Overview

In this experience, students analyze the ways young people can help environmental challenges.. Then they read about an environmental challenge and analyze the causes and effects. Next they research an environmental problem, focusing on causes, effects, and possible solutions. Then they brainstorm possible solutions and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of their three best ideas. Finally they propose a solution and evaluate it.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 to scene 4.

There is no quiz at the end of this experience.

Strategies for teaching this experience:

Emphasis on problem-solving processes: Work with students on how to brainstorm options, choose the most promising, and evaluate advantages and disadvantages.
Emphasis on writing process: Emphasize the five steps of the writing process and have students publish an argumentative text about the environmental challenge and their proposed solution.
Emphasis on science: Combine the “Identify the Challenge” scene with hands-on experiments about one or more of the challenges presented: wetlands, wildfires, and fossil fuels.
Implement a service project: The Teacher Pack includes an EPA booklet with examples of service projects implemented by schools around the country. Together with your class, implement a service project related to one of the environmental challenges.

Estimated duration: Varies depending on strategy for teaching

Vocabulary word:

intensified

Objectives

Identify intensified natural disasters and environmental challenges resulting from human activity
Research a specific environmental challenge and propose a solution

Engage

You may have heard people talk about environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, drought, wildfires, or rising sea levels. These issues can affect communities in different ways depending on where people live and the resources available to them.

In this experience, you will focus on one environmental challenge affecting communities in the United States. You will learn what causes the problem, how it affects people and places, and some of the ways communities and governments respond.

Objectives

Identify intensified natural disasters and environmental challenges resulting from human activity
Research a specific environmental challenge and propose a solution

a polar bear standing on a small block of ice surrounded by the sea

Climate change is melting arctic sea ice and threatening the habitat of polar bears.

Environmental problems can seem very large, but young people can still take meaningful action. Problems such as pollution, habitat loss, drought, and changes in weather patterns can affect air, water, plants, animals, and communities. Different places face different challenges, so people may respond in different ways.

Kids and teenagers have helped by planting native plants, protecting habitats for animals, picking up litter, reducing plastic waste, and helping with community cleanups. Some have raised money for conservation projects or created art and school projects to teach others about environmental issues.

Young people can also learn about a local problem and share what they discover with others. They may write to community leaders, speak at a local meeting, or work with a school or community group to suggest possible solutions. Others focus on everyday choices, such as using less water, wasting less food, or reusing and recycling materials.

No single action can solve every environmental problem. However, learning about an issue, making thoughtful choices, and working with others can help improve a community and protect natural resources.

What is one way a young person could help address an environmental problem in their community? Explain how that action could help.

Post your answer

Ask for volunteers to explain their choices.

The Student Pack includes a Ted Talk video by teen activist Greta Thunberg.

Divide students into their small groups for the next three scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

Facing Environmental Challenges