Best Non-Fiction Books for teachers on the Environment
1. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Summary: This book combines Indigenous knowledge with scientific insights, exploring themes of gratitude, reciprocity, and environmental stewardship.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: It promotes cultural understanding and teaches sustainability in a way that resonates with young students. Teachers can design lessons around the value of plants and ecosystems, fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
2. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate by Peter Wohlleben
Summary: Wohlleben explains the complex social structures of trees and forests, uncovering the ways trees communicate and support each other.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: This book encourages curiosity about nature and can lead to activities like tree identification walks and observing natural plant behaviors. It’s an excellent resource for teaching ecological concepts through storytelling.
3. We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast by Jonathan Safran Foer
Summary: Foer explores how individual actions, especially related to food choices, impact the environment and climate.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: It offers an accessible way to introduce environmental responsibility and personal impact on the climate. Teachers can create projects that examine food production, sustainability, and individual choices.
4. Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy
Summary: Tallamy advocates for "homegrown" conservation, showing how everyone can contribute to preserving ecosystems through their own yards and gardens.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: This book offers practical conservation ideas that teachers and students can implement, such as creating pollinator gardens at school. It’s perfect for introducing the idea that everyone can make a difference.
5. Lost Rainforests of Britain by Guy Shrubsole
Summary: In 'Lost Rainforests of Britain' Shrubsole reveals the hidden history of Britain’s temperate rainforests, highlighting their biodiversity and the need to restore and protect these unique ecosystems.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: This book allows teachers to bring local ecology to life, connecting students to Britain’s environmental heritage. It’s ideal for geography, history, and environmental science lessons on conservation.
6. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
Summary: Kolbert examines the current mass extinction event, discussing its causes and consequences and the urgent need for conservation.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: This book is a strong foundation for discussions on biodiversity and endangered species, leading to projects about conservation and protecting local wildlife. It’s great for fostering critical thinking on human impact.
7. The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris
Summary: This beautifully illustrated book pairs poetry with nature to celebrate British wildlife and landscapes, reintroducing “lost words” that have faded from children’s vocabulary.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: With its poetic language and stunning artwork, The Lost Words is perfect for primary classes, inspiring creative writing, art projects, and nature walks to identify local plants and animals.
8. How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates
Summary: Gates lays out a comprehensive plan for reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change with technological and policy solutions.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: This book presents real-world solutions to climate issues, which can inspire secondary students to think about innovative ways to address environmental challenges. It’s ideal for science and social studies classes focused on sustainability and innovation.
9. A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
Summary: In a series of essays, Leopold reflects on nature and advocates for a land ethic, emphasizing the importance of respecting and protecting the environment.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: This classic work promotes a sense of wonder and respect for nature, providing a foundation for lessons on environmental ethics. It’s a great resource for storytelling and discussing the importance of conservation
10. The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg Summary: Curated by Thunberg
This book brings together essays from scientists, activists, and leaders to provide a comprehensive overview of climate change and solutions.
Why It’s Good for Teachers: This collection is perfect for introducing students to climate science, activism, and global issues. It offers insights into climate action, inspiring secondary students to engage in advocacy and community projects