Lesson Plan Information
- 1. Introduction to Sustainability Lesson Plan Instructor: Anna Yanke Subject of lesson: Science Content Matter: Sustainability and Carbon Footprints Level of students: 3rd grade Duration of Time: 3 days (Monday-Wednesday) Background Information: My main goal for teaching this lesson is to get young students thinking about the way they live, and how it is affecting the earth’s environment. Students CAN make a difference, and I believe it is important to inform students of what is hurting the earth and ways to help it. When I was in elementary and middle school, I remember only learning very little about sustainability. This is not a good thing, and I hope that curriculums are changing this issue and that it is being introduced more and at a younger ages. Therefore, I decided to focus my lesson on sustainability. Sustainability is a confusing topic to grasp, but it can be altered and taught in so many ways where younger students can comprehend the material. When students know that they can change the world, they are extremely motivated do their part in making the world a better place. I also think it is imperative to incorporate technology into education because technology is increasing everyday in the world around us. I chose to start off the lesson using PowerPoint to teach the material to the class. PowerPoint is a great way to organize information in a clear way. The second part of my lesson includes calculating our carbon footprints. In order to do so, I found an online carbon footprint calculator that is great for elementary level students! It is easy to use and understand and shows clear results of their carbon footprint. It is found: http://www.zerofootprintkids.com/kids_home.aspx. I chose to end this lesson by having the students use an online slideshow presentation to explain what they will do to take better care of the earth. I had my students use Prezi to create these presentations because it allows students to organize their presentation however they want and its easy to use and upload pictures. These students have background knowledge on how to use Prezi so this lesson is solely focused on learning about sustainability. Learning Objectives: Students will be able to… • Understand the importance of sustainability • Learn 5 main factors of sustainability • Discover their personal Carbon Footprints and what this means • Become conscious of sustainable living • Make appropriate decisions related to their personal water use, food intake, transportation options, energy use, and environmental care.
- 2. • Apply knowledge of sustainability to their every day lives Materials Needed: • Sustainability lesson powerpoint • Computers • Pencil • Notebook (to take notes) • Internet (for access to the carbon footprint calculator and Prezi) Michigan Grade-Level Content Expectations (GLCES): E.ES.E.4 Natural Resources- The supply of many natural resources is limited. Humans have devised methods for extending their use of natural resources through recycling, reuse, and renewal. • E.ES.03.43 Describe ways humans are protecting, extending, and restoring resources (recycle, reuse, reduce, renewal). E.ES.E.5 Human Impact- Humans depend on their natural and constructed environment. Humans change environments in ways that are helpful or harmful for themselves and other organisms. • E.ES.03.51 Describe ways humans are dependent on the natural environment (forests, water, clean air, Earth materials) and constructed environments (homes, neighborhoods, shopping malls, factories, and industry). • E.ES.03.52 Describe helpful or harmful effects of humans on the environment (garbage, habitat destruction, land management, renewable, and non-renewable resources). Michigan Educational Technology Standards (METS) 3-5.CI.1. Produce a media-rich digital project aligned to state curriculum standards (e.g., fable, folk tale, mystery, tall tale, historical fiction) 3-5.CI.2. Use a variety of technology tools and applications to demonstrate his/her creativity by creating or modifying works of art, music, movies, or presentations Assessment • I will start off by encouraging students to take notes on the sustainability PowerPoint, especially because it is a new topic to most children. • Throughout the lesson, I will ask questions about the 5 main factors of sustainability and ask for student’s input. • When it comes to using the online carbon footprint calculator, I will walk around the room and help the students as needed. • Once everyone has calculated their footprints, we will compare each
- 3. other’s results and talk about what that means. • We will then brainstorm ideas on the white board of how we can become more sustainable in our every day lives. • I will then assign my students to create a Prezi on their personal “Earth- Friendly” improvements. They will have 2 days to do this. • We will follow up this lesson by planting a class garden later in the week with fresh vegetables.