Nature Tribute
  1. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 04. Philanthropy and Geography
      1. Benchmark E.3 Describe the "characteristics of place" related to the school and neighborhood.

Young people recognize that nature is an important part of their world that needs their responsible care.  

Duration: 
PrintOne Thirty-Minute Session
Objectives: 
  • identify the importance of nature for the good of all
  • propose service projects related to caring for nature and personal responsibility to the environment
Bibliography: 

Jeffers, Susan (Illustrator). Brother Eagle Sister Sky: A Message from Chief Seattle. Dial, 1991. ISBN: 0803709692

Instructions: 
Print
  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Ask, "What are some things you like to do outside?" Listen to ideas and suggest others, such as listening to animals, walking in the woods, gardening, finding bugs, feeling the wind on your face, swimming, etc. 

  2. Share some facts about the wonder and abundant life and presence of nature. Examples: Trees produce oxygen that we breathe, and trees use what we breathe out to create their food. Trees can communicate with each other. There are about 8 million species on earth - 900,000 of those are bugs. There is a microscopic indestructable animal called a water bear, a type of animal that has been around for millions of years. All living things need food, water, and air. 

  3. We share the earth with millions of different species. Brainstorm things we need to do to take good care of the earth we all share. This may include appreciating beauty and picking up trash. After brainstorming, discuss and put the list into groups of related things. One of the groups could be things we can do that fix problems (pick up trash). 

  4. Reflect in writing or drawing: What are the rules of being good caretakers of the environment?