World map made of seeds

Feeding the World & Protecting the Environment

A high school environmental science teacher supplemental resource



This supplemental resource was developed to provide content, case studies, and labs to help high school students, grades 9-12, examine fertilizer's role in crop production. The resource also helps students explore the relationship between fertilizers, the environment and federal regulations, such as the Clean Water Act.

Key topics include:

  • Essential Plant Nutrients
  • Natural Biogeochemical Cycles
  • Organic and Commercial Fertilizer
  • 4R Nutrient Stewardship Principles
  • Air Quality
  • Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  • Water Quality and Quantity
  • Hypoxia
  • Land Restoration
  • Nitrogen Production Facilities
  • Alchemy of Air Excerpts