In this class activity, students create a painted print of their foot and write down how they will reduce their carbon footprints.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This activity supports elementary students in taking informed action on climate change.
The class project is a fun way for students to connect the image of their own real footprint with the concept of carbon footprints.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should already have an understanding of climate change and how greenhouse gases contribute to the global climate change.
Additional materials such as paint, plates, and large sheets of paper are needed to complete the activity.
Differentiation
Elementary school classes can do this activity as part of a community service project. Students can first brainstorm solutions for reducing their own carbon footprints, and then work together to educate others in their communities.
Cross-curricular connections can be made in art classes by completing this activity as part of a unit on painting and design techniques.
Pair this activity with the interactive Footprint Calculator or explore the other links under the "sources" tab.
Scientist Notes
This resource aims to show students how the way we live impacts climate change by showing which of our everyday activities contribute the most to greenhouse gas emissions. It will also educate students about ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The carbon footprint visualization activity found in the EnergyStar source is also an effective way for students to understand their carbon footprints. This resource is recommended for students aged 9-11.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.7.3-5 Explain different strategies and approaches students and others could take in working alone and together to address local, regional, and global problems, and predict possible results of their actions.
