Understanding Sustainability

Overview

This 60-minute lesson introduces Year 7 students to core concepts of sustainability, emphasizing the impact of human activities on the environment and promoting sustainable practices. Activities foster collaboration, critical thinking, and practical application aligned with the National Curriculum for England.

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National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 3 Science

• Biology:
  • Interdependence and adaptation – understanding how living things depend on each other and their environment.
  • Variation, classification and organisation – recognising how human activity affects biodiversity.
• Chemistry and Physics (linked cross-curricularly):
  • Impacts of human activities on Earth’s resources and environment.
• Working Scientifically: Develop the ability to discuss scientific issues, analyse evidence, and suggest improvements.

Specific Learning Objectives (from National Curriculum for KS3 Science / Year 7):

• Describe how living things impact their environment and how different environments sustain biodiversity.
• Understand the concept of sustainability and human impact on natural resources.
• Explore ways to reduce negative environmental impact through sustainable actions.
• Develop skills in discussing and interpreting scientific data related to environmental issues.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define sustainability in terms relevant to ecology and human activity.
2. Identify and explain key examples of human activities that impact the environment negatively.
3. Discuss the consequences of unsustainable practices on ecosystems and human communities.
4. Suggest practical, everyday sustainable actions individuals and communities can take.
5. Collaborate effectively in groups to analyse environmental case studies.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Printed copies of 3 different mini-case studies (urban pollution, plastic waste in oceans, deforestation)
• Large sheets of paper or flip chart paper for group work
• Coloured pens and sticky notes
• Sustainability action cards (pre-prepared cards with sustainable practices such as recycling, reducing energy use, water conservation)
• Timer or stopwatch
• Student notebooks and pens

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes)

Engage with a KWL Chart (Know, Want to know, Learned)

• Begin by asking students what they know about “Sustainability.”
• Students jot down what they already know (K) about sustainability individually on sticky notes and share with the class.
• Teacher records ideas on the board under K.
• Then, ask students what they want to find out about sustainability (W). These go on sticky notes and are placed on the board as well.
• This primes thinking and identifies student interests.

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2. Introduction to Key Concepts (10 minutes)

Teacher-led interactive presentation:

• Define sustainability: meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
• Explain how human activities such as pollution, resource overuse, and waste production affect the environment.
• Use images or short videos illustrating pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.
• Highlight why sustainability is important for ecosystems and human life.

Use questions to engage:

• “Can anyone give examples of things we do every day that might harm the environment?”
• “How might these actions affect animals, plants, or even us?”

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3. Group Case Studies and Discussion (20 minutes)

Students split into 5 groups of 5.

• Each group receives one case study on a specific environmental issue:
  • Urban Air Pollution
  • Plastic Pollution in Oceans
  • Deforestation and Habitat Loss
  • Water Scarcity
  • Food Waste

Task:

• Read and discuss the case study within the group.
• Identify the human activities causing the problem, consequences for the environment/people, and possible sustainable solutions.
• Write key points on flip chart paper.

Teacher support:

• Circulate to prompt discussion and clarify misconceptions.

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4. Group Presentations & Whole Class Reflection (10 minutes)

• Groups present their findings briefly (2 minutes each).
• After each presentation, the class can ask questions or add ideas about how to promote sustainability related to the case.
• Teacher summarises the common themes and introduces the idea of sustainability as something everyone can contribute to.

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5. Practical Action Challenge (7 minutes)

Individual writing task:

• Each student receives a "Sustainability Action Card" at random.
• Students write a short paragraph on how they could adopt this sustainable action in their daily lives or school.
• Volunteers share their ideas to inspire peers.

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6. Plenary and Assessment (3 minutes)

• Return to the KWL board.
• Students add what they have Learned (L) about sustainability on sticky notes and place them under L.
• Collect these for formative assessment, ensuring understanding and addressing gaps in the next lesson.

Exit Question:

• “Why is it important for each person to think about sustainability?”

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Assessment

Formative:

• Observation during group discussions for engagement and understanding.
• Review of group flip charts and presentations to assess comprehension of case studies.
• Individual written Sustainability Action Cards to assess application of learning.

Summative (Optional follow-up homework or quiz):

• Short quiz on vocabulary (e.g., sustainability, biodiversity, pollution).
• Extended writing: Describe an environmental problem and propose ways to promote sustainability.

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Additional Notes for Teachers

• Encourage creativity and critical thinking by allowing students to suggest innovative sustainable solutions.
• Relate discussions to local environments or current events to increase relevance and motivation.
• Differentiate support for students who find reading or expressing ideas challenging by pairing with stronger readers or allowing drawings alongside text.
• Consider follow-up activities such as a sustainability poster competition or a school environmental audit.

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This lesson plan is purposefully adaptable and designed to develop scientific understanding in line with the National Curriculum, while empowering students to become responsible global citizens.