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Native America exists beyond stereotypes and history books. Today, Native Americans are voicing concerns about environmental and human rights issues, shaping their own tribal communities and the future of the country. In this lesson, students view photographs which document Native American voices and explore the themes of identity, cultural displacement, and resilience.

Wolves have been widely misunderstood throughout time, causing a rapid decline in their population. In recent years, due to legal protection, the population of wolves has increased, but many species of wolves remain endangered. This lesson explores images of wolves from a nature photographer’s point of view and examines the wolf’s role in the larger ecosystem.

Development and other human activities often have unintended consequences that affect ecosystems and the people who live in or rely on them. These consequences can be exacerbated by climate change. In this lesson, students examine an article about a tiny island community off the Louisiana coast and discuss how it is being affected by the changing ecosystem.

Icebergs play a vital role in global climate stability. In the last 20 years, icebergs have melted at unprecedented rates, changing marine dynamics, the balance of sea levels, and weather patterns. Students analyze images of icebergs from the polar regions through a nature photographer’s unique point of view and explore the themes of bearing witness and climate change.

Increased global consumerism has vast environmental, economic, and social repercussions. Thought leaders across the globe investigate the unsustainable cultural values at the root of modern consumption. In this lesson, students watch a film about the environmental, economic, and social impacts of global consumerism and examine the effects on the global economy.