10. Water pollution: Putting it all together
► Let’s revisit theYangtze to read about
specific issues affecting this body of water.
Click on the “threats” and “solutions” links
on the left and read the information.
Travel Log question:
13. What particular threats affect the Yangtze
River? What are some possible solutions?

11. Water pollution: putting it all
together
► A river extremely close to Charlotte is considered
to be one of the ten most endangered places in
the Southeast United States. Click here to find out
more.
 Either watch the video OR read the following sections:
“Current Issues,’ ‘Energy-Water Collision’, and at least
one more sub heading of your choice.
Travel log question:
14. What issues are facing the Catawba River?
Why should you care?

12. Final stop: Amazon Rainforest
► Finally, we’ll travel to
South America. No
need for a coat, now!
You’re in the Amazon,
a hot and humid home
to the largest living
collection of plants and
animal species in the ► This file is in the public domain because it was solely created
by NASA. NASA copyright policy states that "NASA material is
NASA.
world!
not protected by copyright unless noted ".

13. Amazon Rainforest
► To learn more about the amazing Amazon,
click here and play the video.
 Also, press “Introduction” in the lower left of the
screen to read about rainforests.
 Then, scroll down the page to see examples of
wildlife found in rainforests.
Travel log question:
15. Describe the Amazon rainforest.

14. Rainforest Destruction
► View a video about short-term crop
planting in the rainforest.
Travel Log Questions:
16. Why are rainforests important?
17. Describe short-term crop planting. Why
can’t farmers use the same area of land
year after year?

15. Deforestation
► Choose one of the following to watch:
 Deforestation in Bolivia (click ‘view’, then ‘play
video’)
 Amazon Deforestation (click the play button)
Travel Log Question:
18. What does satellite imagery show in
these areas over time?

16. Problems in the Amazon: putting it
all together
► Read the WWF article about problems in the Amazon. Click on
different links under the problems heading. You do not need to read
every word, but get a good idea of the vast array of problems.
► Click here to read about possible solutions to rainforest destruction
(scroll down).
► Also, examine Greenpeace’s economic alternatives to logging.
Travel log questions:
19. Name 3 ongoing threats to the Amazon. Choose one and describe
the complex aspects of it.
20. What are a few solutions to help stop the deforestation of the
rainforest? Why do you think it is important to work with
governments and indigenous people, as well as consumers like you
who live far away?

17. Welcome Home!
► Congratulations! You have traveled the
world and learned about the important role
all humans have in protecting the
environment.
► Your teacher will give you one final
assignment to assess your understanding of
global environmental concerns. Please see
her for more information.