Nine weeks ago Hampton Roads parents began to navigate the realities of distance learning for K-12 students due to coronavirus. askHRgreen.org launched this series of environmental lesson plans to support families and educators during these uncertain times. Over the last eight weeks, we’ve shared important environmental topics with your elementary and middle school students. Hopefully it’s rubbed off on you too, Mom and Dad! We’ve highlighted our critical municipal services like drinking water, waste management, and wastewater treatment. We’ve celebrated Earth Day and explored water pollution, marine debris, and the importance of habitat and biodiversity. This week we’ll round out the series with a lesson on YOU.
Have you heard of the Tragedy of Commons? When resources are shared, individuals don’t always promote the common good. Resources can become depleted when individuals act in their own self-interest. Sound familiar? This week we’ll learn about managing limited resources and our personal ecological and carbon footprints. Each choice we make throughout the day has a positive or negative environmental impact. Each choice adds up. Whether it’s what we buy, cook, wear, or how we get to work, exercise, or shop, these decisions can improve, or harm, the environment in very real ways. We hope all of our lessons have provided an opportunity for Hampton Roads families to discuss environmental issues and have an open dialogue about the role we each play in protecting our Earth for generations to come.
Learn
- Elementary:
- Middle:
Assignments & Worksheets
- Elementary Students:
- Middle School
Experiments & Activities – all ages, parental supervision may be required
- Lemonade & M&Ms Tragedy of the Commons Activity
- What’s Your Bay Footprint?
- Ecological Footprint Calculator
- Make a Meatless Monday Meal
- Make five pledges as a family to reduce your environmental footprint. Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram!