Lesson Plan (Grades 9-12): Exploring Sustainability Through Project-Based Learning

Lesson Title: Climate Change and Sustainability: A Project-Based Approach

Grade Level: High School (Grades 9-12)

Subject Area: Science

Overview: In this lesson, students will explore the concepts of climate change and sustainability through research and project-based learning. They will develop and present sustainability projects that address real-world environmental issues, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives:

   1. Students will understand the causes and effects of climate change.

   2. Students will learn about sustainable practices and their importance in mitigating climate change.

   3. Students will design and implement a sustainability project.

   4. Students will develop research, collaboration, and presentation skills.

Standards Alignment:

• Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
  • HS-ESS3-5: Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
  • HS-ETS1-1: Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
• Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts:
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.