Environmental Education Themed Sample Lesson Plans
This section includes sample lesson plans with an environmental theme for different disciplines within education. These lesson plans have been simplified in a structure that educators/teachers visiting this platform can integrate into their own lessons. The purpose of this is that each country's education system has different dynamics. The lesson plans below are designed in an applicable structure in terms of content and aim to reinforce students' environmental awareness within the relevant lesson. Educators who have received training in program development can take these lesson plans further and contribute to the sustainability of our project. In this context, these contents developed have been addressed in a methodology that combines environmental education in different disciplines of education.
Mathematics and Environmental Education
Lesson Plan: Mathematics and Environmental Education
Topic: Sustainability and Mathematical Modeling
Duration: 2 lesson hours (80 minutes)
Level: 12-18 years old (Middle School and High School)
Objectives:
-To develop students' ability to analyze environmental problems with mathematical data.
-To produce solutions to real-world problems with mathematical models.
-To raise sustainability awareness.
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
A short video on environmental problems is shown.
Basic information on environmental data and statistics is shared.
The question of "What is sustainability?" is discussed.
2. Lecture (20 minutes)
Methods for analyzing environmental problems with data are explained.
Mathematical modeling techniques (graphs, statistical analysis, etc.) are shown.
Mathematical calculations are made on topics such as water use, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.
3. Application (30 minutes)
Students design an environmentally friendly school project with the given data.
They work in groups to develop energy saving, recycling or water usage reduction projects.
They prepare presentations by supporting their projects with mathematical data.
4. Evaluation (15 minutes)
Groups present their projects to the class.
The accuracy of mathematical calculations and data is discussed.
Encouraging feedback is given to the project with the greatest impact on the environment.
5. Closing and Feedback (5 minutes)
Thoughts about the lesson are shared.
Students are encouraged to set individual goals regarding sustainability.
Required Tools and Equipment:
Projector
Computer
Graph papers and calculators
Environmental data sets
The aim is to discuss the mathematical results they find with students and develop applicable solutions to real-world problems. In this way, both mathematical thinking skills and environmental awareness are developed.
Geography and Environmental Education
Lesson Plan: Geography and Environmental Education
Topic: Environmental Problems and Sustainable Development
Duration: 2 lesson hours (80 minutes)
Level: 12-18 years old (Middle School and High School)
Objectives:
To ensure that students understand the geographical dimensions of environmental problems
To make them comprehend the principles of sustainable development
To guide them in developing solutions to local and global environmental problems
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
A striking photo or video of environmental problems is shown.
Students are asked what they know about environmental problems and their ideas are written on the board.
The question “What is sustainable development?” is discussed.
2. Lecture (20 minutes)
The geographical causes and consequences of environmental problems are explained.
Problems such as depletion of water resources, deforestation, air and water pollution are examined.
Sustainable development goals (SDG) are introduced.
3. Application (30 minutes)
Students determine the regions where environmental problems are intense on the world map.
They discuss the causes of the problems identified and possible solutions in groups.
Each group designs and presents a sustainability project specific to their region.
4. Evaluation (15 minutes)
Each group presents their project in class.
Feedback is given as a class after the presentations.
The feasibility and impact of the projects are discussed.
5. Closing and Feedback (5 minutes)
Students summarize the information they have gained from the lesson.
They are encouraged to think about what they can do for sustainable living individually.
Required Tools and Equipment:
Projector
Maps and atlases
Colored pencils and poster papers
Environmental data and graphs
At the end of the lesson, the aim is for students to be aware of sustainable development and to be able to produce solutions to problems from a geographical perspective.
Science and Environmental Education
Lesson Plan: Science and Environmental Education
Topic: Ecosystems and Sustainability
Duration: 2 lesson hours (80 minutes)
Level: 12-18 years (Middle School and High School)
Objectives:
To provide students with information about the structure and functioning of ecosystems
To gain awareness about the importance of maintaining environmental balance
To develop solution suggestions for sustainable life practices
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
A short video introducing ecosystems is watched.
The question "What are the relationships between living and non-living things in an ecosystem?" is discussed.
Students give examples from local ecosystems.
2. Lecture (20 minutes)
The components of ecosystems (living and non-living elements) are explained.
Food chains and food webs are emphasized.
Human effects that cause ecosystem balance to deteriorate are discussed.
Information is given about biodiversity and ecosystem services.
3. Application (30 minutes)
Students are divided into groups and choose one of the local ecosystems.
Each group draws a food chain and food web for the ecosystem they choose.
After group work, the possible effects of ecosystem disruptions are discussed.
Solution suggestions are developed for the protection and sustainable use of the ecosystem.
4. Evaluation (15 minutes)
Groups present their suggestions to the class to protect the ecosystem balance.
Presentations are discussed and individual and social responsibilities for protecting ecosystems are emphasized.
5. Closing and Feedback (5 minutes)
Students are asked about the actions they can take individually for sustainable living.
A short feedback is received to evaluate the lesson.
Required Tools and Equipment:
Projector
Poster papers and colored pencils
Pictures and graphics related to ecosystems
At the end of the lesson, it is aimed for students to better understand the relationship between ecosystems and sustainability and to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors.
Art and Environmental Education
Lesson Plan: Art and Environmental Education
Topic: Recycling Art and Environmental Awareness
Duration: 2 lesson hours (80 minutes)
Level: 12-18 Years (Middle School and High School)
Objectives:
To have students create works of art using recycled materials
To gain awareness about environmental awareness and sustainability
To develop aesthetic sensitivity and creativity
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
A slide show of sample works of art on recycling is shown.
The question of “Can waste be transformed into works of art?” is discussed.
How art can be effective in spreading environmental awareness is discussed.
2. Lecture (20 minutes)
The history of recycling art and important artists are introduced.
