Tackling Climate Change through Environmental Justice Middle School

EcoRise

This multi-lesson set is focused on environmental justice and social science. It asks students to consider inequality and justice in the context of their own lives and the environment through a series of both hands-on and research-focused activities.

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Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

Note that this lesson set contains multiple variations on classroom set-up which necessitates good classroom management. In order to do the research suggested in this lesson set, students would benefit from background information about identifying viable sources. Try out the materials you choose for the tower building exercise in lesson one before using them for the lesson to make sure they're effective for the activity. This resource is intended to be used in it's entirety, however, students may still benefit from completing isolated activities. Consider using the EJ timeline and heros activity throughout a larger curriculum so that students can reinforce their understanding of historical context.
Though science and data are not the focus, the concepts presented are vital to conducting responsible science. Students are also involved in inquiry and observation throughout the lesson, which are important skills to cultivate. There are multiple opportunities that the lessons could connect to scientific resources. For example: In lesson one, the activity focused on building a tower could connect to engineering. In lesson three, the resources students focus on for research could include peer-reviewed articles or other formal scientific publications, which could help students consider bias, the process of review, and systematic racism. This three-part lesson plan for grade 4-8 supports student understanding of the multiple, complex issues and perspectives of environmental justice in the United States. In part one, students complete a group activity under the pressures of environmental discrimination and then evaluate their success. The second part uses a short video to explain a real life example of overcoming environmental discrimination to encourages students to reflect on the complexity of these issues. In the third part, students learn about the history and heroes of environmental justice and research an issue that is personal to them. Students will learn terms like redlining, NIMBY, equity, equality, and intersectionality. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
These lessons provide engaging activities that serve as an introduction to environmental justice. Depending on the age and maturity of students, the concepts may require some scaffolding, background information, and discussion. Consequently, the times listed for activities may not be accurate. Read though the materials ahead of time. Allow space to delve into these topics at the students' speed. Teachers know their classrooms best and will want to consider how to thoughtfully guide students through these lessons and provide the necessary support to address the concepts presented. This resource uses a mix of group activities and discussions, videos, and self reflection that will appeal to a wide variety of audiences. A student and teacher guide is available, and a rubric is provided to help educators evaluate participation. Each part builds on the information that students learned in the last, and new vocabulary is thoughtfully used throughout the lessons. Great care is also taken to inform and prepare both the educator and the students of the potential vulnerabilities that this content can expose in a classroom setting.
These lessons require prep time for teachers to print and prepare materials. While there is a considerable amount of information and support for teachers provided within the lessons, the format may be challenging to work through. Spend time with the lessons beforehand and consider rewriting them in your own style. All activities have a blended learning option to assist educators with an online format. All links are working and are available in dropbox for download.