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Planet Protectors

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Lesson Plan

Planet Protectors

Students will identify environmental and personal safety hazards in everyday scenarios and propose actions to mitigate risks, fostering proactive “Planet Protectors” behaviors.

This lesson raises awareness of common hazards, builds critical thinking and teamwork skills, and empowers students to take responsibility for the health of our planet and community.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive hazard identification and collaborative discussion

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and cut out Hazard Scenario Cards.
  • Make copies of Planet Protectors Reflection Worksheet.
  • Place chart paper and markers at each group table.
  • Ensure the timer or stopwatch is set and functioning.
  • Review all scenario cards to familiarize yourself with the hazards and suggested protective actions.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and introduce the “Planet Protectors” theme.
  • Explain that today’s goal is to spot hazards in everyday settings and brainstorm ways to stay safe and protect the environment.
  • Display an example hazard scenario and model identification of risk and a protective action.
  • Establish group norms: respectful listening, equal participation, and positive feedback.

Step 2

Group Hazard Identification

15 minutes

  • Divide students into groups of 3–4 and give each group a set of Hazard Scenario Cards and chart paper.
  • Instruct groups to read each card, list environmental and personal safety hazards, and write them on chart paper.
  • For each hazard, have the group propose at least one action to reduce risk or protect the planet.
  • Circulate to support and prompt deeper thinking as needed.

Step 3

Gallery Walk and Discussion

7 minutes

  • Have groups post their chart papers around the room.
  • Students conduct a gallery walk, using sticky notes to add comments, questions, or alternative protective actions to each poster.
  • Allow groups to return to their posters, review feedback, and refine one hazard-response pair based on peer input.

Step 4

Reflection and Wrap-Up

3 minutes

  • Distribute Planet Protectors Reflection Worksheet.
  • Students individually answer: “Which new hazard did you learn about today, and what protective action will you apply in your daily life?”
  • Collect worksheets to assess understanding and summarize key takeaways.
  • Reinforce the importance of staying vigilant and being proactive Planet Protectors.
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Slide Deck

Planet Protectors: Spotting Hazards & Protecting Our Planet

A 30-minute lesson on environmental & personal safety for 7th graders.

Welcome students to the “Planet Protectors” lesson. Introduce yourself and set an enthusiastic tone. Mention our goal: find hazards in everyday settings and brainstorm ways to protect ourselves and the environment.

Lesson Objective

• Identify environmental & personal safety hazards in everyday scenarios
• Propose actions to mitigate risks
• Foster proactive “Planet Protectors” behaviors

Read the objective aloud. Emphasize how today’s work connects to being proactive citizens and caring for our planet.

Example Hazard Scenario

Scenario: A family leaves outdoor lights on all night.

Risks:

  • Energy waste → higher bills & added pollution
  • Light pollution affects wildlife

Protective Actions:

  • Create a nightly reminder to switch lights off
  • Install motion-sensor lights

Model hazard identification step by step. Ask: “What’s the hazard? How does it impact us or the planet? What action can we take?”

Group Hazard Identification

  1. Form groups of 3–4 students
  2. Grab your Hazard Scenario Cards & chart paper
  3. For each card:
    • List environmental & personal hazards
    • Propose at least one protective action
  4. Record your ideas on chart paper

Explain group expectations: respectful listening, equal participation, and creative thinking. Circulate to answer questions and prompt deeper ideas.

Gallery Walk & Discussion

  1. Post your group’s chart paper around the room
  2. Walk around with sticky notes and add:
    • Comments or questions
    • Alternative or extra protective actions
  3. Return to your poster, review feedback, refine one hazard-action pair

Encourage students to read others’ work and leave thoughtful feedback. Remind them: we learn by sharing perspectives.

Reflection & Wrap-Up

• Take a Planet Protectors Reflection Worksheet
• Answer: “Which new hazard did you learn about today, and what protective action will you apply in your daily life?”
• Turn in your worksheet when done

Hand out reflection worksheets and explain the question. Collect them as students finish.

You’re a Planet Protector!

Remember: Small actions make a big difference.
Stay vigilant, share what you’ve learned, and keep protecting our planet!

Close with an inspiring message. Invite students to share one action they’ll try at home or school.

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Worksheet

Planet Protectors Reflection Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: _______________

  1. Which new hazard did you learn about today?






  2. What protective action will you apply in your daily life?






  3. Why is taking this action important for you, your community, or the planet?






  4. How will you remind yourself to practice this protective action in the future?






Thank you for being a Planet Protector!

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Activity

Hazard Scenario Cards

Cut into individual cards. Each card describes a scenario. In your groups, read the scenario, then on your chart paper:

  1. List the environmental hazards you notice.
  2. List the personal safety hazards you notice.
  3. Propose at least one protective action for each hazard.

Scenario Card 1
A family washes their car in the driveway, using a hose without a shut-off nozzle.

Scenario Card 2
Someone drops a plastic water bottle on the ground at the park and walks away.

Scenario Card 3
A kitchen in a home has a pan boiling on the stove, but the handle is sticking out over the countertop edge.

Scenario Card 4
A group of friends builds a small campfire on the beach, leaves it unattended, and walks to get food.

Scenario Card 5
A messy garage has paint cans, motor oil, and cleaning chemicals stored together on a shelf above eye level.

Scenario Card 6
A sidewalk near a busy street is blocked by overgrown weeds and broken pavement.

Scenario Card 7
Students leave classroom lights and computers on overnight when they finish their group project.

Scenario Card 8
A cyclist rides without a helmet and swerves around puddles that might be hiding potholes.

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