Students read curated stories, watch short films and analyze art about individuals who have made a difference in their environment, and consider the discussion questions. Resources are organized by grade level
Earth Day Lesson Plans and Resources Curated for One Class Period
Impact of Plastic on Our Oceans: Short films for each grade level - perfect for one class period.
Students of all ages explore the impact of plastic on our oceans, discussion questions included.
Middle School Lessons: Perfect for One Class Period
Students read the following stories and watch the short films before considering the discussion questions.
Read the story and watch the film to learn about Olivia who was inspired to make a difference after an oil spill.
Young Olivia loves birds, and creates over 500 paintings of her feathered friends to raise funds for Audubon's bird rescue.
Olivia raised funds for Audubon's bird rescue. This story has text with audio so students can listen as they read along.
Through story and film, learn about Wangari Maathai, founder of the Greenbelt Movement, and Feliz who was inspired by Wangari to plant trees.
Watch the following film about 11-year-old Felix from Germany was concerned about the climate crisis. As he researched this issue, he learned about Wangari Maathai. Felix was so inspired by her efforts, that he decided to create an action plan and started Plant for the Planet: Trees for Climate Justice. The goal is for school children in Germany to plant 1,000,000 trees.
Discussion Questions:
1. How are these environmentalists featured in the films and stories living examples that an ordinary person can make a difference?
2. What character traits do these individuals share?
3. How are these environmental issues relevant today?
4. What environmental issues are you motivated to work towards improving? Who is making a positive difference? What can you do?
Middle and High School: Films and Stories for one or more class periods.
Choose a selection of films for students to watch and/or stories to read about environmental heroes. Find Discussion Questions after the resources.
Films About Environmental Heroes Making a Difference in Their Own Communities
In 2020 Nemonte received the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize and was named to Time Magazine’s Top 100 influential people. (8 min. runtime)
Mother of All Rivers
Berta Cáceres rallied Lenca people to wage a grassroots protest and stop the building the Agua Zarca Dam. (8:54 min. runtime)
Oluwaseyi Moejoh from Nigeria and Heather Brockbank from the Bahamas share their stories of ocean activism. (4:23 min. runtime)
10-year-old Jaysa rallies the community with her speeches about how the power plant causes asthma and “so much suffering.” (6:06 min. runtime)
In a small farming area outside the city, Mr. Loi, a local farmer, discovers the techniques of chemical-free farming. (9:09 min. runtime)
Hilton Kelley is tired of seeing his community ravaged by pollution from oil refineries. He and his fellow citizens demand change. (4:19 min. runtime)
The high school students who battled a giant incinerator — and won. (5:42 min. runtime)
Stories About Environmental Activists
Suryo Wardhoyo Prawiroatmodjo educated people in Indonesia to protect the environment.
On the first day, Greta Thunberg, a climate activist with aspbergers, protested outside of Swedish Parliament alone. Now, she's leading 1.5 million students globally.
Dr. Vandana Shiva works to preserve biodiversity for the planet.
Listen and Read Along: The Following Stories Have Text and Audio
Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, was the mother of the environmental movement.
John Muir advocated preservation, feeling that natural areas promote mental health.
Discussion Questions:
1. How are these environmentalists featured in the films and stories living examples that an ordinary person can make a difference?
2. What character traits do these individuals share?
3. How are these environmental issues relevant today?
4. What environmental issues are you motivated to work towards improving? Who is making a positive difference? What can you do?
Posters About Protecting the Environment: Students Consider Creating Your Own Environmental Poster to Submit to MY HERO
This poster for the Amplifier Foundation represents artist Ernesto Yerena's commitment to Native American heritage, issues and sacred lands
Artist Shepard Fairey of Obey Art has created many posters for the Amplifier Foundation and has been instrumental in the Kickstarter campaign to get the Amplifier Foundation off the ground.
Portraits of Environmental Heroes
Students are encouraged to research the environmentalists featured in the portraits below to learn more about their positive contributions to the environment.
Murals
Learning Outcome
After having a discussion about these individuals and the positive impact they made on the environment, students will have a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting the environment and how one person can make a difference and become inspired to address an environmental issue important to their own lives.
Additional Environmental Films
For Homeschooling and Virtual Education to Enrich Learning Connected to the UN Sustainability Goal #14 Life Below Water: Activities Included
Students watch a selection of curated films from the MY HERO Multimedia Library to enhance learning at home and school.
Resources for both younger and upper elementary students that highlight the need for access to fresh water for all, as well as keeping water free from pollution. Resources are connected to Sustainable Development Goals #6 Clean Water and Sanitation and #14 Life Below Water.
For Homeschooling and Virtual Education to Enrich Learning Connected to the UN Sustainability Goal #14 Life Below Water: Activities Included
Students watch a selection of curated films from the MY HERO Multimedia Library to enhance learning at home and school.
Students watch a selection of curated films from the MY HERO Multimedia Library to enhance learning at home and school.
Celebrate the Best of Humanity Working on Ocean Conservation:Learning Connected to the UN Sustainability Goal #14 Life Below Water
Related Links
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The Earth Day lesson plan was curated by MY HERO Education Outreach Director Laura Nietzer. |
Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program
Outstanding essays submitted to MY HERO will be considered for a certificate/t-shirt prize or be featured on the Story Homepage.
Submit your artwork to be entered in the MY HERO art contest or to be exhibited on our Gallery Homepage.
Students can submit their films for free with a waiver to the MY HERO International Film Festival.
How to use MY HERO's Create Program to Publish Stories, Art, Film and Audio for Students
Tutorial for students: Publish written stories, film, original artwork and audio in MY HERO's multimedia library.
MY HERO Calendars for use in the Classroom
MY HERO's Teachers Calendar Features Lesson Plans and Multimedia Resources
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
Earth Day Network
Growing out of Earth Day, Earth Day Network’s mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.
Organizer created on 3/14/2019 12:01:43 AM by Xenia Shin
Last edited 4/17/2024 1:07:03 PM by Laura Nietzer
