April 30- May 1

Human Impact on Earth: Notes & Reflection Activity 🌎♻️

📅 Notes Completed: April 30–May 1

In this two-day lesson, students explored how human activities impact the planet—both positively and negatively. Through guided notes, discussion, and a personal reflection assignment, students learned about key environmental challenges and brainstormed simple ways to help protect Earth.

🧠 What We Covered:

🔹 Key Concepts Introduced:

• Biodiversity: The variety of organisms in an ecosystem.

• Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished (e.g., solar, wind, water).

• Non-Renewable Resources: Resources that take millions of years to form (e.g., fossil fuels).

🔹 Ways Humans Impact Earth:

• Pollution: Harmful substances released into the air, water, and land.

• Overpopulation: When human population growth puts pressure on natural resources.

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Altering DNA to improve crops/animals, which can have environmental side effects.

• Factory Farming: Large-scale animal and crop farming that contributes to greenhouse gases and pollution.

• Deforestation: Cutting down forests for land and resources, leading to habitat destruction and soil erosion.

• Non-Native Invasive Species: Organisms introduced to new areas that outcompete native species.

• Global Warming & Climate Change: Greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide and methane) trapping heat in Earth's atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.

• Ozone Layer Damage: Pollution from chemicals that depletes the ozone, increasing exposure to harmful UV rays ​.

🌱 Reflection Activity:

Students wrote a personal journal entry about how their daily habits affect the environment and listed actions they can take to reduce their impact. Examples included:

• Turning off lights and water when not in use

• Recycling paper, plastic, and glass

• Reducing single-use plastics

• Using public transportation or biking

• Supporting local farms and second-hand shops
  
  

🌍 Why This Matters:

This lesson helped students understand their role as global citizens and how individual actions can contribute to a healthier planet. It also connected to real-world issues like climate change, conservation, and sustainability.

✅ Great work reflecting on human impact and thinking about how you can make a positive difference! 🌎💡🌿