Empathy and Science: Understanding the Environment

Shannon Janovitz

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Empathy and Science: Understanding the Environment

Explore empathy towards the environment

In this lesson, students will learn how empathy extends to the environment by studying the impact of human actions on nature. Through engaging discussions and a hands-on project, they will explore ways to care for our planet empathetically. This lesson is important as it fosters environmental awareness and encourages students to think critically about their role in preserving nature.

Audience

10th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Explore empathy towards the environment

Materials

Discussion Questions, Worksheet: Empathy and the Environment, and Project Materials: Paper, Markers, Recycled Materials

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means.
Ask students how empathy can be applied to the environment.
Introduce the lesson's objectives and activities.

Step 2

Discussion: Human Impact on Nature

15 mins

Use the provided discussion questions to guide a conversation about how human actions affect the environment.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and examples.
Discuss the importance of empathy in addressing environmental issues.

Step 3

Project: Empathetic Environmental Solutions

25 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with paper, markers, and recycled materials.
Instruct them to create a poster or model that represents an empathetic solution to an environmental problem.
Encourage creativity and collaboration.

Step 4

Closure

10 mins

Have each group present their project to the class.
Discuss what they learned about empathy and the environment.
Conclude with a reflection on how they can apply these ideas in their daily lives.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions: Empathy and the Environment

This discussion will help students explore the impact of human actions on nature and how empathy can guide environmental solutions.

How do human actions impact the environment?

Encourage students to think about pollution, deforestation, and climate change.

What does it mean to have empathy for the environment?

Guide students to consider how understanding and caring for nature can lead to better environmental practices.

Can you think of an example where empathy led to a positive environmental change?

Discuss examples like community clean-ups or conservation efforts.

Worksheet

Worksheet: Empathy and the Environment

This worksheet will help students reflect on the lesson and apply their understanding of empathy towards the environment.

Define empathy in your own words.

List three ways humans impact the environment.

Describe an empathetic solution to an environmental issue you care about.

Think about solutions that involve understanding and caring for nature.