This article outlines the basics of environmental justice and the history of the environmental justice movement.
It introduces readers to Doctor Robert Bullard, the "father of environmental justice."
The article links to various external sites, so readers can deepen their understanding of environmental justice.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This article is very useful in introducing the concept of environmental justice.
The language is straightforward and simple.
The timeline from 1982-2021 clearly shows the history of environmental justice.
The links provided offer students the chance to deepen their knowledge of the environmental justice movement.
Additional Prerequisites
Students will need some understanding of "environmental justice."
Differentiation
This source can be used as foundational knowledge before diving deeper into certain case studies of environmental justice like cancer rates in Cancer Alley, Louisiana, or the poisonous water in Flint, Michigan.
Students can do further research on the different items on the timeline.
Other resources related to these topics include this introductory video about environmental justice and this video from English politician David Lammy about the interconnectedness of racial justice and climate justice.
Scientist Notes
This article simplifies the history and origin of environmental justice and it provides a good foundation for students to learn how to take action to sustain their environment. The resource is a good blend for educators to teach students of this grade to fight environmental racism and sustain planet Earth.
Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Civics
D2.Civ.12.9-12 Analyze how people use and challenge local, state, national, and international laws to address a variety of public issues.
Dimension 2: History
D2.His.1.9-12 Evaluate how historical events and developments were shaped by unique circumstances of time and place as well as broader historical contexts.
D2.His.14.9-12 Analyze multiple and complex causes and effects of events in the past.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: History/Social Studies (6-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.10 By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend history/social studies texts in the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.10 By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend history/social studies texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently.
