SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn about particle pollution.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson introduces students to gain elementary knowledge about air pollution, its sources, and implications on air quality. It provides critical insights on the impacts it has on low-income communities of Los Angeles. The lesson materials are well-written and cited. Thus, this lesson has passed our science review.

POSITIVES:
-This lesson dives deeper into the concept of air pollution and how to monitor air quality.
-This lesson involves movement and allows kids to have fun while learning about something serious.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-You will need to prepare the appropriate materials for The Cilia Game before class begins.
-The Cilia Game is quite silly. Be prepared for some laughs as the "cilia" try to defend the "lungs"!
-Cilia are tiny hair-like structures in our respiratory system that protect our lungs from foreign matter like particle pollution.
-In this lesson we use the term "particle pollution." This is usually referred to as "particulate pollution" or "particulate matter." For the purposes of this lesson, we have decided to use the simpler "particle pollution."
-"Air pollution" is kind of a catchall term, referring to things like ozone, particulate matter, and even greenhouse gases. This can be tricky for elementary students to sort out. The purpose of this lesson is for students to better understand particulate matter.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Curious students may want more time to explore the interactive map of air quality.
-Students who complete their journal entry early can make their own air quality monitor.
-Be sensitive to your students' health situation. Some students with asthma or who know someone with asthma may find it difficult to learn more about this topic.

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students connect air quality with environmental justice.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson introduces the relationship between environment and justice. Students understand if their community is healthy and what to do to create a fair, just, equitable, and sustainable planet for all to thrive. Additional materials are suitable to broaden their understanding on a wide range of topics such as segregation, the connection between climate and justice, racial justice, and social justice. All materials in this lesson are properly cited and are void of scientific contradictions. In this light, this lesson has passed our science credibility process.

POSITIVES:
-This lesson allows students to create their own meaning of environmental justice before viewing the explanatory video.
-The EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool is amazing. Students will love it.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-The video explaining environmental justice might be tough for 3rd-5th graders to understand. Students should understand the core message in the video, even if they might not understand all the details.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Some students may want more time to explore the EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool.
-The reflection journal at the end of the lesson has options for student creativity and imagination.

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn watercolour techniques, identify their target audience and create a rubric, and complete their artwork.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson connects arts with science, and it is ideal to communicate environmental change. Students learn basic watercolor techniques and apply the technique to create an artwork that would make an impact in their community. The procedures and tools used in the lesson are suitable for achieving the lesson outcomes. The lesson has passed our science review process and is recommended for use.

POSITIVES:
-Students explore and utilize visual art techniques to evoke emotions and encourage change.
-Students identify a target audience and develop a rubric to evaluate the effectiveness of their project.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 6 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Art for the Earth unit.
-Watercolour paints, water, and paper are necessary for this lesson. Thick watercolour paper will allow for more control of the paint but is not necessary.
-Make sure to provide enough time for setup and cleanup.
-If students are completing reflections and rubrics, the Student Reflection & Rubrics Document must be printed beforehand or shared digitally with the students.
-The Inspire section is listed as 30 minutes long. The final parts of this project may take much longer, depending on what you intend to do with your students. Additional time will probably be needed for displaying artwork, completing reflections, completing rubrics, and distributing and collecting rubrics from the target audience.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Displaying options, target audience, and evaluation methods can vary depending on time, resources, student ability, grade level, and school environment.
-Ideas for target audiences: another class or grade level, the general school community, families, or an outside community that the class decides could benefit from this education.
-Ideas for displaying options: in a classroom space, hallway, or common room space; in a digital exhibition; at a school event (e.g., art show, classwork presentation evening, parents' night, etc.)

In this lesson, students learn watercolour techniques, identify their target audience and create a rubric, and complete their artwork.

Step 1 - Inquire: Students analyze Jill Pelto works of art, learn how colours create emotion, and practice their watercolour techniques.

Step 2 - Investigate: As a class, students identify their target audience and create a corresponding rubric.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students complete their artwork.

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students analyze data, create line graphs, conduct research, and plan their data art project.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson builds students' data analysis and research skills. Students learn how to use data to create an appealing artwork that can explain and raise awareness on climate change impacts. All materials are properly sourced, and datasets for analysis are accurate. The lesson has passed our science credibility process.

