Learning Objectives

Students will:
• gather relevant information from appropriate sources
• develop and express appropriate responses to issues or problems
• demonstrate appropriate research skills, including the ability to collect original data, present and interpret data in graphic form
• demonstrate awareness of the value of social studies education in their daily lives and careers
• explain the environmental impact of economic activity, population growth, urbanization, and standard of living
• identify and assess environmental issues facing Canadians

Teaching Process

Lesson A – Poster Project

• Students will be given a large sheet of paper (either 11” by 17” or poster paper). On this sheet they will draw a detailed, labelled map of their apartment, condo, townhouse, house and property, ranch, etc.
• Students will then begin doing an inventory of the waste produced in their homes. They will label waste producing areas of their home on the map they have created.
• Students will complete an energy analysis of their homes (see attached Home Energy Saver Contract). They will begin by finding out the cost of their monthly Hydro and Heating costs. They will label the areas of their home where Hydro and Energy concerns are taxing both the environment’s and their family’s resources (i.e. windows, doors, chimneys etc.)

Lesson B – Enviro-Proofing Plan

• Students will then detail a plan to make their home a more environmentally friendly place.

Students must create a system for recycling all of their waste by:

• creating a recycling centre in their home

• designating this centre on their map

• labelling and deploying containers for recycling paper, magazines, glass, tin cans, milk jugs, refundable containers, and miscellaneous items

• creating a schedule for delivering their recyclables to the appropriate processing centre

Students must make their home more energy efficient by:

• implementing the Home Energy Savings Contract with their parents (see attached handout)

• exploring the opportunity in having the Hydro Power Smart Program (www.bchydro.com) conduct a free energy audit on their home, then using low interest rate loans from Hydro to improve energy efficiency.

• implementing energy saving techniques by

i. hang-drying clothes

ii. using cold water to do laundry

iii. cutting back on light use

iv. taking shorter showers and bathing less

v. cutting back on the use of the home heating system

vi. hand washing and drying dishes

vii. ensuring that the water heater is properly insulated

viii. reducing water flow in taps and toilets

ix. using rain water to water plants

x. using fluorescent light bulbs rather than incandescent

xi. car pooling with friends and family

xii. exploring the possibilities of using alternate energy systems such as solar or thermal

xiii. Weatherproofing windows, doors, fireplaces etc.

Teachers Notes

*student handouts can be found on the attached web link

Assessment/Evaluation

• Students must complete the poster project detailing their home’s layout, waste and energy deficiencies, and the plan for recycling and energy efficiency. The mark will be negotiated between the student and teacher based on the quality, thoroughness, and creativity of their poster project and the implementation of a home waste management system.

• Students will self-evaluate, be evaluated by parents, and by the teacher, who will follow up by phoning home one month after completion of the poster project (see evaluation handout). Students will receive more marks if they have begun to fulfill the requirements of their enviro-proofing plan.