📅 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.
🔹 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 .
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
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! 🌎💡🌿