Matter and Energy Unit Part 7: The Environment

Environmental Science Unit – Sustainability, Climate Change, & Renewable Energy

This comprehensive environmental science unit includes 11 engaging lessons (50 minutes each) and a 25-page printable work bundle that follows a structured series of interactive slideshows. Students will explore sustainability, human impact on the environment, climate change, and renewable energy through hands-on activities, guided notes, assessments, and review games. A sustainable home design project is included to encourage creative problem-solving.

All materials are editable and can be uploaded to Google Classroom for digital learning.

Unit Overview & Key Concepts

Part 1: Understanding Environmental Science

• Conservation of Matter & Energy – How matter cycles, but energy flows through systems.

• Cradle-to-Grave Concept – Analyzing the energy and materials needed to create, use, and dispose of products.

• Environmental Case Studies – Love Canal, Hydraulic Fracturing, Coltan Mining in the Congo, and more.

• Tragedy of the Commons – A hands-on activity where students experience resource depletion firsthand.

Part 2: Sustainability & Resource Management

• Resource Allocation & Overconsumption – Understanding global resource use and economic impacts.

• The 4 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse) – Students showcase wasteful packaging and creative product reuse.

• Frugality & Sustainable Living – Practical strategies for reducing waste and energy consumption.

• Human Population Growth & Carrying Capacity – Examining urban expansion, megacities, and population impacts.

Part 3: Green Design & Renewable Energy

• Sustainable Home Design Project – Students design an energy-efficient home using Google Sketch-Up.

• Solar Passive Design – Exploring solar energy, insulation, and sustainable architecture.

• Renewable Energy Sources – Wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power in a step-by-step analysis.

• Climate Change & Global Warming – Understanding the impact of carbon emissions and global temperature rise.

Bonus: Climate Change & The Carbon Cycle

• Greenhouse Effect & Carbon Footprint – Interactive demonstrations and CO₂ tracking activities.

• Fossil Fuels & Alternative Energy – The impact of burning fossil fuels vs. sustainable solutions.

• Climate Change Debate & Blame Game Activity – Students explore global responsibility for carbon emissions.

Why This Unit is a Must-Have for Science Teachers

This unit empowers students to analyze real-world environmental issues while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With a mix of science, sustainability, and hands-on projects, students stay engaged while learning how to make a positive impact on the planet.

Perfect for Earth Science, Environmental Science, or Sustainability courses!

✔️ Hands-on projects & experiments ✔️ Built-in assessments & quizzes ✔️ Editable Google Classroom materials ✔️ Critical thinking activities & real-world applications

This interactive and thought-provoking curriculum will inspire the next generation of environmental leaders! ♻️