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.

Lessons

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Singer-Songwriters and the Environmental Movement

Grades: High, Middle
Subjects: ELA, General Music, Social Studies/History
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Confronting the Climate Crisis

Grades: AP/Honors/101, High, Middle
Subjects: Science, STEAM
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Kanye and Katrina: Environmental Racism in New Orleans

Grades: High, Middle
Subjects: Social Studies/History
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The Science and Civics of the Flint Water Crisis (High School Version)

Grades: High
Subjects: Civics, Science, Social Studies/History, STEAM
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Cleaning up the Plastic Beach (Middle School/High School Version)

Grades: High, Middle
Subjects: Art/Design, Science, Social Studies/History, STEAM
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Greta Thunberg, Music, and the Climate Crisis

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