Green Spaces Unit Plan
Unit Plan
About 4 hr 45 min6 lessonsGrades3, 4, 5Social Studies, English Language Arts
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Teach these in order. This unit plan is designed for the lessons to be taught in order. The unit as a whole has scored in the exemplar range on our rubric.
About this unit
In this unit, students explore the importance of green spaces and their role in environmental justice. They discuss goods and services, analyze how tree coverage varies in different communities, learn from youth environmental activists, and take action in their own local context.
Lessons in this unit, in order
- 1Green Spaces Lesson: Geography and DesignIn this lesson, students are introduced to the concept and importance of green spaces through the book Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty. Then, students...Lesson Plan · 50 min · Grades 3, 4, 5
- 2Green Spaces Lesson: Environmental JusticeIn this lesson, students consider the goods and services provided by green spaces. Students also learn about environmental justice as it relates to the prevalen...Lesson Plan · 45 min · Grades 3, 4, 5
- 3Green Spaces Lesson: Indigenous CommunitiesIn this lesson, students learn about ecosystem services, with a focus on cultural services important to Indigenous peoples. Students read about Indigenous activ...Lesson Plan · 55 min · Grades 3, 4, 5
- 4Green Spaces Lesson: Health BenefitsIn this lesson, students learn the story of Ken Sparks, an urban farmer in LA, and the important ecosystem services his farm provides to his community. Students...Lesson Plan · 45 min · Grades 3, 4, 5
- 5Green Spaces Lesson: Civic Action and Data AnalysisIn this lesson, students apply what they have learned about environmental justice to compare data about median income, race, tree cover, and air pollution in Co...Lesson Plan · 45 min · Grades 3, 4, 5
- 6Green Spaces Lesson: CitizenshipIn this lesson, students consolidate and share their learning about the importance of green spaces. Students write a persuasive letter advocating for green spac...Lesson Plan · 45 min · Grades 3, 4, 5
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