Lesson+7+-+Considering+Social+Action

=** Lesson 7 - Considering Social Action **=

Conservation of The Natural Environment
 Considering social action This stage is where students can put to practice the information that they have learnt throughout the unit, by making it relevant and practical to their day to day lives. Especially with younger students it’s important to make the learning process as hands on as possible in order to effectively engage students.

This lesson aims to educate students on ways in which they can help sustain the environment. “Students explore how and why natural factors and human activities affect their lives.” (VELS, 2009) Students will focus on the impact of trees and plant life on the environment and the importance of conserving these natural resources.
 * Learning focus

Contributing focus question - How can we sustain the environment?

Lesson objective(s) **  As a result of this lesson, students will;  
 * Recognize the importance of trees and plants in the environment
 * Understand that we can improve the environment by conserving natural resource(eg.replanting trees)
 * Have the opportunity to plant a tree.
 * Materials **
 * ** //‘ // **** //The Lorax’ By Dr Seuss // ** 
 * Appropriate area to plant trees
 * Small trees X 1 per student
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stakes x 1 per tree
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tie strings
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Duration **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> - 60 minutes

Introduce the lesson by reading to the students a book called ‘The Lorax’ by Dr Seuss. This is a great way to gain students attention and open up class discussion regarding the environment, in particular the conservation of natural resources. Some questions that you can use from the text to lead class discussion may include: What are some of the natural resources mentioned in the book? How did the creatures use them? Why do you think they got used up? What would have been a better way for them to live? Do you think this happens in our world? Is there anything you and your family can do to conserve resources and be nicer to the Earth?
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__Introduction__ **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">

From the discussion points raised during the introduction, talk to students about the importance of trees and plants in the environment (eg. Cleanses air, habitat for animals, source of some foods and provides wood) emphasis that it is vital that when we use something from the environment it must be replaced. For example if we cut down trees, we need to plant new ones. Reflect on some of the consequences from the book of what happens when resources aren’t cared for and relate to real life.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__Body__ **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">

Explain to students that today they will have a chance to plant their own trees and emphasis the positive impact that this will have on the environment. Discuss with students what plants need in order to grow. Eg. Water, soil and sun.

Students are given a baby shrub or tree each, and are led outside by teacher. Depending on time and behaviour of class, students can either dig their own holes or teacher can help with digging, or area can be pre-dug so its soft enough for preps to dig themselves. students then plant their trees and cover the roots. Assist students tying the trees to small stakes in the ground.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Note: If school has no where available for planting trees, use pot plants instead or contact council and organize tree planting area. **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">

When students have all finished planting their trees discuss and revisit some of the main points covered in the lesson. Focus on how we are helping to sustain the environment by planting new trees. Gain feedback from the students by asking and discussing the following questions:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__Conclusion__ **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
 * Why are trees important in the environment?
 * What can we do to protect trees and plant life?
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What are some other ways we can look after the environment that have been covered in previous lessons?


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">By planting their own trees students can take pride in something that they have personally done to improve the environment and from the teachings and discussions throughout the lesson should have an understanding of how the conservation of natural resources benefits both people and sustains the environment. **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">