Mima Mounds Geologic Phenomenon Exploration

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The Mima mounds are small, irregularly spaced hills, described by some as “soil pimples” because they are piles of silt, sand, and pebbles.Scientists still don't know what created the Mima mounds. These resources will invite students to develop their own hypotheses, evaluate the existing evidence, and construct an explanation.Start with the "Mima mounds educator guide" to learn about the available resources, alignment to learning standards, and opportunities for modification and extension. The educator guide also includes student worksheets to guide inquiry and exploration. The attached "Mima mounds booklet" was created by the Washington Geologic Survey, within the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It is an illustrated guide to the mounds and the hypotheses about what formed them. The educator guide will walk you through ways to use the booklet. You can contact DNR's Youth Education and Outreach Program at yeop@dnr.wa.gov with any questions. 

Material Type: Student Guide, Teaching/Learning Strategy

Author: Washington Dept of Natural Resources

Climate Resilience Curricula

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With funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, The Washington State Department of Natural Resources' Aquatic Assessment and Monitoring Team (AAMT) developed three curricula (elementary, middle, and high school) that are designed to bridge the goals of bringing local climate science into Washington state classrooms and local internships by highlighting aspects of the Acidification Nearshore Monitoring Network (ANeMoNe) More specifically, the curricula focus on local climate science issues and incorporate elements of scientific monitoring methods and community science to showcase how climate is being addressed in Washington State and how students can get involved in fighting climate change in their own “backyards”.​ Youth learn principles of aquatic ecology, environmental and social impacts driven by climate change, government and social response, and issues of environmental justice. These climate resilience curricula are intended to inspire and engage youth throughout Washington to implement climate change adaptations in their local communities.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Interactive, Lesson Plan, Module, Unit of Study

Author: Washington Department of Natural Resources