1. Introduction to Sustainability
Lesson Plan
Instructor: Anna Yanke
Subject of lesson: Science
Content Matter: Sustainability and Carbon Footprints
Level of students: 3rd grade
Duration of Time: 3 days (Monday-Wednesday)
Background Information:
My main goal for teaching this lesson is to get young students thinking
about the way they live, and how it is affecting the earth’s environment. Students
CAN make a difference, and I believe it is important to inform students of what is
hurting the earth and ways to help it. When I was in elementary and middle
school, I remember only learning very little about sustainability. This is not a good
thing, and I hope that curriculums are changing this issue and that it is being
introduced more and at a younger ages. Therefore, I decided to focus my lesson
on sustainability. Sustainability is a confusing topic to grasp, but it can be altered
and taught in so many ways where younger students can comprehend the
material. When students know that they can change the world, they are
extremely motivated do their part in making the world a better place.
I also think it is imperative to incorporate technology into education because
technology is increasing everyday in the world around us. I chose to start off the
lesson using PowerPoint to teach the material to the class. PowerPoint is a great
way to organize information in a clear way. The second part of my lesson
includes calculating our carbon footprints. In order to do so, I found an online
carbon footprint calculator that is great for elementary level students! It is easy to
use and understand and shows clear results of their carbon footprint. It is found:
http://www.zerofootprintkids.com/kids_home.aspx. I chose to end this lesson by
having the students use an online slideshow presentation to explain what they
will do to take better care of the earth. I had my students use Prezi to create
these presentations because it allows students to organize their presentation
however they want and its easy to use and upload pictures. These students have
background knowledge on how to use Prezi so this lesson is solely focused on
learning about sustainability.
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to…
• Understand the importance of sustainability
• Learn 5 main factors of sustainability
• Discover their personal Carbon Footprints and what this means
• Become conscious of sustainable living
• Make appropriate decisions related to their personal water use, food
intake, transportation options, energy use, and environmental care.

2. • Apply knowledge of sustainability to their every day lives
Materials Needed:
• Sustainability lesson powerpoint
• Computers
• Pencil
• Notebook (to take notes)
• Internet (for access to the carbon footprint calculator and Prezi)
Michigan Grade-Level Content Expectations (GLCES):
E.ES.E.4 Natural Resources- The supply of many natural resources is limited.
Humans have devised methods for extending their use of natural resources
through recycling, reuse, and renewal.
• E.ES.03.43 Describe ways humans are protecting, extending, and
restoring resources (recycle, reuse, reduce, renewal).
E.ES.E.5 Human Impact- Humans depend on their natural and constructed
environment. Humans change environments in ways that are helpful or
harmful for themselves and other organisms.
• E.ES.03.51 Describe ways humans are dependent on the natural
environment (forests, water, clean air, Earth materials)
and constructed environments (homes, neighborhoods, shopping
malls, factories, and industry).
• E.ES.03.52 Describe helpful or harmful effects of humans on the
environment (garbage, habitat destruction, land
management, renewable, and non-renewable resources).
Michigan Educational Technology Standards (METS)
3-5.CI.1. Produce a media-rich digital project aligned to state curriculum
standards (e.g., fable, folk tale, mystery, tall tale, historical fiction)
3-5.CI.2. Use a variety of technology tools and applications to demonstrate
his/her creativity by creating or modifying works of art, music, movies, or
presentations
Assessment
• I will start off by encouraging students to take notes on the sustainability
PowerPoint, especially because it is a new topic to most children.
• Throughout the lesson, I will ask questions about the 5 main factors of
sustainability and ask for student’s input.
• When it comes to using the online carbon footprint calculator, I will walk
around the room and help the students as needed.
• Once everyone has calculated their footprints, we will compare each

3. other’s results and talk about what that means.
• We will then brainstorm ideas on the white board of how we can become
more sustainable in our every day lives.
• I will then assign my students to create a Prezi on their personal “Earth-
Friendly” improvements. They will have 2 days to do this.
• We will follow up this lesson by planting a class garden later in the week
with fresh vegetables.