ESS.1.3.2
Engage in argument from evidence to explain ways that humans can protect natural resources in the environment.
Embedded Files
District Recommended Resources for 1st Grade Science
Science Phenomena Resources
Next Generation Science Standards YouTube Channel
Step 1: Lesson Standards & Learning Goals
Dimension 1:
Science and Engineering Practice: Engage in Argument from Evidence: Listen actively to arguments to indicate agreement or disagreement based on evidence, and/or to retell the main points of the argument (NSTA SEP Matrix).
Dimension 2:
Crosscutting Concepts: Cause and Effect
Dimension 3:
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
ESS3.C. Things that people do to live comfortably can affect the world around them. But they can make choices that reduce their impacts on the land, water, air and other living things- for example by reducing trash through reuse and recycling (A Framework for K-12 Science Education).
Sample Essential Questions
Sample Essential Questions
How can humans protect natural resources in the environment?
What are some different ways humans can protect natural resources?
How can I use evidence to explain ways that humans can protect natural resources?
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
recycle
natural resources
conserve
protect
environment
Students will be able to...
Students will be able to...
Explain - Emphasis is on how humans can protect natural resources (e.g., recycling, replanting).
Engaging in Argument from Evidence - Listen actively to arguments to indicate agreement or disagreement based on evidence, and/or to retell the main points of the argument. (e.g., read/watch various resources that discuss recycling, waste, replanting)
Students will know...
Students will know...
Many materials (plastic, metal, glass, paper, etc.) can be recycled and used again, sometimes in different forms.
Things that people do to live comfortably can affect the world around them.
Humans can make choices that reduce their impacts on the land, water, air and other living things- for example by reducing trash through reuse and recycling.
Step 2: Assessment
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessments
Writing Prompts
Jordan says it is not important to cut the lights off when we leave a room. Is he right or wrong? Why?
Sally says recycling is important. Is she right or wrong? Why?
What are some ways we reduce, reuse, and recycle? (e.g., use reusable containers instead of plastic wrap, reuse bags).
How can you conserve energy? (e.g., turn off lights, unplug devices, water savers for showers/toilets).
How can we reuse our waste? (e.g., compost)
Mini Projects and Investigations
NCDPI Formative Assessment Examples
Culminating Activity
Efficiency Engineers: Ask the students to go home and find two energy-conserving activities they could do at their own house. Write those ideas down and bring them in the following day to share with the class. (Examples: Turn out the lights more often, change the heater settings when no one is at home, turn down the water heater temperature, turn off appliances if not in use.)
Step 3: Lesson Instructions
Possible Activating Strategies
Possible Activating Strategies
Energy Conservation Activity Have students gather a red crayon and a yellow crayon. Tell students to color what they think wastes energy red, and what they think saves energy yellow. After completing, check using Answer Key.
Are there any ones you colored a different color? Why?
Discuss any misconceptions.
Classroom Hunt 🔍
Have students search for items in the classroom that come from natural resources (wooden chairs, paper, metal desk legs) and discuss their origins.
Engage in Argument:
How does plastic harm the environment? How does it affect our natural resources, like water? How can humans help protect the environment and other living thing like sea turtles from plastic/pollution?
Read Aloud:
How Plastic Affects Sea Turtles
Page 1 - Lexile 610 - 800
Page 2 - Lexile 410 - 600
Additional Literacy Connections
Pebble Go: What are Natural Resources?
Wasting Energy At Home by Teaching Engineering
Picture Books for Read-Aloud & Discussion
Picture Books for Read-Aloud & Discussion
📖 One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia – Miranda Paul
A true story of a woman who started a recycling movement in her village.
📖 Michael Recycle – Ellie Bethel
A fun superhero story about recycling and protecting the environment.
📖 What If Everybody Did That? – Ellen Javernick
Shows how small choices (like littering) add up over time.
📖 Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth – Mary McKenna Siddals
Introduces composting in a fun, rhyming way.
📖 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World – Melanie Walsh
A simple guide with small, actionable ways kids can help protect the environment.
📖 I Can Save the Earth! – Alison Inches
A playful story about a little monster who learns how to conserve resources.
📖 The Earth Book – Todd Parr
A simple, colorful book about ways to care for the planet.
📖 Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean – Arthur Dorros
Explains how water moves through the environment and why keeping it clean matters.
Teacher Resources
Teacher Resources
TeachEngineering.org (Wasting Energy at Home)
National Park Service (Teaching Kids About Conservation)
Science Read Alouds - Energy
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