Overview
Civic environmentalism is a collective action to address critical environmental issues and implement solutions through democratic processes that will result in an improved and sustainable community.
Through six lessons, students identify, analyze, and explore specific details and events related to the origins of the environmental movement in the United States up to the current global climate crisis. Featuring important figures, movements, and music across several decades, the unit highlights how climate change affects people and communities differently, especially in regards to race and class.
Along with activities in the unit lessons and a series of assessments, students participate in paired and group research and writing. At the conclusion of the unit, students present a group project that demonstrates key components of civic environmentalism.
This unit 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.