Lesson Plan: Honoring Environmental Heroes

 How to Choose a Hero Essay Guiding Questions

• What is the difference between a hero and celebrity? 
• Who is an example of someone who has become famous for doing things that are not actually admirable?
• What are some characteristics heroes share?
• Real heroes are people who do not seek fame, fortune, or power although this may come their way, attaining them is not their goal.  Who do you know that fits this definition of a hero? 
• Create a post of a few sentences to share describing a hero in the MY HERO Guestbook (https://myhero.com/guestbook)

Discussion Questions: 

Rainforest Action (https://myhero.com/rainforest-action) 

• In Rainforest Action, Nemonte Nenquimo, Ecuadorian Waorani Indigenous leader, led her people to fight against their land being sold for oil rights. How did this have a positive effect on the environment of her country?
• How did Nemote succeed in her mission? 
• On a larger scale, how will Nemonte and her efforts continue to help other indigenous people and the environment?
• How did she succeed in her mission?

One Woman Roadblock (https://myhero.com/film_onewomanroadblock)

• In the film One Woman Roadblock, Marilyn Baptiste led the first nation people Xeni Gwet’in in British Columbia in defeating a copper and gold mine proposed by Taseko, a large mining company. How was she able to block their proposed gold and copper mines?

Ocean Hero Spotlight (https://myhero.com/ocean-hero-spotlight) 

• Iuwaseyi Moejoh wants to bring better waste management to Nigeria. Why is that important? How does better waste management have a positive impact on the environment and oceans?
• Why did Iuwaseyi start her own non-profit U Recycle Initiative Nigeria?
• What were your thoughts when you saw all the litter in the streets of Nigeria?

• Heather Brockbank from the Bahamas spoke of a problem with some Bahamians' pollution mindset where people don’t feel that just throwing a cup out the window is bad. Why do you think some people don’t think it is a problem if they throw a cup or some other trash onto the ground? What negative effects does that mindset have on the environment?
• Heather works with the Ocean Heroes Network bringing environmental education to the young people in the Bahamas. Why is this important?
• How does mining for salt in the Bahamas has a negative effect on the ecosystem and environment?

• Mangroves Facts to consider before answering the question below
• Mangroves are the only trees that can grow in saltwater
• Mangroves are an important part of the food supply as they serve as a habitat for species of fish and shellfish, and above the water serve as a habitat for birds and other animals.
• Mangroves protect coastlines in sub-tropical and tropical areas
• Mangroves store more carbon than other plants
• How does mining for salt in the Bahamas has a negative effect on the ecosystem and environment?

Mabon 'the 8-year-old activist (https://myhero.com/mabon-the-8-year-old-activist)

• In Mabon 'the 8-year-old activist, Mabon and his mom clean the beaches where he lives, why is this important?
• Why is plastic in the ocean a global problem?
• What are some things you can do to make a positive difference in solving this plastic problem?

Guiding Questions

• What is an environmental issue in your community or country that you feel is important?
• Do some research on this issue to identify a person or group that is a Hero for the work they are doing to make a positive difference for that issue. Then do additional research on that person and their efforts.
• Use a Graphic Organizer Planning the Project and Research
• What type of project (essay, artwork, audio, or video) do you want to produce?

Finish research, complete your project, and submit it to MY HERO

• Make sure you keep track of your sources and that your project is your own work/words. Do not cut and paste.
• Only use images from the public domain.