Author:
Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains
Subject:
Physical Science
Material Type:
Lesson Plan
Level:
Upper Primary
Grade:
4, 5
Tags:
  • Carbon Emissions
  • Carbon Footprint
  • Environmental Impact
  • Science
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Downloadable docs, Interactive, Text/HTML, Video

    Carbon Footprint

    Carbon Footprint

    Overview

    As we live on this earth we create an impact. The energy that we use in our day to day lives affects the earth. In this seminar, you will learn about the carbon emissions humans produce and what a carbon footprint is. By the end of this seminar, you will be able to use deductive reasoning skills to determine how you can reduce your carbon footprint. You will be able to think reflectively about your impact on the environment.

    Standards

    3.4.5.B2

    Describe how waste may be appropriately recycled or disposed of to prevent unnecessary harm to the environment.

    Engage

    Introductory warm-up activity.

    What do you know about your carbon footprint? Write down anything you think you know in the “K” column of this KWL chart. What do you want to know about your carbon footprint? Add to the “W” column of your KWL chart. You will continue to fill in this chart throughout the seminar.

    Explore

    Read or watch the resources to learn about this concept, then do the practice activity.

     

     

    Read

    Watch

    Do

    Read under the heading “How can I reduce my carbon footprint?” on this website to learn about carbon emissions and how to reduce your carbon footprint.

    Add to the “L” column of your KWL chart here.

    Watch this video to learn about carbon emissions and how to reduce your carbon footprint.

    Add to the “L” column of your KWL chart here.


     

    Complete this carbon calculator quiz to see what your carbon footprint is and how you can reduce it!

    Explain

    Discuss your ideas / opinions / understandings.

    Directions:

    Why is your carbon footprint significant? Explain.

    Evaluate

    Now it is time to self check how much you have learned about the material in this seminar. If you do not know as much as you thought, go back to the “Explore” section of this seminar and reread, rewatch, or redo the activities listed. See your facilitator if you have questions.

    Click here to take the quiz online. You do not have to log into the quiz site in order to take this quiz. If a window pops up asking you to sign up for the quiz site, just close the sign-up window and start your quiz.

    Elaborate

    This is a task or project where you can show what you know.

    Directions:

    Why is it important to reduce your carbon footprint? Create a persuasive project to encourage others to reduce their carbon footprint. Choose one of the formats for your project below. Use this rubric to guide your work.

    Types of Activities:

    • Write an essay

    • Make a podcast

    • Write a newspaper article

    • Perform a skit

    Express

    Complete this wrap-up activity where you reflect on your learning.  

    Write a paragraph to answer the following question: Looking at your KWL chart, what would you like to learn more about in regards to this topic?