Go, Johnny, Go!
How do individual acts of respect for nature impact the environment we share?
Photo Credit: Tree Planting by Keith Davenport Is licensed under CC by 2.0
Through the example of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman), the learners develop a deeper understanding of how Environmental Stewardship and Philanthropy are related. A science component explores how the apple tree (and other trees) benefits the environment and people.
Students will define philanthropy and identify ways in which Johnny Appleseed acted as a philanthropist. After identifying ways in which they personally act as philanthropists, they will raise awareness of philanthropy in the school and home.
The students will gain an understanding of the importance of trees in the environment. Students will show the life cycle of an apple tree in order, and understand the apple is a fruit.
Students learn that Johnny Appleseed planted trees for selfless reasons as well as reasons related to his own interests. The students use their time and talent to plant trees in a common area.
In this culminating lesson, the students share what they have learned about Johnny Appleseed and philanthropy. The students make invitations using apple stamps. They also make applesauce using age-appropriate math skills.