Overview

The Environmental Jukebox lesson series brings a combination of Science, Music, and Civics into the classroom. Written for High School, Middle School, and Elementary School students, these lessons introduce principles of earth science and engineering by having students collaboratively consider and tackle some of Earth’s most pressing environmental issues.

This collection made possible in part by Leaving a Positive Legacy, Inc.  Positive Legacy is a 501c3 nonprofit that integrates music and service to benefit people and the planet.

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Lessons

lesson:
Confronting the Climate Crisis

Grades: AP/Honors/101, High, Middle
Subjects: Science, STEAM

How can society lower the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere?

lesson:
Cleaning up the Plastic Beach (Middle School/High School Version)

Grades: High, Middle
Subjects: Art/Design, Science, Social Studies/History, STEAM

How is plastic made, how does it affect our marine environments, and how can plastic waste be eliminated?

lesson:
Cleaning up the Plastic Beach (Elementary School Version)

Grades: Elementary 4-6, Middle
Subjects: Science, STEAM

What is plastic, how is it harmful for the environment, and how can it be used more responsibly?

lesson:
Kanye and Katrina: Environmental Racism in New Orleans

Grades: High, Middle
Subjects: Social Studies/History

What was Hurricane Katrina, and how did Black Americans articulate the frustrations they felt in its aftermath?

lesson:
The Science and Civics of the Flint Water Crisis (High School Version)

Grades: High
Subjects: Civics, Science, Social Studies/History, STEAM

What is the Flint water crisis, and why did it occur?

lesson:
The Science and Civics of the Flint Water Crisis (Elementary/Middle School School Version)

Grades: Elementary 4-6, Middle
Subjects: Civics, Science, Social Studies/History, STEAM

What is the Flint water crisis, and why did it occur?

lesson:
Greta Thunberg, Music, and the Climate Crisis

Grades: High, Middle
Subjects: General Music, Science, Social Studies/History

How have musicians helped spread climate activist Greta Thunberg’s message?

lesson:
Mountaintop Removal Mining in Appalachia

Grades: Elementary 4-6, High, Middle
Subjects: General Music, Science, STEAM

What is mountaintop removal, how does it affect the environment and people’s health?

lesson:
The Water Walker: Indigenous Wisdom and Water Contamination

Grades: Elementary 4-6, Middle
Subjects: Civics, STEAM

In what ways do indigenous views of water align with scientific views, and how do indigenous activists use artistic expression to advocate for water protection?

lesson:
Palm Oil – The Environmental Impact

Grades: Middle
Subjects: Civics, Science

How have palm oil plantations impacted indigenous communities in Indonesia and the global climate as a whole, and how have activists and musicians spread awareness about the issue?