Diet and Carbon Footprint: Math Activity
Worksheets
30 minutesGrades3, 4, 5Mathematics
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Written by Kelly Stroh
About this activity
In this activity, students calculate the carbon footprint of several meals that they eat regularly and then consider the impact of changing their habits.
Everything you need to teach it
- Diet and Carbon Footprint CalculationsView Activity
Teaching tips
- When discussing food and diets, be sure to preserve a non-judgemental space. Everyone can learn from this information and no one’s diet is "bad." We can all make changes big or small that can impact the planet. This lesson is about awareness, not guilt.
- Consider the impacts of food insecurity in your classroom and make changes to this activity accordingly.
- All calculations can be completed through addition and subtraction. Multiplication may be used if students’ proficiency allows.
- Model completing the chart using the BBC’s Climate Change Food Calculator.
- The drop-down menu on the BBC’s site includes alcoholic beverages. Address this if necessary, by pointing out that adults and children are responsible for their footprint and this tool is helpful for adults who are legally allowed to consume alcohol.
From the scientist review
This activity allows students to calculate their carbon footprint from food sources. The data gathered throughout this exercise will motivate people to make dietary decisions that will improve their health and lessen their influence on the environment. After carefully going over the activity documents and data sources, we suggest that teachers use this activity in the classroom.
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About the teacher writer
Kelly Stroh
Kelly is a 5th grade teacher at Yujin Gakuen Public Japanese Immersion School.
