Understanding by Design

Lesson Plan
Lesson Title: Introduction to Unit on Environmental Sustainability
Grade Level: Grade 7
Subject: Interdisciplinary
Unit: Understanding Environmental Sustainability Through Stories Trees Tell Us
Abstract:
Students will be introduced to environmental concepts and issues through the use of
visuals and have a clear understanding of what they will explore throughout the unit.
PRE PLANNING
ig Idea !s"
Trees are disappearing faster in lberta than anywhere else in the country. !oo"ing at the
stories from the past# present# and future# how can we learn from the stories of trees# ta"e
them to heart# and ta"e on a stewardship role in the environment.
Essential #uestions:
$hy should people care about the destruction of forests% &ow is it impacting people on a
provincial and global scale%
'an trees tell us stories% &ow%
re there different perspectives on sustainability throughout history# the present# and
possibly the future%
&ow can we examine trees to understand their individual stories about their experience
using scientific or mathematical methods%
&ow will future generations maintain sustainability%
$hat actions can be ta"en in the immediate future to preserve the environment%
Alberta Progra$ o% Studies &utco$es ' E()ectations:
Science
Unit (
)ey 'oncepts(
interactions and interdependencies
environmental monitoring
environmental impacts
environmental management
*. Investigate and describe relationships between humans and their environments# and
identify related issues and scientific +uestions.
,. Trace and interpret the flow of energy and materials within an ecosystem.
dapted from( -lanning Effective Instruction
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*
2. 3escribe the relationships among "nowledge# decisions# and actions in maintaining
life4supporting environments.
Social Studies
T*e Land: Places and Peo)le
Exploring the uni+ue and dynamic relationship that humans have with the
land# places and environments affects decisions that students ma"e and their
understanding of perspectives# issues# citi5enship and identity.
Students will examine the impact of physical geography on the social#
political# environmental and economic organi5ation of societies.
This examination also affects students6 understanding of perspectives and
issues as they consider how connections to the land influence their sense of place.
&bjectives:
3evelop a sense of responsibility and accountability for the environment
Gain appreciation of different perspectives in history
7ecogni5e the relevance and importance of trees
'lear understanding of current environmental issues
8a"e future pro9ections
:rainstorm changes that need to be made in order to preserve our environment
Enrich students6 experiences of language through various mediums of text
exposure
rie% Descri)tion o% Su$$ative Assess$ent
Students will be given a clear timeline of the activities and lessons within this unit# and
how they will be assessed.
This will include an explanation of(
;ield Guide with an overview of the rubric
/ovel Study including( timeline of readings .outlined in calendar1# 9ournal
guiding +uestions# and brochure and<or character chart<drawing of the lost world
for 'hris &oward6s Rootless
!etter to 8!
LESS&N &PENING:
Timeframe( * &our
Students will watch a video of a Google time lapse of the effects of industriali5ation on
the environment.
!in"( http(<<world.time.com<timelapse<
fterwards# they will be prompted to discuss their previous "nowledge and
understandings of natural resources# sustainability .definition1# and industriali5ation.
Examples of +uestions(
$hat does deforestation mean%
$hat "inds of perspectives would 9ustify deforestation%
$hat is your reaction to this video%
+*ec, %or Understanding:
dapted from( -lanning Effective Instruction
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,
Teacher will assess student6s prior "nowledge of the topic based on the discussion during
the morning and if students have a clear understanding of how they will be assessed
throughout the unit. This will determine if activities need to be modified or additional
support provided.
E()lanation:
=ur unit starts with an initial discussion on environmental sustainability with a video that
demonstrates the impact of industriali5ation on our natural resources around the world.
$e chose the video because it is uses only images to demonstrate the impact with very
little words. E!! students can start to engage with the issue by watching the visuals
demonstrated in the video. :y having a discussion after# the teacher can get a good idea
of how to scaffold the activities for students who will need additional support to complete
the activities in the unit. Students will have a clear understanding of the learning
ob9ectives they are expected to understand which helps individual students to guide their
own learning at an appropriate pace.
UDL LESS&N +-E+.LIST
/ 0a,e e()ectations !objectives1 rubrics1 grading" e()licit %ro$ t*e start
/ Include $ulti)le 2ays to engage students
/ Include $ulti)le 2ays o% re)resenting t*e big ideas
/ Include alternatives to t*e te(t !e3g3 2ebsite1 article1 video1 audio su$$ary1 or
lo2er reading level te(t
/ Include c*ec,s %or understanding to s*a)e instruction
/ Include $et*ods t*at re4uire students5 active )artici)ation
/ Include a c*oice o% learning outco$es t*at re4uire greater su))ort or c*allenge
/ Include o)tions to *el) students learn %ro$ t*e te(t and classroo$ $aterials !e3g3
Te(t6reader1 co$)re*ension su))orts"
/ Provide ste) by ste) instructions %or using learning strategies
/ Provide access to class notes in various %or$ats !e3g3 outline1 gra)*ic1 studycast"
/ Include $ulti)le 2ays %or students to s*o2 2*at t*ey ,no2 !%or$ative and
su$$ative assess$ent"
dapted from( -lanning Effective Instruction
.-rice # /elson ,0071
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