POSITIVES:
-Students learn how to create a line graph that includes title, x-axis label, y-axis label, data points, and a line connecting the data points.
-Students think critically in their groups and in whole class discussions.
-Students practice media literacy skills when conducting research.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 5 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Art for the Earth unit.
-Students should have a basic understanding of data analysis and why graphs are useful tools to view data.
-You may have to guide students to good resources when they are conducting research on their topic in the Investigate section. A great tip when students are doing online research is to use the PARC method, which stands for Purpose, Author, Reliability, and Currency. Students can ask of every website:
-What is the purpose of this website?
-Who is the author of this website?
-Is this website reliable?
-Is this website current?

DIFFERENTIATION:
-It may be best for students to collaborate when creating their line graphs. Grouping students with varying levels of logical-mathematical intelligence and spatial-visual intelligence would probably work best.
-Line graphs can also be created using technology tools, including iPads or Chromebooks.
-Your students may or may not have different line graphs. If the data comes from a true class campaign, all students will have the same line graph. If students gathered their own data for different issues or used the different available data from NASA, their line graphs will be different.
-The Inspire section is meant for students to prepare to complete their projects. They will actually finish their projects in the sixth lesson in this unit after discussing more about the impact of art on one's feelings, how colours affect emotions, and how to appeal to different audiences.

In this lesson, students analyze data, create line graphs, conduct research, and plan their data art project.

Step 1 - Inquire: Students analyze their own data from the previous lesson.

Step 2 - Investigate: Students create a line graph and conduct research on their topic.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students plan their data art project.

In this lesson, students learn about deforestation, analyze paintings featuring deforestation themes, and then have the choice to learn about Wangari Maathai or design a climate action plan related to deforestation.

Step 1 - Inquire: Students activate background knowledge about deforestation, watch a timelapse video of deforestation, and learn the different parts of the word "deforestation."

Step 2 - Investigate: Students analyze and reflect upon two paintings featuring themes of deforestation.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students watch a video about climate activist Felix Finkbeiner and choose one of two options: learn more about Felix's inspiration Wangari Maathai or design a climate action plan related to deforestation.

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn about deforestation, analyze paintings featuring deforestation themes, and then have the choice to learn about Wangari Maathai or design a climate action plan related to deforestation.

SCIENTIST NOTES: The lesson allows students to explore the importance of reforestation to combat climate change. There are no scientific misconceptions in the lesson except for one instance in the Young Voices for the Planet video, which is embedded on slide 19 of the Teacher Slideshow. At 3 minutes, 35 seconds into the video, the boy Julian says, "We plant trees to help climate change." This is an error because we plant trees to fight climate change. All other materials are properly sourced. Thus, this lesson has passed our science credibility process.

POSITIVES:
-There is opportunity for a lot of peer and group discussion in this lesson.
-Students share their own thoughts and feelings about Jill Pelto's art, validating how they feel about deforestation and climate change.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 2 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Art for the Earth unit.
-A stable Internet connection is required to play the videos, especially the Google Earth timelapse video.
-Students should have some background knowledge on Jill Pelto, which you can find in lesson 1 of our Art for the Earth unit.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-This entire lesson lends itself to discussion. Group students accordingly so they can get the most out of this lesson.
-The Google Earth timelapse video of deforestation can be emotional to watch. Students may react with anger, sadness, fear, or shock. Tell them that those feelings are normal and natural. You can also tell them that you are learning about deforestation and climate change in order to do something about it. Empowering your students is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them.
-Some students may be eager to share their thoughts and feelings about Jill Pelto's art. Let them share with the class. Some students, however, may want to keep their feelings to themselves. That is OK too.
-The Inspire section of this lesson features a lot of student agency. Some students may want to learn more about Wangari Maathai and then be "done" with the deforestation part of this unit. Other students may want to design an action plan for your school or community. Perhaps they'd like to plant more trees on your school grounds. Support these students appropriately, and perhaps their efforts will lead to a greener, healthier, calmer school environment.

SYNOPSIS: This lesson explores the benefits of green spaces, how green spaces are disappearing, and how the disappearance of green spaces relates to environmental justice.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson lets students understand the relationship between disappearing green spaces and environmental justice in their community. The lesson is elementary, suitable for classroom, use and has no scientific misconceptions. All materials are thoroughly sourced and have passed our science review.

