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Environmental Justice Explained

Elementary, Middle

Description

Throughout the World, economic and ethnic segregation of society causes many communities to be disproportionately affected by air, water and soil pollution.  This short, animated film introduces students to the land use practices that result in industries, resource extraction and waste disposal sites typically being located away from wealthier neighborhoods into locales characterized by poverty and marginalization.  As pupils become aware of the link between social and environmental inequity they will understand the role of environmental justice in supporting a future where all humans enjoy a healthy planet, regardless of where they live.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This video supports Grade 4-8 Social Studies outcomes related to  inequality, discrimination and global social problems.  Issues around the relationship between humans and their environment are explored in the context of life quality.  Students will also develop an understanding of the connections between social justice, urban planning and healthy communities.

A class might extend their learning experience by creating a green space on a piece of waste land within a local low-income neigborhood.  Partnerships with the municipality, local non-government organizations and businesses could supply trees, native plants and materials for structures like benches that students could build on the site.  Tree Canada also provides financial and logistical support for community "greening" projects.  Information about these programs can be found here.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Citizenship: Understanding local, national, and global issues empowers individual and collective action toward an inclusive society
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Issues and Governance: Complex global problems require international cooperation to make difficult choices for the future.
  • Manitoba
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • People & Places in the World: Global Quality of Life
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
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    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Issues and Governance: Complex global problems require international cooperation to make difficult choices for the future.
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • The Changing World: Modern Societies
  • Nunavut
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    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • The Changing World: Modern Societies
  • Ontario
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    • Grade 5
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • People and Environments: The Role of Government and Responsble Citizenship
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • World Issues
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Saskatchewan: Resources and Wealth
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Issues and Governance: Complex global problems require international cooperation to make difficult choices for the future.

Themes Addressed

Human Health & Environment (1)

  • Quality of Life

Human Rights (2)

  • Environmental Racism/Justice
  • Social Justice

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