Climate Change and Nature Preservation Curriculum for Middle School

Objectives:

This program offers students the opportunity to

• help solve a real-life problem in biodiversity conservation
• analyze environmental perspectives and acquire scientific knowledge
• engage in a truly democratic process and to learn how to do that appropriately (study-learn-decide-vote process)
• learn skills in leadership (small group processes, as well as class presentations, and especially in fundraising efforts outside of the immediate learning environment)

Materials:

• internet connection
• computers/laptops/tablets (one per group)
• three packages of popcorn (or a similar food item), tools or cardboard boxes for collecting popcorn, ribbons

Lesson Plan:

Lesson 1: Climate Change — The Root of the Problem Lesson 2: The Game of Life Lesson 3: The Power of Biodiversity — The Wolves of Yellowstone Lesson 4: What Is an Endangered Species? Lessons 5–8: Mission TiME (This is My Earth) Lesson 9: From Personal Responsibility to Social Responsibility Each lesson has its own procedure detailed in the full curriculum guide. Activities all take place in small groups and include presentations, a role-playing game, research, and a class debate and vote.