In this unit students will learn more about banana production in Honduras, how bananas are used and consumed in their own community, and they will create their own banana certification standards. Students may participate in a field trip to a local grocery...
In this simulation, students take on the roles of different components of the earth’s surface and atmosphere in order to demonstrate in concrete terms, the greenhouse effect and how human activity is affecting it. Designed to be played indoors...
All children have the basic human right to learn and yet millions of girls are being denied an education due to barriers such as poverty. This lesson engages students in active discussions about the social and economic benefits of educating both...
This ESD resource helps young children explore the essential role that water plays in their lives, the availability of water to children in parts of the developing world, and the choices they can make in relation to responsible water use. Students...
The purpose of this resource is to enhance student’s awareness of the many types of inequality that exist in the world. The activities introduce the students to the idea of social disparities and explore the consequences of these inequalities on...
This inquiry-based unit has students investigate how conserving and protecting our water supply impacts the biodiversity and sustainability of ecosystems. Using a series of brainstorming activities, videos, hands-on learning opportunities, an interactive...
This classroom resource is the third of a four-unit series designed to raise student awareness of the problems associated with non-native, invasive species The unit includes biodiversity surveys, creative expression, ethics discussions, ...
This resource introduces students to the basics of pH in the context of acid rain precipitation and the environmental damage it causes. It also allows students to gain an understanding of the underlying social and economic dimensions of the...
Students will explore ways in which plastic waste can be repurposed to create consumer goods. They will complete a make-remake activity where they will go through a design challenge to make something new out of recycled plastic. The lesson consists of...
In this three part lesson plan, teachers will lead the students in discussions and explore Aboriginal perspectives on respecting the environment; Aboriginal cultural teachings on women's responsibility for water; how individual and collective behavior...
Students conduct 3 activities that explore agricultural inputs and outputs in an effort to better understand some of the challenges involved in producing enough food to meet a growing human population while protecting the environment. General descriptions...
This lesson plan educates students about the omnipresence of plastic, explains the negative impact of plastic on the environment, and helps them reflect on different alternatives that could be used instead of plastic by encouraging them to become more...
This experiential learning resource introduces students to the world of macroinvertebrates and the factors that negatively impact wetlands. A game approach is used to explore the effects of pollution on aquatic macroinvertebrate species. Then students...
Earth is known as the “blue planet” because over 70% of the surface is covered by water. However, most of this water is unavailable for human consumption. Canadians often assume our country has a generous supply of freshwater but...
This unit emphasizes the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling with a particular focus on the significance of respecting the environment and being good stewards of the Earth. Students will: take part in a school yard clean up create their own...
This ESD teaching resource explores the importance of the sustainable transportation of goods and people. It consists of three comprehensive lesson plans and a set of 10 Sustainable Transportation case studies. Activities include card games, ...
This resource is targeted for Grade 7 students in Ontario but would be appropriate for use in any middle level science class to encourage students to explore invasive plant and animal species in their area and to learn about the negative impacts associated...
This comprehensive set of nine activities is centered on the award-winning film, “Happy Feet Two”. Popular characters like Mumble and Erik are used to inspire students to become concerned about human impacts on Antarctic marine ecosystems...
Students algebraically model, analyze and report on local acid rain data using graphing calculators, charts, graphs and Power Point presentations. Outcomes include an understanding of acid rain, pH and the pH scale. The lesson activities also address...
“Producing Garbage” is one of a series of lessons that uses active learning to teach young children concepts associated with understanding their ecological footprint. Students explore the environmental impacts of garbage from the perspective...