Living Lightly in the City

Elementary, Middle, Secondary

Description

This resource focuses on developing an understanding of:

  • the importance of diversity in natural and constructed environments
  • how the urban environment is related to the natural environment and the complex interrelationships between the two
  • the adaptations of plants and animals living in the city
  • how lifestyles and increasing awareness of the positive influences one can have on the environment can be beneficial

Lessons are aimed at helping the urban child bridge the gap between the world of nature and the city. The unit breakdown is as follows:

Unit 1- Checking Out the Neighbourhood: exploring ways that human attitudes toward the environment are reflected in our actions with our surroundings.

Unit 2- Natural Neighbours: discovering adaptations and interdependence among plants and animals in the city.

Unit 3- Back to Basics: investigating ways that people today and in the past rely on the Earth to meet their basic needs.

Unit 4- Native American Perspectives: examining the evolution of Native American cultures over time and discovering the kinship they felt with nature.

Unit 5- Less is More: delving into consumer options and ways to reduce, re-use and recycle natural resources.

Unit 6- Going Places: exploring transportation options and their impact on the urban and suburban environments.

Unit 7- Where Does the Water Go?: experimenting with different processes of the water cycle and researching where our water comes from and where it goes when it goes down the drain.

Unit 8- Enough for Everyone?: investigating global population growth, resource depletion and choices for living lightly on the planet.

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General Assessment

Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units