Make a Difference Project: Resources for 6th grade Literature project: DeForestation--Reforestation: Wangari Resources

Discusses the history of, and problems specific to, forests around the world, including Indonesia, Nepal, Brazil, and other locations. Read the entire book online with Destiny Discover.

Forests are essential to human and animal survival. Trees produce the oxygen animals need to live. They also provide homes for animals and resources for people. However, Earth's forests are under attack. Deforestation is caused by fires, clear cutting, logging, and climate change. Forests are important to mitigating climate change because they suck up harmful carbon dioxide. Without forests, many plant and animal species would be at risk of becoming endangered or extinct. Read the entire book online with Destiny Discover.

As the world's climate changes, two areas are being significantly affected. Deserts are expanding and becoming even more dry and arid. Forests are disappearing, thanks in part to logging by humans. The Earth doesn't need more deserts, and it desperately needs more forests. Inside, find out more about these two vital biomes and how people are working hard to make sure they survive properly.

This book looks at the damage done to the planet through pollution, deforestation, and other human activities. Your readers will survey the efforts made to protect and preserve our planet. Colorful photographs, helpful graphics, and primary sources will encourage young readers to take an active role in protecting Earth.

Wangari Maathai received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts to lead women in a nonviolent struggle to bring peace and democracy to Africa through its reforestation. Her organization planted over thirty million trees in thirty years. This beautiful picture book tells the story of an amazing woman and an inspiring idea. Read the entire book online with Overdrive (Sign on with your school gmail account.)

Have you ever tried to come up with ways to solve a problem in your community? Wangari Maathai worked to solve an environmental crisis and help people at the same time. For her environmental and human rights work, Maathai became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Read the entire book online with Destiny Discover.

As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something--and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . . Read the entire book online with Destiny Discover. (Not available in print at HCC library, sorry.)

Explores the causes of current environmental problems with our rain forests, and discusses new trends, technology, and new solutions.

"Describes the causes of rain forest destruction and what the effects of fewer trees has on the environment and societies around the rain forest areas. Includes maps and charts"

Less than 20 percent of the forests that once covered Earth's surface remain, and experts caution that deforestation is continuing at a rapid pace. Through objective overviews, primary sources, and full-color illustrations this title examines How Serious Is Deforestation? What Causes Deforestation? What Are the Consequences of Deforestation? How Can Deforestation Be Stopped?

As the world's population continues to grow and consume, litter, chemicals, and a host of other harmful products overrun our land, air, and water. This intriguing volume examines the various pollutants and human activities that threaten the natural world, with a special look at deforestation and desertification.

Pages 151-153 have some facts about sweatshops and ideas for how teens can make changes. This book suggests ways in which teenagers can help the environment in their homes, schools, and throughout the community, covering global warming, air pollution, deforestation, and sweatshops; and includes profiles of individuals who are working to make a difference.

Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize and founder of the Green Belt Movement, grew up in the highlands of Kenya, where fig trees cloaked the hills, fish filled the streams, and the people tended their bountiful gardens. But over many years, as more and more land was cleared, Kenya was transformed. When Wangari returned home from college in America, she found the village gardens dry, the people malnourished, and the trees gone. How could she alone bring back the trees and restore the gardens and the people? Bill McKibben, author ofThe End of Nature, says: "Wangari Maathai's epic story has never been told better—everyone who reads this book will want to plant a tree!" With glowing watercolor illustrations and lyrical prose, Claire Nivola tells the remarkable story of one woman's effort to change the fate of her land by teaching many to care for it. An author's note provides further information about Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement. In keeping with the theme of the story, the book is printed on recycled paper.

In 1908 Mohandas Gandhi spoke to a crowd of 3,000. Together they protested against an unjust law without guns or rioting. Peacefully they made a difference. Contains a chapter on Wangari Maathai.

The snow leopard is one of Earth's most entrancing creatures, yet it is also one of its most threatened. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save snow leopards, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival explores why humans are endangering snow leopards and their biomes and how and why some people have devoted their careers to helping save them.

The Asian elephant is one of Earth's most intriguing creatures, yet it is also one of its most threatened. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save Asian elephants, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival explores why humans are endangering Asian elephants and their biomes and how and why some people have devoted their careers to helping save them.

The orangutan is one of Earth's most entrancing creatures, yet it is also one of its most threatened. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save orangutans, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series.

The tiger is one of Earth's most awe-inspiring creatures, yet it is also one of its most threatened. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save tigers, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series.

The gorilla is one of Earth's most awe-inspiring creatures, yet it is also one of its most threatened. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save gorillas, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series.