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Environmental Stewardship Challenge

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Melanie Harner

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Environmental Stewardship Challenge Lesson Plan

Students will identify community environmental issues and develop actionable, mini-projects to address them.

This lesson empowers students to take leadership roles in environmental stewardship, fostering creativity, responsibility, and community engagement.

Audience

Grades 6-8 Middle School Students

Time

90-120 minutes

Approach

Project-based learning with hands-on activities.

Materials

Environmental Stewardship Challenge Lesson Plan, Project Guidelines Document, and Slide Deck Presentation

Prep

Teacher Preparation

30 minutes

  • Review the Environmental Stewardship Challenge Lesson Plan and accompanying materials.
  • Familiarize yourself with the local environmental issues that may inspire students.
  • Prepare technology and printed materials as needed for the Project Guidelines Document and Slide Deck Presentation.

Step 1

Introduction and Brainstorming

20 minutes

  • Introduce the project and discuss local environmental challenges.
  • Engage students in brainstorming potential projects.
  • Use the slide deck for visual support.

Step 2

Project Development

40 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Guide each group in outlining their project using the Project Guidelines Document.
  • Encourage discussion on feasible, actionable steps.

Step 3

Presentation and Reflection

20 minutes

  • Have each group present their plan to the class.
  • Facilitate a reflection session on the importance of environmental stewardship.
  • Discuss potential real-world implementation aspects.
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Project Guide

Environmental Stewardship Challenge

This lesson empowers students in grades 6-8 to take active roles in environmental stewardship by brainstorming and implementing small projects or campaigns focused on improving their local environment. Students will develop leadership skills and a strong sense of community responsibility through hands-on, project-based learning.

Materials

  • Environmental Stewardship Challenge Lesson Plan
  • Environmental Stewardship Project Guidelines
  • Environmental Stewardship Slide Deck Presentation

Overview

Students will:

  1. Identify local environmental challenges.


  2. Engage in brainstorming sessions to propose innovative projects.


  3. Outline a project plan using the provided guidelines document.

Detailed Instructions

Introduction and Brainstorming (20 minutes)

  • Begin the lesson by discussing local environmental issues and the role of community stewardship.


  • Use the slide deck as visual support to highlight key challenges and examples.


  • Facilitate a brainstorming session where students propose various projects.

Project Development (40 minutes)

  • Divide students into small groups and provide each group with the Environmental Stewardship Project Guidelines.


  • Guide each group through the process of identifying issues, setting clear goals, planning actionable steps, and outlining how they will evaluate the impact of their projects.

Presentation and Reflection (20 minutes)

  • Have each group present their project plan to the class.


  • Lead a reflection session discussing the importance of environmental stewardship and the practical aspects of executing these projects in the real world.

Teacher Preparation (30 minutes)

  • Review the Environmental Stewardship Challenge Lesson Plan and all accompanying materials before the class.


  • Familiarize yourself with local environmental challenges to better guide student brainstorming.


  • Prepare the necessary technology and printed materials for the lesson and ensure the Environmental Stewardship Project Guidelines are accessible to all groups.


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This challenge not only encourages creative problem-solving but also instills a sense of responsibility and empowerment in students as they work to improve their local environment.

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Slide Deck

Environmental Stewardship Challenge

Welcome to our lesson on protecting and improving our local environment! Let's work together to discover problems and create innovative solutions.

Introduce the lesson with excitement. Mention that this project is about making a difference in our local community through environmental stewardship.

Understanding Local Environmental Issues

• Litter and Pollution Issues
• Loss of Green Spaces
• Impact on Wildlife & Community Health

Think about the environmental challenges in our own neighborhood.

Explain how local environmental issues impact everyone. Use examples like litter, pollution, and loss of green spaces. Ask students to share any issues they've noticed in their community.

Brainstorming: Share Your Ideas

• What environmental problems do you see?
• What small projects can we implement?
• How can we get others involved?

Guide the brainstorming session. Remind students that no idea is too small or too big, and that every suggestion is valuable.

Steps for Project Development

  1. Identify a local environmental challenge
  2. Set clear, actionable goals
  3. Plan steps to address the challenge
  4. Determine how to evaluate success

Work together in your groups and use the provided project guidelines.

Outline the steps for developing their project as groups. Emphasize creativity, feasibility, and community involvement.

Presentation & Reflection

• Present your project plan
• Reflect on the importance of environmental stewardship
• Discuss real-world implementation and challenges

Your ideas can spark significant change!

Conclude by setting expectations for the group presentations and reflection. Encourage thoughtful discussion on what might change in their community with these projects.

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