POSITIVES:
-Students will better understand deforestation utilizing Google Earth.
-Students learn how urban tree cover disproportionately benefits wealthier communities.
-This lesson uplifts student voices and creates student agency to make the world better.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 2 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Green Spaces unit.
-Knowledge of the terms goods and services would be helpful prior to this lesson.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Students are able to select one of three options in the Inspire section of this lesson.
-Outgoing students can share their mini-comics or stories with the class when they are finished.
-Teachers can support students who feel motivated to make changes in their schools or communities. Any project like this can extend far beyond this lesson.

In this lesson, students compare and contrast emissions from different modes of transportation and explore the concept of transportation planning.

Step 1 - Inquire: Students analyze a bar graph of carbon dioxide emissions by different modes of transportation and calculate the most environmentally conscious modes of travel based on emissions.

Step 2 - Investigate: Students analyze commuter survey results of the top concerns with public transportation and complete real-world math problems based on different transportation scenarios, calculating the difference in carbon emission outputs.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students learn about transportation planners and watch a video about Hong Kong's transit system.

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students compare and contrast emissions from different modes of transportation and explore the concept of transportation planning.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson asks students to investigate the amount of carbon emitted by different forms of transportation. The numbers used for the calculations are backed by peer-reviewed science, and the methodologies come from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This lesson has passed our scientific review process.

POSITIVES:
-This lesson builds upon students' understanding of place in the world and the impact of individual lifestyle choices.
-It features relevant real-world math problems.
-It offers career path integration in the sector of transportation planning and transit.
-Students creatively brainstorm solutions for real-world issues and civil concerns.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 2 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Green Transportation unit.
-Students should have knowledge of reading a bar graph and a basic understanding of interpreting data.
-If students do not have background knowledge of their community's public transportation systems, they should be appropriately introduced to the basics of how buses, metros, and railways work.
-The graph in the Inquire section uses the unit CO2e to measure emissions from different modes of transportation. CO2e stands for carbon dioxide equivalent, which is the measure of the impact of all greenhouse gases in terms of the amount of CO2 that would create the same amount of warming. For the purpose of this lesson and the age of the learners, it is probably best to just use the terms “carbon dioxide” and “CO2.”

DIFFERENTIATION:
-There can be number-set choices for math problems available for different abilities and skill sets.
-Students can work in pairs or small groups.

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn how to analyze characters in stories, reread Why Is Coco Orange?, and complete a journal entry.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson lets students learn about air quality, how to analyze characters in a story, and how to tell a story about the impact of air quality on human health. This lesson has passed the science review process and is recommended for teaching.

POSITIVES:
-This lesson allows students to explore their own personality traits and relate them to the characters in the story.
-This lesson shows students the best ways to support their classmates who have asthma.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-Students should be familiar with the vocabulary in the story. You can use the vocabulary words slideshow with your students to review the words or play games with the words.
-Analyzing the characters in Inside Out is an easy way for students to begin practicing character analysis.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-You can choose to read the book aloud to your students, watch the video read aloud as a class, or have students read the story independently or in groups.
-You could print the vocabulary cards for students who need to refer to them during the read aloud.
-Students could read their journal entries to the class after they have finished. Some students may want to share their own journeys with asthma or how they are supporting friends and family with asthma.
-Students who finish early could conduct more research on ozone and its impact on the respiratory system.

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students reflect on their personal energy use, make a bar graph to analyze data from the class, and create a conservation poster for display.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson is suitable to build the capacity of students to understand energy sources and what they can power, to compute and audit their daily energy consumption, to share their energy footprint in group activities, and to raise awareness on energy consumption to a wide audience by creating a conservation poster. This lesson has passed our science review process and is recommended for classroom use.

POSITIVES:
-This lesson includes using a spreadsheet to create a bar graph. This may be the first time students learn this skill.
-Creating a conservation poster is a great way for students to feel empowered to take immediate climate action.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 2 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Renewable Energy unit.
-When you are collecting data for the spreadsheets and graphs, some students may respond that they spent 1,440 minutes using energy (which is the total amount of minutes in a day) due to use of electricity for refrigerators or the heating and cooling of their homes. Although true, having multiple data points of 1,440 minutes is not useful. Have them come up with a lower estimate.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Some students may have difficulty with data entry when adding numbers to their spreadsheet. It may be best to create groups of students so they can check each other's progress to make sure it is correct.
-It may be best to allow students to create conservation posters individually or with a partner.
-Some students may want to create conservation posters using digital tools like Canva or Adobe Spark.

