3.G.1.3 Exemplify how people adapt to, change and protect the environment to meet their needs 3.C&G.2.2 Exemplify how citizens contribute to the well-being of the community’s natural environment 4.G.1.3 Exemplify the interactions of various people, places, and cultures in terms of adaptation and modification of the environment 5.G.1.2 Explain the positive and negative effects of human activity on the physical environment of the United States, past and present
Conceptual Understanding:
Plant and animal species survival necessitates adaptation to ecological changes.
Guiding Questions:
How do humans adapt to and mitigate climate change?
What structural and behavioral adaptations do species undergo to ensure their survival?
What daily lifestyle changes can lower humans’ ecological footprints and, thus, their impacts on climate change?
Assessment:
Formative:
“We have been talking a lot about climate change and its effects on the environment. From what you have learned so far, why is protecting the environment important to you?”
“What are some ways people may be able to live “environmentally friendly”’
Definition of Sustainability & Ecological Footprint
Students have laptops with internet access.
Students have paper and pencils
Students have colored pencils for circle graph
Information on lowering ecological footprint
Research facts on Sustainability & Ecological Footprint
Find resources on sustainable living and ecological footprint
Ensure students have access to laptops and internet
Create powerpoint
The Hook:
Begin lesson by displaying political cartoon:
Have students discuss with partners:
“What is the cartoon exaggerating in the picture?”
“What do you think the cartoon symbolizes?”
“What is the irony?”
Briefly discuss as a class
“We have been talking a lot about climate change and its effects on the environment. From what you have learned so far, why is protecting the environment important to you?”
“What are some ways people may be able to live “environmentally friendly”’
The Teeny Greeny is the off the grid, urban, tiny house adventure of Rob Greenfield.
It is a voice and example for those who wish to simplify their life and learn to tread lightly on the earth while leaving a positive impact on humanity.
It is an extreme example for sure but with the hopes to inspire you to make small changes in your life, one step, one day at a time.
Guided Practice:
Discuss the definition of sustainability and ecological footprint.