Learning Goals
—Students will learn where fossil fuels come from and how humans have used them in the past
few centuries
—Students will be introduced to how fossil fuels and CO2 emissions drive climate change
—Students will learn about the different efforts humans have made to address climate change
Objectives
—In groups, students will read a passage that answers one of the learning goals above and then
illustrate that information onto a large poster board
—Students will post each of their posters at the front of the room, showing a timeline of our
relationship with fossil fuels
—Students will be informed of our final unit project
Agenda
Do Now 5 min
The Story of Fossil Fuels and People 35 min
Video 5 min
Lecture: Intro to Final Project 10 min
Outro 15-20 min
Note* Due to a long class period, the times above may not be accurate. The outro (which is to
begin the homework) may be longer/shorter depending on the speed of the previous activities.
Materials
Markers, crayons, sharpies, any type of coloring utensil
Large poster paper
Passage handouts
Powerpoint Presentation (teacher)
Do Now — 5 min
— The class will begin with a Do Now of 2 review questions. This will get students thinking
about what exactly fossil fuels are and where they come from, and introduce them to the concept
of being an advocate.
—The teacher will introduce students to the final unit project, which is an advocacy project in
which students advocate (via a specific project of their choice) to Governor Janet Mills if Maine
should join the US Climate Alliance, or if Maine should not join the US Climate Alliance.
*Note: Because Mills joined the Alliance soon after the introduction to this project, our final
project changed focus to whether or not you support the Maine Climate Council.