Social Studies Lesson: Natural Resources in Conflict
Lesson Plan
2 hours 30 minutesGrades9, 10, 11, 12Civics
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Written by Mallory Swafford
About this lesson
In this lesson, students analyze videos about students challenging the government to protect natural resources, research why natural resources are a source of conflict, and create a video summarizing their findings.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students analyze two videos portraying young people who are suing the government for its lack of climate action.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students research a natural resource to determine why it's a source of conflict and how the United States has addressed the conflict in comparison to other countries' responses.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students create a short video explaining why a natural resource continues to be a source of conflict and how the United States is handling this conflict.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Positives
- Students use their unique voices and perspectives to communicate a complex topic.
- Students use their creativity and collaborative skills to create a video explaining their summary of the lesson.
Additional Prerequisites
- The resources from Project Look Sharp require a free login to download the materials.
- Laptops or other recording devices required.
- One-to-one technology is recommended.
- Students must have working knowledge of credible sources.
Differentiation
- The length of the student videos can be lengthened or shortened depending on student ability.
- Students can be placed in mixed ability groupings.
- The number of required citations can be increased or decreased depending on student ability.
- Optional Extension: Videos may be sent to local, state, or federal government to increase the likelihood of change being enacted.
From the scientist review
This lesson presents the public trust doctrine through two video resources and tasks students to produce their own videos that investigate how natural resources are a source of conflict. All of the materials are well-sourced, though the videos are a little out of date. The lesson also includes a list of credible sources to get students with their investigation. This lesson is recommended for teaching.
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About the teacher writer
Mallory Swafford
Teacher
I graduated in 2014 from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale with a zoology degree. I worked in the field of zoology until 2018 when I decided to make the switch to education. I now am certified to teach first through sixth grades in general education. I am endorsed in middle grades science and I expect to finish my master's in high school biology this year. I love teaching science and am excited to work with the Subject to Climate team!
