This document provides information to help students learn about environmental sustainability and reducing their ecological footprint. It includes activities for students to calculate their ecological footprint, discuss ways to reduce its impact with peers, research local pollution problems, and design a flyer to promote sustainable practices in their community. The document encourages students to make lifestyle changes to help the environment and recruit others to join the cause of environmental protection.

1. Can we “GO GREEN”?
Help Save Our Planet!

2. What is “Green”?
Before you begin you will need to get out the worksheet for
recording your information. Now, CLICK on the pictures
below to get started.

3. Calculate your “Ecological Footprint”
Now that you have done your research, calculate the
impact you currently have on our environment
~click on the tree to get started!
Were you surprised by your findings?
What can you do differently to reduce your impact on the planet?
*use the provided worksheet for your answers.
Discuss your individual results with your group members and together
decide on the five easiest ways for an individual to leave a smaller
“ecological footprint”.

4. Recruit the community
• Conduct additional research on various ways to clean up
and prevent pollution.
• Click on the 3 pictures below to help get you started.
• Once you have investigated the problem, you must design a
flyer to promote “going green”.

5. Conclusion
• After completing this WebQuest your group should have a greater
understanding of the causes and effects of pollution.
Can the effects of pollution be reversed?
If so, what measures must be taken?
• You should now be armed with information on how to clean up current
pollution and prevent further environmental damage.
Will you make changes to your lifestyle? If so, what will you change?
• You can use your knowledge to recruit others to join you in the fight to
save the planet and help people understand that they can make a
difference regardless of their age or size!
Will you take on this challenge?
Do you want to learn more about ways to help our
planet and become an “EARTH SCOUT”?
If so, then click on the picture to get started!

6. Evaluation
1.) Team members will complete a peer evaluation
form for each member of the group.
2.) Team members will be evaluated by the teacher
using a rubric.

7. Credits and References
• Earth Scouts. (2007). Retrieved June 8, 2008, from Earth Charter, U.S. Web site:
www.earthscouts.org
• Environmental Kids Club. (2007). Retrieved June 8, 2008 from United State
Environmental Protection Agency Web site: http://epa.gov/kids/
• Environmental Education for Kids. (2008). Retrieved June 8, 2008 from
Wisconsin Department of Natural Agency Web site:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/index.htm
• Google.com(2008). [Kermit the frog image] (2007). Retrieved May 31, 2008 from
www.gadgetell.com/images/2007/05/kermit.jpg
• The Green Guide for Kids (2007). Retrieved June 5, 2008 from
www.greenguideforkids.bogspot.com

8. • The Green Squad (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2008 from The National Resources
Defense Council Web site: http://www.nrdc.org/GREENSQUAD/intro/intro_2.asp
• Hot Earth. Our Planet’s climate is changing. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2008 from
oneclimate.net Web site: http://tiki.oneworld.net/global_warming.climate_home.html?gclid+CND1gtbQ0ZMCFQGfhgodSkYwig
•IslandWood (2008). Retrieved June 8, 2008 from
http://www.island.org/kids/impact.footprint/index.php
• Living a greener life. (2007). Retrieved June 8, 2008 from
eco savvy Website: www.ecosavvykid.com/Home_Page.html
• Reduce waste. If not you, who? (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2008 from
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Web site: www.reduce.org