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students advocate for renewable energy in their schools and communities.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson introduces students to understand the importance of renewable energy and how they can advocate for energy and climate justice in their community. All materials embedded in the lesson are thoroughly sourced. Accordingly, this lesson is recommended for classroom use.

POSITIVES:
-Students transform into activists in this final lesson in the unit.
-Students are able to engage with community stakeholders outside of the classroom.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 6 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Renewable Energy unit.
-It may be difficult to figure out how much renewable energy exists in your community or how much of your local electrical grid is powered by renewable energy. Your students could explore this interactive map from the EPA showing all energy infrastructure and resources.
-If you or your students do not know how to focus your activism, you can advocate for rooftop solar panels on your school if it makes sense.
-Support your students appropriately if they would like to take this project to the next level. Perhaps they could continue their activism before school, at recess, or after school. It may be nice to ask some of your fellow teachers to also support their efforts.
-This lesson plan might lead to the founding of a student activism group!

DIFFERENTIATION:
-There are many options for differentiation in this unit. Students can work individually or in groups as they design their own activism.
-Quieter students may want to write a letter to share their thoughts.
-More extroverted students may want to deliver a speech to a school or community leader or sit down with them for a one-on-one discussion.

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn the story of William Kamkwamba, build their own renewable-powered project, and share their project with the broader school community.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson engages students to build a renewable energy product. It contains clear illustrations on how to create a product, test it out, and share the innovation with an audience. There are no misconceptions in this lesson. It is advised that this lesson be used in the classroom.

POSITIVES:
-Students learn the inspiring story of William Kamkwamba and how he brought power to his community.
-Students get to engineer with their hands!

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 4 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Renewable Energy unit.
-You will need to procure a copy of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind for this lesson.
-The Investigate section of this lesson plan is listed as 40 minutes long. However, some students may need more time to finish their projects. Perhaps they could keep building their projects before school, at recess, after school, or at home.
-It may be best to check with your administration or team teachers to see if your students can display their projects in a common area. Also, a "please do not touch" sign may be necessary for the display so your students' creations do not get broken.
-This lesson may need to be postponed if it is not sunny or windy enough on that day.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-You may not have enough specialized materials (small solar panel, hobby motor, etc.) for all students. Students can work in groups to share these limited materials.
-If you decide to have your students present to another class, encourage every student to have a speaking part.
-Perhaps you can allow students to bring in materials from home. Be mindful of students who have nicer materials and how other students feel if they are using school materials only.

SYNOPSIS: This lesson plan connects intergenerational justice with the federal budget.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson asks students to analyze how the U.S. federal government splits its budget amongst all of the federal agencies. The website used to track the spending is routinely updated. This lesson has passed the scientist quality assessment.

POSITIVES:
-This is a powerful lesson connecting past, present, and future.
-Students can have agency as to which group they'd like to represent: the present or the future.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-The top 40 of 102 agencies by spending are included in the spreadsheet. The total (estimated) spending by all 40 of these agencies is $2,960,050,000,000.
-The numbers presented at usaspending.gov are pretty messy. The attached spreadsheet rounds to cleaner numbers.
-The numbers in red are rounded to the nearest billion.
-The numbers in orange are rounded to the nearest hundred million.
-The numbers in blue are rounded to the nearest fifty million.
-Students may be missing some background knowledge. Be prepared to answer questions and/or do some research along with them.
-For example, some students might not know the function of the Department of the Interior.
-Feel free to use this site to look up the function of the major federal agencies. These are one-sentence explanations.
-Feel free to also use this site from the White House where the major agencies (e.g., Agriculture, Defense) are outlined in one large paragraph.
-Note that one “agency” is simply called “unreported data.” That data is not made public. Students can simply leave that $8 billion alone.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Students will most likely not finish. This is not really a “finishable” activity. The main goal of this activity is for students to figure out the best way to allocate money to the major federal agencies.
-It is not really worth it to discuss the really small expenditures like the Administrative Conference of the U.S.
-Students can wear armbands or robes to show that they are representing the future. Some physical representation of their role is a very powerful reminder of who they represent.

SYNOPSIS: This lesson connects Indigenous communities with the natural environment.

SCIENTIST NOTES: The lesson explores the relationship between man and nature and how culture influences ecosystem services. It gives a foundation for young people to be change agents in their generation. This lesson has passed our credibility process and is recommended for the classroom.

