Title: Exploring Environmental Literature through Local Perspectives

Goal: This lesson will engage students in critical analysis and reflection on environmental
literature while connecting the themes and perspectives to local issues and values in their
communities. Texts that explore the relationship between humans and the environment will
help students develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and their implications
on society and the economy.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will:

1. Analyze a variety of environmental literary texts, including poetry, and fiction, to

identify environmental themes, perspectives, and values.
2. Connect the themes and perspectives found in the literature to local environmental
issues and concerns in their community.
3. Develop critical thinking skills by evaluating the impact of human activities on the
environment and considering alternative perspectives and solutions.
4. Reflect on their values and beliefs related to environmental stewardship.

Lesson Modifications

Society:

Knowledge: I incorporated local examples of environmental activism and community

initiatives into the curriculum, such as grassroots organizations advocating for clean water or
urban gardening (farming) projects promoting food sovereignty.

I would like to add: Cloud (2015) brings forth the Farm to School Programs and discusses
how schools can connect with local farmers to provide fresh, healthy food for students while
also educating them about sustainable agricultural and environmental practices. This instance
reflects the importance of local food systems and encourages students to appreciate the
connection between food, health, and the environment.
Local Issues: The students researched and discussed local environmental challenges, such as
pollution in nearby waterways or the impact of deforestation on indigenous communities, to
contextualize the themes explored in the literature.

Values: Through literature discussions and reflective writing assignments, students explored
how cultural values and beliefs shape attitudes towards nature and influence environmental
decision-making at the local level.

Economy:

Skills: Students analysed the economic implications of environmental degradation, such as

the effects on key local industries like fishing and tourism.

Perspectives: One real-world perspective on the economic aspects of environmental

stewardship was that “Technology and science alone cannot solve all of our problems.”
(UNESCO, 2012).

Environment:

Local Issues: Students observed their local natural areas documenting their observations and
reflections to enhance their understanding of the local environment and its interconnectedness
with the themes explored in the literature. For instance, students observed the impact of
human activity on the environment, such as litter, pollution, habitat destruction, or invasive
species and how these activities disrupt the balance of natural systems evident in the
literature.

References

Cloud, J. (2015, November 29). Education for Sustainability [Video]. TEDx. Made Available
through http://www.kaltura.com/tiny/98doo

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. (2012). Education for
sustainable development: Sourcebook. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?
page=view&type=400&nr=926&menu=1515