Designing an Ecologically Sound City Lesson Plan #: AELP- ENV0019 index  - stem initiative  -  cati  -  env0019 An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan Author: Dianne S. Vance; Park City Middle School, Utah Date: May 1994 Grade Level(s): 5-8 Subject(s): Science/Environmental Education Science/Ecology OVERVIEW: To make students aware of the need to respect their environment, and its natural resources. To apply that knowledge. To develop an "ecologically sound" city. OBJECTIVES: Using an outline the learner will design an "ecologically sound" city. The city is required to include the following: Laws for the city to help make all citizens aware of their ecological responsibilities. Power source for lights and heat. These power sources do not have to be the same. One river that runs through or around the city. Some method for waste disposal. Two productive industries. Homes for the population. RESOURCES/MATERIALS: Books: Deep Ecology: Living as if Nature Mattered by Bill Devall Saving the Earth by Will Steger Student Environmental Action Guide: 25 Simple Things We Can Do by Student Environmental Coalition 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save The Earth by The Earth Works Group Design for a Livable Planet: The Eco-Action Guide to Positive Ecology by Jon Naar Ecology for Beginners by Stephen Croall and William Rankin The Global Ecology Handbook: What You Can Do About the Environmental Crisis by The Global Tomorrow Coalition. Videos: Water A Dwindling Resource Ecology Today with Dan Rather ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES: Outline: Group Number: Name of City: Population of city: State the laws of your city that will help your citizens be "ecologically" responsible: Describe the power source that your citizens use for heat: Draw a picture of that power source: Describe the power source that your citizens use for light: Draw a picture of that power source: Describe the method that your citizens use for waste disposal: Draw a bird's eye view of your "ecologically sound" city. Use a legend in the corner to define industries, homes, etc. Field trips to water purification plants, and waste disposal sites. Field trips to city offices to discuss master plan of the city. Development of a master plan that can have a positive ecological effect upon the city. TYING IT TOGETHER: Each group will design and build a model of their ecologically sound city by using their master plan. They will then share the model with the class and justify their master plan. May 1994 These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have attended the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teacher from 14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that allows the participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers that they have met at the Workshops.