POSITIVES:
-This lesson connects government policy to Indigenous activism.
-Heterogeneous small groups allow for supported learning.
-Excellent social studies and ELA integration.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 3 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Green Spaces unit.
-If you choose to have the students walking around and writing on posters in the Inspire section, you must have the posters up and ready before the lesson. Students could also write their thoughts on a chalkboard or whiteboard.
-Prior knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and their resistance to colonialism is helpful.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Newsela offers different reading levels and read alouds for students of varying abilities.
-Grouping students by ability may be helpful in the Investigate section if students are reading aloud to each other.

SYNOPSIS: This lesson explores different transit systems around the world and unpacks the decision-making process behind transportation planning.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson has students investigate what transportation planners do and the transportation systems of different countries. All external links are valid, and this lesson has passed our scientific review process.

POSITIVES:
-Students have the opportunity to collaborate and reason with each other.
-Students conduct research and present their findings orally.
-Students are exposed to global connections.
-Students activate creativity and imagination.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 3 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Green Transportation unit.
-Students should have prior knowledge of accessing information using the Internet.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Teacher can modify the Investigate section through the following ways based on students' needs:
-Low Level: Teacher provides students with mostly visuals and/or audio recordings describing the different transportation systems and allows students to write keywords and share.
-On Level: Teacher provides students with a mix of visuals and brief sentences from articles describing the different transportation systems. Students can write 1-4 sentences to share.
-High Level: Teacher provides students with complete articles describing the different transit systems and allows students to highlight in the text. Students then write 5+ complete sentences prior to their sharing with the whole class.
-In the Inspire section, students have the option to work independently or in groups.
-If working in groups, students can choose the specific role that fits their personality the best.

SYNOPSIS: This lesson introduces students to air quality.

SCIENTIST NOTES: The lesson introduces to students to basic knowledge on air quality and how it is interpreted using the AQI. This lesson is void of any scientific misconceptions. Thus, it is recommended for classroom use.

POSITIVES:
-Journaling is great for students to reflect and explore how they feel about air pollution.
-Why Is Coco Orange? is a great book for students to build empathy for those with underlying health conditions.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-It may be best to split students who read the book and students who watch the read aloud video. Perhaps these two groups can use two separate spaces if possible.
-Students will use these journals throughout this entire unit. Students could create new journals or use journals that they use all year or for different subjects.
-"Air pollution" is kind of a catchall term, referring to things like ozone, particulate matter, and even greenhouse gases. This can be tricky for elementary students to sort out. The purpose of this lesson is for students to learn that breathing in the pollutant ozone is harmful to their health.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-You can have students complete the KWL chart in groups instead of a whole class. One student can act as the scribe while the group discusses.
-You can assign students to read the book or watch the read aloud video, depending on their strengths and weaknesses.
-You can provide sentence stems for weaker students when they are journaling. For example, if they select option #1 - written reflection - you can provide them with the following sentence stems:
-Today I learned that...
-I am thinking...
-I am feeling...

SYNOPSIS: Students will learn about renewable and nonrenewable sources, ways they use energy in their everyday lives, and ways to conserve energy.

SCIENTIST NOTES: The lesson allows students to explore the differences between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and to analyze U.S. energy data to broaden their understanding on carbon footprint from the energy sector. There are no scientific misconceptions in the lesson, and all materials are properly sourced. Thus, this lesson has passed our science credibility process.

POSITIVES:
-This lesson on renewable energy may lead to students' first exposure to climate change.
-There is a useful glossary at the end of the slideshow.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 1 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Renewable Energy unit.
-Students may have trouble differentiating between coal, natural gas, and petroleum. You can explain that they are all fossil fuels and take a long time to develop underground.
-Students may inquire about nuclear energy, which is not included in the sort. Nuclear energy is nonrenewable because it uses uranium, a finite resource.
-The term "natural gas" is used in this lesson instead of gas, methane, methane gas, fossil gas, or other names because "natural gas" is the most recognizable name for it. The term "gas" is incredibly confusing because it is one of the states of matter and refers to any number of gases. It also is shorthand for the liquid fuel called gasoline that is used in motor vehicles. If you're interested in learning about the problems associated with calling it "natural gas," check out this intriguing data from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Before the lesson, you may want to review natural resources with the students, which is typically taught in K-2. Natural resources are anything in nature used by humans.
-You can group students of different abilities together when they are completing the energy sort.
-You can share the energy sort with your students on paper or in digital form.
-Students can complete the energy audit on paper or in digital form.