All About Animals: Secondary Teachers: Lesson Plan 2: Change is in the Air

 

How does this fit into the National Curriculum? Pupils should be taught to: describe and explain environmental changes and recognise different ways of managing them (5a); appreciate how people’s attitudes and values, including their own, affect contemporary social, environmental, economic and political issues; and to clarify and develop their own values and attitudes about such issues (1e)

Teachers’ Note: Photocopy this sheet and hand it out for your class to work from or simply read it out and ask them to take notes.

We live in an ever-changing world. Much change occurs because of decisions made by humans. Industry, agriculture, housing and tourism all have a major impact on the environment and can have far-reaching consequences.

Choose one of the subjects below and research it thoroughly. Describe your chosen subject, how and why it is brought about and the changes it brings to the environment. You should also include evidence of how your chosen subject can be managed to minimise negative impacts on the environment.

Include a paragraph where you make your views known. This may include your reasons for choosing this subject, your hopes for the future of the environment or your fears for the planet and its people if dramatic changes go unchecked. Whatever your views on this issue, make sure they come through loud and clear!

GLOBAL WARMING
Issues to cover include:

  • Burning fossil fuels
  • Carbon dioxide emitted from motor vehicles
  • Carbon dioxide from power plants
  • Methane emissions in agriculture
  • ‘Slash and burn’ policies

DEFORESTATION
Issues to cover include:

  • The impact of the logging industry
  • Carbon emissions from the burning of trees
  • Soil erosion
  • Animal agriculture
  • Loss of biodiversity and displacement of people

WATER POLLUTION
Issues to cover include:

  • Industrial and agricultural pollutants
  • Oil leaks and discharges
  • Effects on wildlife
  • Health effects for humans
  • Acid rain

DESERTIFICATION
Issues to cover include:

  • Animal agriculture
  • Felling trees and shrubs
  • Soil erosion
  • Climate change
  • Extraction for water for irrigation