• This lesson plan provides instructions and a PDF of words to use for a word web activity that allows students to identify the many connections between a growing human population and resources, the environment, and daily life. 
• Students can create their own words to see even more cause and effect relationships that are relevant to them.

Positives

• This lesson allows students to make meaningful connections on their own and collaborate with others.
• Students will use a graphic organizer to connect seemingly disparate concepts like freedom, shopping malls, and illness.

Additional Prerequisites

• Teachers must enter an email address to access the PDF lesson plan and worksheet. 
• Optional resources for the lesson include construction or chart paper, markers, and magazine cutouts. 

Differentiation

• This lesson would be a great start to a larger learning unit about resource allocation, sustainability, Earth Overshoot Day, recycling, a circular economy, or ecosystems. 
• Other related resources include this video about the how humans have altered the planet, this interactive resource from Google Earth about our changing planet, and this video about the tragedy of the commons.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.