Information is given on the use of waste materials such as plastic, glass, metal, paper in works of art.
Examples of art projects that draw attention to environmental problems are shared.
3. Application (30 minutes)
Students design a work of art using the recycled materials they bring with them.
Each group's work is planned to draw attention to an environmental problem of their choice.
Artistic elements such as color, texture and composition are worked on.
4. Evaluation (15 minutes)
Students present their works in class.
Each group explains the message behind their work and the materials they use.
The effect of art in drawing attention to environmental problems is discussed.
5. Closing and Feedback (5 minutes)
Feedback is received about the lesson.
Students are asked whether they will continue to use recycled materials in their art projects.
Required Tools and Equipment:
Recycled materials (plastic, glass, paper, metal, etc.)
Glue, scissors, paint and brush
At the end of the lesson, students will gain the ability to draw attention to environmental problems through artistic expression and develop recycling awareness.
Literature and Environmental Education
Lesson Plan: Literature and Environmental Education
Topic: Gaining Environmental Awareness Through Literature
Duration: 2 lesson hours (80 minutes)
Level: 12-18 Years (Middle School and High School)
Objectives:
To have students gain environmental awareness through literary works
To realize how environmental issues are addressed in literature
To develop emotional and intellectual empathy through literature
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
Short sections from poems or novels on the theme of nature and the environment are read.
The question of "Can literature be an effective tool in expressing environmental issues?" is discussed.
Students are asked to share any works they have read on this subject before.
2. Lecture (20 minutes)
The concept of environmental literature is introduced.
Works that address nature descriptions and environmental issues in literature are emphasized.
Examples are given from writers and poets such as Orhan Veli, Yaşar Kemal, Pablo Neruda.
3. Application (30 minutes)
Students analyze an environmentally themed text given to them.
The environmental messages contained in the text and the effective use of language are discussed.
Then, students write their own environmentally themed poems or short stories.
4. Evaluation (15 minutes)
Volunteer students read their works in class.
The class gives feedback on the environmental messages conveyed by the works.
Literary methods of expressing environmental issues are discussed.
5. Closing and Feedback (5 minutes)
Students are asked to express their feelings and thoughts gained from the lesson in one sentence.
A short feedback is given about the lesson.
Required Tools and Equipment:
Literary text samples (novel, poem, essay)
Smart board
Paper and pencil
At the end of the lesson, the aim is for students to understand how literature can play a role in developing environmental awareness and to reflect this awareness in their own works.
History and Environmental Education
Lesson Plan: History and Environmental Education
Topic: Environment and Events Affecting the Environment in History
Duration: 2 lesson hours (80 minutes)
Level: 12-18 Years (Middle School and High School)
Objectives:
To provide students with information about the environment and human interaction throughout history
To analyze the historical effects of the use of natural resources and environmental destruction
To understand the environmental dimension of historical events
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
A short video showing human and environmental interaction throughout history is watched.
The question "How did past civilizations affect the environment?" is discussed.
Students share their observations of historical environmental changes in the region they live in.
2. Lecture (20 minutes)
The effects of ancient civilizations on agriculture, forests and water resources are explained.
The Industrial Revolution and its environmental effects are examined.
The historical effects of wars, migrations and natural disasters on the environment are emphasized.
The historical development of environmental protection movements is discussed.
3. Application (30 minutes)
Students are divided into groups and choose a specific historical period.
They research environmental changes and human impacts in the period they choose.
Groups prepare posters or presentations and share their findings with the class.
4. Evaluation (15 minutes)
Groups ask each other questions after their presentations.
The question "How can lessons learned from the past be applied today?" is discussed.
Students write a short assessment of environmental history individually.
5. Closing and Feedback (5 minutes)
Students are asked to express their new awareness of the effects of historical events on the environment.
Feedback is collected about the lesson.
Required Tools and Equipment:
Smart board
Poster papers and pens
History atlases and relevant resource books
At the end of the lesson, the aim is for students to be aware of the damage done to the environment throughout history and the protection efforts and to learn from historical experiences for a sustainable future.
Philosophy and Environmental Education
Lesson Plan: Philosophy and Environmental Education
Topic: Environmental Ethics and Philosophical Approaches
Duration: 2 lesson hours (80 minutes)
Level: 12-18 Years (High School Level)
Objectives:
To enable students to look at environmental problems from a philosophical perspective
To define environmental ethics and anthropocentric, nature-centric approaches
To develop critical thinking and discussion skills
1. Introduction (10 Minutes)
A short video or photo about environmental problems is shown.
The question of “Are human beings responsible towards nature?” is discussed.
Student opinions are obtained on how philosophy can contribute to environmental problems.
2. Lecture (20 Minutes)
What is Environmental Ethics?: The basic concepts of environmental ethics are introduced.
Philosophical Approaches:
Anthropocentrism (human centeredness)
Biocentrism (living centeredness)
Ecocentrism (ecosystem centeredness)
Philosophers' views on the environment are emphasized (Arne Naess, Aldo Leopold, Peter Singer etc.).
3. Application (30 minutes)
Students are divided into two groups and have a discussion on environmental ethics.
Group 1: Environmental protection is a human-centered task.
Group 2: Nature is a value in itself and should be protected.
At the end of the discussion, the parties ask questions about each other's views and develop criticisms.
4. Evaluation (15 minutes)
After the discussion, each student expresses in writing which view they feel closer to and why.
The new perspectives they have noticed on environmental ethics are discussed.
5. Closing and Feedback (5 minutes)
Feedback is received from the students about the course.
The question "What role can philosophy play in solving environmental problems?" is left for discussion.
Required Tools and Equipment:
Smart board
Papers with discussion questions
Quotes from philosophical texts
The aim of the course is for students to gain the ability to address environmental problems from a philosophical perspective.