Morgan Grieser

What is Your Ecological Footprint?

Grades 3rd -5th

LESSON PLAN

STANDARDS
Common Core Standard: 3.W.1: 1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a
point of view with reasons.
5-ESS3-1.

Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science
ideas to protect the Earths resources and environment.

LESSON SUMMARY/OVERVIEW
In this lesson, students analyze their Ecological Footprint using an online questionnaire.
The assessment includes several questions about the students individual resource usage
habits. The student is expected to discuss and evaluate the data at the end of the lesson by
writing a reflection on their results. Ecological Footprints are an essential piece of creating
a sustainable lifestyle. Which is why it is important to educate young minds early on so
they have a chance to develop healthy habits.
OBJECTIVES
Instructional Practice:
The class will start off this lesson in the computer lab. As a whole, the students will discuss
the topic of Ecological Footprints by reviewing the previous days lesson, What Contributes
to an Ecological Footprint? The teacher will then give an overview on the online activity,
and explain how to accurately answer each question on the questionnaire. (5 minutes)
Guided Practice:
Students will be given the online website in which they will answer all questions honestly
and to the best of their ability, in to obtain accurate results. Teacher will walk around
observing students and answering any questions students may have. Students will not
discuss their answers or talk during the exercise, and will sit quietly. Students will record
data (How many Earths they would need if everyone lived like they did) in their Student
Habit Log. (15-20 minutes)
Discussion:
The class will then return to the classroom where they will gather around the community
table. I will then ask the students to give me examples of how students waste resources. We
will list all possibilities on the whiteboard while brainstorming how to better handle each
wastage situation. (10-15). Students are welcome to share personal experiences.
Conclusion:
Students will then be asked to write one-paragraph reflection in their Student Habit Log on
3 different ways they waste resources. For each choice, they will be required to provide
how they would change their habits, and analyze what they concluded from their results
(optional for take home or final in-class activity).
ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION

Students will be expected to write a paragraph explaining their Ecological Footprint Test
results and how they could change them in complete sentences following the 6+1 traits of
writing.

PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE
Accurately follow directions
Operate a computer
Write a correctly formatted paragraph

Student Habit Log

Lined paper
Computer (in school lab)
Pencil

MATERIALS

Ecological Footprint
Transportation
Electricity
Production
Fossil Fuels

VOCABULARY/KEY WORDS

TEACHING PROCEDURES
Procedural Steps (Step by step instructions for teaching the lesson):
1. Teacher will start by explaining the objective and purpose of sustainability and
analyzing an ecological footprint.
2. Teacher will then ask students to explain the significance of analyzing their personal
ecological footprint and share it with the person next to them.
3. Students will then be asked to choose a computer within the lab and go to the Global
Footprint Network using the site provided on the board.
4. Students will complete the assessment, asking questions if they do not understand
what is being asked; in order to collect accurate data and results.
5. When all students have completed the assessment. Results will be discussed among
the class. At this time, any questions about the assessment or results may be asked.
6. Finally, students will be asked to write out three sentences discussing 3 habits they
think they could change to positively affect their results.
RESOURCES
Global Footprint Network.(2003-2014).Footprint Calculator. Retrieved November 8, 2014,
from http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/
WAYS OF THINKING CONNECTION
This lesson plan exemplifies that of Futures Thinking. For this lesson students will analyze
their current habits after taking the test reexamine them. Based on how many earths each
students are calculated to use, the student will evaluate the data and elaborate on how they
can change their results.