Introduction to Environmental Justice
Lesson Plans
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Civics, Health
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by EarthEcho International
What it is
- In this student-facing learning module from EarthEcho International, students will review key terms related to environmental justice and answer questions about three case studies of environmental justice communities.
- Students will watch videos about the toxic pollution of chloroprene in Louisiana, a battery recycling operation in The City of Vernon in Southern California, and lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan.
Teaching tips
Positives
- Hearing the personal stories of those impacted by environmental justice issues is a powerful and moving experience that will stick with students.
- Students will also get to see some of the wins for people who have fought for what is right.
Prerequisites
- It may benefit students to understand the historical circumstances, such as redlining, that have contributed to current injustice. If students do not have background knowledge on this subject, the Redlining and Tree Equity: Social Justice Lesson has a section that can help build this knowledge.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Using the flashcards in the Environmental Justice Key Terms section, students can draw or find pictures to represent each of the terms.
- Students can record their answers to the reflection questions for each case study in a notebook or on a sheet of paper. Teachers can then use these questions as an assessment or as a reference guide for students to use during discussion.
- Teachers can combine this resource with Defining Environmental Justice, which contains printable worksheets for students to use with the same case studies and other additional resources. This resource can be helpful for students without their own devices.
From the scientist review
This resource, which we reviewed and found to be in compliance with our science review process, gives students the opportunity to delve deeply into the concept of environmental and racial justice and environmental equity, as well as the underlying causes, risk factors, and ways that they can mitigate it. It includes case studies that inspire students to brainstorm solutions to prevent environmental and racial injustice in their communities.
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