- Teacher Resources & Lesson Plans -
Grade Level: Elementary, Middle, and High School
Subject Correlation: Science and Social Studies
Objectives: Students will be able to:
1. Identify ways in which humans affect the environment.
2. Brainstorm on how and why humans use natural resources and the problems associated
... with their use.
3. Describe the interdependence between humans and nature.
4. Appreciate the importance of environmental preservation.
5. Appreciate the unique landscapes of East Africa including bios, ecosystems, wildlife as
... well as the Maasai culture.
Length: Each Activity is approximately 45 minutes. Each lesson can be adjusted for the appropriate grade level.
Web Activities: Feel free to alter or adjust the activities in any way or to use the activities in any order you like. For the Science of the Xpedition it is recommended that you explore the site in the following order; Global Warnings, Carbon Calculator, Make a DifferenceThis allows for a natural progression of collection of scientific data, human impact, culminating with how each person can make a difference.
Teacher Preparation: It is suggested that the teacher complete the web activities prior to the introduction to their students. This will help with familiarity with the Xpedition Web Page and it's external links. The following questions should be presented to students prior to introduction to the Xpedition Page and Web Activities.
What is the Ecological Footprint?
As a class, discuss, "What IS An Ecological Footprint." Ask the class to
imagine their footprint in the sand or dirt. A footprint actually displaces sand or dirt. The larger the footprint,
the more dirt or sand is displaced. With the Ecological Footprint concept, the more we consume and throw out,
the more natural resources we use - and our symbolic Ecological Footprint grows.
The Ecological Footprint estimates how much productive land and water you need to support
what you use and what you throw away. Ecological Footprints can be calculated for individuals
like you, communities, and even countries. We use natural resources when we consume, pollute,
and discard garbage.
What is a Sustainable Lifestyle?
A sustainable lifestyle is one that does not use more natural resources at a faster rate than the Earth makes
available. We use natural resources when we consume, pollute, or discard garbage.
We make decisions everyday that affect our Ecological Footprint. Within the Xpedition Web Activities, students will have the opportunity to make sustainable decisions and identify reasons their decisions lead to a sustainable lifestyle.
If the Ecological Footprint indicates that more natural resources are used
than the Earth supplies, than this is not a sustainable lifestyle. It is very important for all of
us on the Earth to live a sustainable lifestyle in order to leave the planet in good shape for
future generations to enjoy and prosper!
Earn Your G.A.D (Global Awareness Degree)
For students to earn their G.A.D they must accomplish the following
1) Complete 4 of the 5 Xpedition Web Activities: Global Warnings, Carbon Calculator,
.............................................. Make a Difference, Kilimanjaro, Serengeti
2) Strive to become a more Environmentally Informed Person, one who understands the
...Importance of living by Example and Preserving the Resources of our Planet
3) Share your gifts and talents with others and let them know what you've learned about
.. Climate Change.
G.A.D Certificates: At the completion of exploring the Xpedition Page, Certificates of Achievement can be presented to Students. These Certificates are signed by the Orbie, the Xpedition Leader, and recognize the Students' commitment of making our World a better place. G.A.D Certificate
Web Activities
Earn Your G.A.D
. G.A.D Certificate
Global Warnings
Global Warnings Answer Sheet
Carbon Calculator
Carbon Calculator Answer Sheet
Make a Difference
Make a Difference Answer Sheet
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Mt. Kilimanjaro Answer Sheet
The Serengeti
The Serengeti Answer Sheet
- Educational Links -
Adventure Ecology - Mission One; To the Top of the World
American Museum of Natural History - Ice Cores
American Museum of Natural History - Ice Core Interactive
American Museum of Natural History - Global Ice
Energy Star - Air Seal and Insulate
Energy Star - Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Energy Star - Energy Star Products
EPA - Warming Effects by State
EPA - Warming Effects by US Region
EPA - Warming Effects by World Region
Louisville Weather - Underground Weather
NASA - Weather Satellite Imagery
National Geographic - Global Warming Simulation
National Geographic - Greenhouse Effect Interactive
National Geographic Video - To the Roof of Africa
National Geographic Video - Climate & Weather
National Geographic Video - Climate Change
National Geographic Video - Global Warming
National Geographic Video - Sustainable Logging
National Geographic Video - Horse Logging
National Geographic Video - State of Polar Bears
National Geographic Video - What you do Counts
National Geographic Video - Change A Light Bulb – Change the World
Ocean Futures Society - Jean Michel Cousteau's Page
Operation Green leaves - Reforesting Haiti
Polar Bear International - Project Polar Bear
Saint Xavier High School - Earth Science
Saint Xavier High School - Web Page
Serengeti National Park - Official Site
Seven Summits - Kilimanjaro
Tanzania Tourist Board - Serengeti National Park
Tree Ring Society - Ultimate Tree Ring Page
United Republic of Tanzania - Interactive Map
United Republic of Tanzania - National Parks
United Republic of Tanzania - Tanzania Embassy
United Republic of Tanzania - Tourist Board
University of Louisville - Department of Environmental Education
University of Louisville - Department of Geography & Geosciences
University of Louisville - Ice Core Samples
USA Today - Weather Lab
U.S. Department of Energy - Alternative & Advanced Fuels
U.S. Department of Energy - Driving more Efficiently
U.S. Department of Energy - Factors that effect Miles per Gallon
Quest Outdoors - Louisville
Weather Wiz Kids - Becoming a Meteorologist
World Health Organization - Effects of Climate Change