One of a series of global education instructional units, this unit on environments was designed to be infused with existing social studies courses aimed at students in grades 5-12. Concept-based and skills-oriented, the curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the nature and character of diverse global natural habitats, of the need for humans to adapt to natural surroundings for purposes of survival, of how the process of adaptation has affected human cultural and societal development, and of how humans have developed the capacity to adapt on a global scale. Following an introduction, the importance of combining geography education, ecological studies, and a sociological perspective in enhancing a student's global awareness is emphasized. A series of charts showing the concept to be taught, the topic, essential student outcomes, performance indicators, and content are included and these are accompanied by charts listing specific activities, print and nonprint materials, enrichment activities, and suggestions for evaluation. A rationale statement concludes the curriculum. (LH)