Are Outdoor Gear Harmful? A Lesson Plan347

Introduction
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the impact of outdoor gear on the environment. Some people argue that outdoor gear is harmful because it can contribute to pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. Others argue that outdoor gear is essential for protecting the environment and promoting conservation. The purpose of this lesson plan is to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the different perspectives on this issue and to develop their own opinions about the role of outdoor gear in environmental protection.Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to identify the different types of outdoor gear that can have a negative impact on the environment.
- Students will be able to explain why certain types of outdoor gear are harmful to the environment.
- Students will be able to discuss the different perspectives on the role of outdoor gear in environmental protection.
- Students will be able to develop their own opinions about the role of outdoor gear in environmental protection.
Materials
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers
- Handouts on different types of outdoor gear
- Internet access
Procedure
1. Begin by brainstorming with students about the different types of outdoor gear that they are familiar with. Write their responses on the whiteboard or chart paper.
2. Once you have a list of different types of outdoor gear, ask students to identify the different types of materials that these items are made from. Write their responses on the whiteboard or chart paper.
3. Next, ask students to research the environmental impact of the different types of materials that are used to make outdoor gear. Students can use the internet or other resources to find this information.
4. After students have had time to research, ask them to report back to the group about what they have learned. Write their findings on the whiteboard or chart paper.
5. Once students have presented their findings, lead a discussion about the different perspectives on the role of outdoor gear in environmental protection. Some questions that you can ask students include:
- Do you think that outdoor gear is harmful to the environment? Why or why not?
- What are the different ways that outdoor gear can have a negative impact on the environment?
- What are the different ways that outdoor gear can be used to protect the environment?
- What are the different things that we can do to reduce the environmental impact of our outdoor gear?
6. After students have had a chance to discuss the different perspectives on this issue, ask them to write a short essay in which they state their own opinions about the role of outdoor gear in environmental protection.
Assessment
Students will be assessed on their participation in the discussion, their research findings, and their essays.
Extension Activities
- Have students create a poster or presentation that explains the environmental impact of different types of outdoor gear.
- Have students research different ways to reduce the environmental impact of their outdoor gear.
- Have students organize a clean-up event for a local park or trail.
- Have students write letters to their local representatives about the importance of protecting the environment.