Environmental Science Resources
Grade
Subject
Check Out Our Tropical Ecology Games!
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Anthropogenic Effects on the Ecosystem and Biodiversity
- 10th grade
- science
Humans have a profound effect on ecosystems and the biodiversity upon which ecosystems depend. This essay by Ball State University Biology student Molly Konopa reviews some examples of this based on her Tropical Ecology Study Abroad experience in Puerto Rico, Spring 2026.
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Echoes of El Yunque
- 9th grade
- science
The Puerto Rican Parrot is a remarkable story of near-extinction and on-going recovery. This essay by Ball State Biology student recounts the history of this bird and the work to bring it back from the brink of extinction. Developed as part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad experience, Spring 2026.
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Biodiversity Loss Lesson Plan
- 9th grade
- science
Loss of biodiversity is an important topic among scientists today, and this lesson helps learners understand why biodiversity has effects on ecosystem. Examples and resources aligned with NGSS standards are related to a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad program in Puerto Rico, and is written by Ball State Students Xylin Crow and Aubrey Tyler.
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Climate Connections Lesson Plan
- 9th grade
- science
This lesson plan, developed by Ball State students Aubrey Tyler and Xylin Crow, addresses the connections between Puerto Rico and Indiana related to climate change. The lesson was developed as part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad experience in Puerto Rico, Spring 2026.
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Endemic Species in Puerto Rico
- 8th grade
- science
Puerto Rico is home to several endemic species - those that are found only that location. Biology major Griffin Bradley wrote this information file about three examples of endemic species, based on a Ball State Tropical Ecology Study Abroad experience, Spring 2026.
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Sustainability in Puerto Rican Landscape Architecture
- 12th grade
- science
This presentation shared ideas about how sustainability concepts can inform the design of landscaped spaces in Puerto Rico. Produced by Ball State Landscape Architecture students Ayslin Bowman and Jane Levine as part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad experience, Spring 2026.
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Lo Que el Huracán Nos Enseñó (What the Hurricane Taught Us)
- 9th grade
- science
Hurricane Maria (2017) impacted all of Puerto Rico, from damaging homes and businesses to devastating ecosystems. This set of original watercolor paintings by Ball State student Allyson Barkman is accompanied by an essay to help readers understand the profound impact of Maria on Puerto Rico. Based on the artist's Study Abroad experience in Spring 2026.
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The Many Species of Puerto Rico
- 6th grade
- science
Practice identifying and answering questions about wildlife in Puerto Rico in this interactive game. Ball State University biology student Bailey Lammers developed this game as part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad experience in Spring 2026.
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Puerto Rican species game
- 8th grade
- science
An interactive game to practice identify species found in Puerto Rico. This game is produced by Caden Zuehsow, a biology student at Ball State University, based on a Tropical Ecology experience in Spring 2026.
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Conservation: A Shared Commitment That Protects Us All
- 6th grade
- science
Puerto Rican parrots are an endangered species in that illustrates the challenges and potential success for conservation around the world. Ball State University biology student Anna Taylor shared a series of posts about her experience in Puerto Rico and what she learned from it.
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How to Plant Mangroves
- 8th grade
- science
This website provide information about how habitat restoration work at ISER Caribe is working to grown mangroves for relocation on coastlines in Puerto Rico. Produce by Desiree Thurman and Triniti Wilde as part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad Experience at Ball State University.
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Mangroves to Mansions podcast
- 9th grade
- science
Mangroves to Mansions, a SoundCloud podcast about a threat to mangroves and other habitats in Puerto Rico. Recorded by Ball State University student Heidi Wash as part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad experience.
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From the Rain Forest to the Flag:The Ecological Identity of Puerto Rico
- 9th grade
- science
This video is included in the Tropical Ecology podcasts collection developed in a Study Abroad experience in Puerto Rico. It presents a story of the importance of nature in the national identity of Puerto Rico. Produced by Lucy McGovern and Kaylin Nolen, Spring 2026.
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Tropical Ecology of Puerto Rico
- 9th grade
- science
ISER Caribe is an organization working to preserve habitats across Puerto Rico. This website developed by BSU students Chaeli Fletcher and Victoria Sheffield presents a series of Earth Day message to promote the work that ISER Caribe is doing. Developed as a part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad experience, Spring 2026.
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Isla de Basura
- 9th grade
- science
Puerto Rico has a trash problem. This series of Instagram posts help readers learn about the problem, and about how recycling programs can help offer a solution. Produced by Emerging Media Design student Annabelle Price as part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad Program, Spring 2026.
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Tropical Ecology Video – mangroves
- 8th grade
- science
A short video to introduce learners to ecology in Puerto Rico, with an emphasis on the importance of mangroves. Produce by Trey Lawrence, a Media student at Ball State University, as part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad experience, Spring 2026.
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Spines of Destiny – sea urchin survival game
- 9th grade
- science
Learn about the challenges faced by sea urchin larva as they try to survive in the ocean. This game helps learners explore sea urchin conservation efforts at ISER Caribe in Puerto Rico, an organization working to restore coral reefs. Produce by BSU Biology student EJ Jarp as part of a Tropical Ecology Study Abroad Experience, Spring 2026
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Ecosystems as Defenses
- 8th grade
- science
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Tropical Ecology Podcast
- 8th grade
- science
Title image of Ava Sylvain and Bailey Turnpaugh-Stevens
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Ecology 101 – Podcast about Tropical Ecology
- 8th grade
- science
Title screen image for Ecology 101 podcast
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