This resource contains multiple lesson plans for students in upper elementary school, middle school, and high school. Using a bicycle as a metaphor to help students think about systems, the lessons cover an introduction to systems to deeper analysis.
Recommended grades: Adjustable for grades 3+
Time: Varies
A lesson on the true cost of goods The true price activity helps students explore the positive and negative impacts of our product choices on themselves, other people, animals, and the earth.
Grades: Recommended for grades 4 and up
Time:(2) 45-minute class sessions
Students assess examples of media (catalogs, magazines, books, etc.) to consider who is (and isn’t) represented, explore the impact of lack of diversity in media, and realize their own rich experiences with diversity.
Recommended for grades: 4 and up
Time: 45-60 minutes
In this icebreaker, participants learn just how important words and actions are when they explore their impact on two apples.
Grades: PreK – 8
Time: 5-10 minutes
This activity encourages participants to explore how sample ingredients in our food might affect the environment, people, and animals, and what alternatives might exist that could do more good and less harm.
Recommended grades: 6 and up
Time: 45 minutes to several days
Students learn to be ad-savvy by exploring the pervasiveness of ads in their lives and by analyzing what ads are trying to sell…and trying to hide.
Recommended grades: 4 and up
Time: 45-60 minutes
Using the five gyres of plastic pollution as a springboard, this activity encourages participants to explore the issues surrounding trash in our oceans and to develop solutions.
Recommended grades: 3-5
Time: 3 to 4 60-minute sessions
he Wonder Box is used to hold a collection of various natural, found objects (shells, leaves, feathers, rocks, twigs, deceased insects, etc.). Students can interact with the objects, inspecting them, using their five senses, drawing/sketching, painting, a picture of the object(s), writing a poem, listing describing words, creating a story, etc.
Recommended grades: PreK-5
Time: 20 minutes and then ongoing
This activity helps students think about how we are all connected and how our actions impact others and the environment.
Recommended grades: 6 and up
Time: Three to four 45-60 minute class sessions
Lesson for teaching about racism: students explore examples of racism, consider perspectives, and discuss ways to eradicate racism in our society.
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