Energy Lesson 8 : Leaving Smaller Footprints

This lesson develops the concept of an ecological footprint. Students use data and tools to assess the impacts of their energy and resource consumption. They examine their results and assess their impacts on the environment. Students discuss and compare their impacts and try to identify actions to reduce their footprints.

Students answer these essential questions: What is my ecological footprint? What choices can I make or actions can I take that will reduce my energy and resource consumption and impact on the environment?

Subject/Target Grade

Science and Social Studies/ Middle School (7-9)

Duration

45 minutes – Classroom setting

Materials

per class

• cutting board

• knife

• large apple

• Ecological Footprint (transparency master) 

• overhead projector

per student

• computer with Internet access

• What Is Your Ecological Footprint? (student activity) 

• Five Actions I Could Take to Reduce My Ecological Footprint (student activity) 

• students’ completed My Environmental Diary (assigned in Lesson 1)