Mini-Lesson

Pollution

Grades K-1

Objective: Students will identify environmental problems and brainstorm solutions.

1. Make a list of environmental problems such as: There is too much trash. We do not have an endless supply of water. There is too much traffic. The air is dirty in some places. There is litter in some places. Too many plastic bags are thrown away each year.

2. Discuss each of the problems and their effects on people, animals and the Earth.

3. Separate students into groups. Assign each group an environmental problem. Ask them to come up with a solution to present to the class.

4. Challenge each group to work together to create a poster that will encourage others to protect the Earth.

EXTENSION ACTIVITY:

Print and make copies of this worksheet from the TIME For Kids archive: Helping Earth. It asks students to classify environmental problems and solutions.

RESOURCES:

50 Ways to Save the Earth by Ann Jankeliowitch (Abrams, Harry, 2008).

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (Random House, 1971).

My Bag and Me by Karen Farmer (Penton Overseas, 2008).