Red Oaks and Climate Change: Social Studies Lesson
Lesson Plan
50 minutesGrades3Social Studies
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Written by Tina Ezzo, Sustainable Jersey for Schools
About this lesson
Students learn how climate change affects red oaks and the animals that depend on them, and make a plan to plant a tree on their campus.
Inquire: Students listen to a read aloud of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and share how they feel after hearing the story.
Investigate: Students learn that one impact of climate change in New Jersey is higher temperatures and they discover ways red oaks and other living things may be impacted by warming.
Inspire: Students present their learning from this unit to their PTA/PTO, Board of Education, or other community organization to request support for planting red oaks or other trees on school property.
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Suggestions
- Teacher can read The Lorax before the lesson during class story time, or in an ELA reading block.
- Additional parent or community support may be needed for students to attend a PTA/PTO or Board of Education meeting.
- If meetings are after school hours, and only a small group of students is available, the teacher should prepare them to speak on behalf of the entire class.
- Another possibility would be to invite PTA/PTO or Board of Education members into the classroom so more students can participate.
- The best time of year to plant a northern red oak is in the fall or spring, so teachers may want to plan this lesson accordingly. Teachers could teach the unit in the fall and use the time until spring to prepare for the planting event. See more in the Prerequisites section.
- This lesson highlights the importance of justice as students reflect on and discuss how characters, the Lorax and the Once-ler acted during the story and how humans, including 3rd graders, can act on behalf of the environment around their school.
- This lesson highlights students taking action by asking for help to help make small changes at their school.
- Student letters can be used as a summative assessment for the unit.
Teachers can reference the Unit Plan for further guidance on implementation.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 3 of 3 in our 3rd grade Habitats and Changing Climate unit.
- Teacher will need access to a copy of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. It is readily available at schools, local libraries, or online.
- Please note: In preparation for the Inspire section activity, teachers should check with the administration to find out which organization can assist with planting a northern red oak or another suitable tree on school property.
- PTAs/PTOs would be recommended as the first option, as they tend to have their own funding.
- There may be grants available, but those would require researching, applying, and receiving funds.
- Navigating administrative steps can be challenging, especially if purchase orders are required, or if the buildings and grounds departments need to be informed or assist in preparing the planting site.
- Consider who will water the newly planted tree and check on it during school breaks.
- Despite the complexities, involving 3rd graders in this process would be wonderful, allowing them to observe the tree's growth throughout their remaining time at the school and in the community.
Differentiation
- Students can create a nature journal to document the growth and changes of the tree over the course of the school year or throughout the remainder of their time at the school.
- Teacher may offer one of two different versions of the letter-writing guide for various levels of support.
- If an in-person meeting is not possible, students may create, or help create, a video presentation requesting assistance with the tree planting.
- Early finishers may help calculate the cost and funds needed to complete the tree planting or make a plan with steps for the process.
From the scientist review
The main climatic factors that may affect red oak trees are covered in this lesson, along with how these changes may affect New Jersey's forests and ecological systems. After reviewing the lesson, we found out that it met our standards for scientific credibility.
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About the teacher writers
Tina Ezzo
Tina's Story
When New Jersey mandated climate education, my supervisor introduced our department to SubjectToClimate. I could have treated it as a mandate and moved on. But as I explored those resources, I realized this was not only a mandate - it was a responsibility I had to my students.... Read More
Tina Ezzo holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Psychology from The College of New Jersey. She has been teaching science for grades 7–8 since 1993.
Tina is the first SubjectToClimate Teacher Fellow. A SubjectToClimate Fellow is an educator who has demonstrated that climate belongs in every learning space and proven it in their own. Selection is based on depth of practice, evidence of student impact, and the power of their story to inspire other educators.
Tina is the first SubjectToClimate Teacher Fellow. A SubjectToClimate Fellow is an educator who has demonstrated that climate belongs in every learning space and proven it in their own. Selection is based on depth of practice, evidence of student impact, and the power of their story to inspire other educators.
Tina's Story
When New Jersey mandated climate education, my supervisor introduced our department to SubjectToClimate. I could have treated it as a mandate and moved on. But as I explored those resources, I realized this was not only a mandate - it was a responsibility I had to my students.... Read More
Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Sustainable Jersey is a network and movement of municipalities, schools and school districts working collectively to bring about a sustainable New Jersey. Acting with state agencies, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia and industry, Sustainable Jersey researches best practices for what communities could and should do to contribute to a sustainable future.
