Take a Stand

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Students clarify their values and learn about environmental topics by reacting to a series of provacative statements.

Format:
» Whole class discussion

Grade Levels:
» Intermediate
» Secondary

Materials:
» "Take a Stand" Signs
» Tape

Subjects:
» Language Arts
» Science
» Social Studies

Time:
» Prep: Under 5 minutes
» Activity: 20 minutes or more (can be divided over several days)

Classroom tip: You may not want or have time to cover every single question, so don't worry if you only use 2-3 statements. If wall or floor space is a problem, this activity can also be done by asking students to indicate agreement or disagreement with "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" while sitting at their desks.

Facts and Background:

» Human Population Growth: An S/T/S Issue
A brief description of how human population growth is an effective focus for science/technology/society education.

» People Count: Facing the Population Challenge
This reading, appropriate for middle grades, provides a primer on population issues.

» Your Place on the Planet
A middle-grades appropriate reading that addresses opportunities and responsibilities of individuals.

Activities:

» Eco-Ethics
In groups, students explore and discuss their personal code of environmental ethics by discussing eco-dilemmas.

» Something for Everyone
A simulation where students compete for natural resources in a commons, then discuss the social dilemmas that arise.

Standards:

» Geography: Standard 4: Human Systems

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