We are excited to announce our latest Environmental Studies Resources — new at Journeys in Film!
These Environment-themes documentaries and education resources remind us that we live in a beautiful and precious world to inspire learning about the environment. The lessons connect directly with key instruction areas.
Environmental Studies Resources: New in 2025
Environmental Studies Resources: Chasing Coral
Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. In Chasing Coral, a team of divers, photographers and scientists set out on a thrilling ocean adventure to discover why and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world.
The Chasing Coral problem-based learning curriculum presents a three-part activity. Students pick an environmental studies topic that they are curious about. Then they craft a research question inspired by their chosen topic. Finally, they consider their own relationship to consumption and sustainability.
Subjects: Community Service Learning, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Human Development, Science, Service Learning
Lesson Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult Learning
Learn more about teaching Environmental Studies with Chasing Coral and get this Curriculum Guide.
Environmental Studies Resources: Chasing Ice
In Chasing Ice, James Balog and a band of young adventurers go on assignment for National Geographic to the polar reaches of the world. They end up with something more compelling than photos when they captured the largest calving event that had ever been caught on film.
Chasing Ice is a powerful tool to engage the next generation in discussion around solutions to climate crisis. The Chasing Ice Discussion Guide is available in three different versions, appropriate for use in for middle school, high school, and higher education.
Subjects: Community Service Learning, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Science, Service Learning, Visual Arts
Lesson Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult Learning
Learn more about teaching Environmental Studies with Chasing Ice and get this Discussion Guide.
Environmental Studies Resources: Chasing Time
In the sequel to Chasing Ice, Chasing Time follows photographer James Balog as he brings the 15-year Extreme Ice Survey project to a close. This 30-minute film spotlights the power of mentorship and the intergenerational effort to inspire hope and action toward a sustainable future.
The Chasing Time Discussion Guide and Learning Guide are powerful tools to engage the next generation in discussion around climate crisis solutions.
Subjects: Career Studies, Current Events, English Language Arts, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Film Literacy, Geography, Media Literacy, Science
Lesson Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult Learning
Learn more about teaching Environmental Studies with Chasing Time and get these educational resources.
Environmental Studies Resources: The Wild
The Wild tells the story of a race against time to save wild salmon. Fisherman/filmmaker Mark Titus returns to the wilds of Alaska where the people of Bristol Bay and its storied wild salmon runs face devastation if a massive copper mine is constructed. At stake is the survival of a keystone species that feeds 137 different creatures — including us — in a wild place that is the last of its kind on Earth.
The film introduces students to stunning visuals of the pristine wilderness that is the Bristol Bay watershed and to those who survive and thrive on the bounty of this salmon run. They also learn of the real and immediate threat to this unique place, exploring the issues and perspectives of a variety of stakeholders. By taking action, students can play a vital role in preserving this rare and valuable resource, as well as the lives of those who depend on the return of this healthy salmon run.
Subjects: Civics, Community Service Learning, Current Events, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, History, Human Development, Media Literacy, Political Science, Service Learning, Social Emotional Learning, Social Studies
Lesson Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Learn more about teaching Environmental Studies with The Wild and get this Curriculum Guide.
These new teaching tools make a powerful addition to Journeys in Film’s existing collection of Environmental Education Resources, detailed below.
Additional Environmental Studies Resources
Teaching about Oceans and Life Below Water? Check out our lesson on Whales and Echolocation in the Whale Rider Curriculum Guide. This lesson includes a fun class activity! For grades 7-10.
Elementary & Middle School Educators: If you’re looking for lessons for Grades 3-7 about the Wonders of Living Creatures check out our Celebration of Nature Lessons.
Elementary, Middle School Educators & High School Educators: If you’re looking for more Environmental Studies Lessons, check out Environmental Studies Collection.
Social Studies Educators: If you’re looking for creative ways to bring environmental lessons into your social studies classroom, we recommend: Teaching Climate Change in Social Studies.
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