In this lesson, students will read a short letter from Planet Earthly and will write a response letter.
Students will practice letter-writing skills as they explain to Earthly all the things they will do to help make her healthy again and cure climate change.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This is an organized lesson plan that is easy to use.
Students are empowered to help fight climate change.
Additional Prerequisites
It may help build context if students read this interactive story or do this activity about Planet Earthly prior to writing their letters.
Students should have a basic understanding of the framework for writing a letter.
Differentiation
Depending on grade level, students may need to write a draft letter on paper with developmentally appropriate line spacing.
Consider adding a list of vocabulary words to use in their letters.
Teachers can mail their digitized letters to schools@climatescience.org to build extrinsic motivation for students.
This lesson plan also asks students to take climate action by writing a persuasive letter about renewable energy.
This is a guide that would assist students to write a letter of commitment and interest in drawing down their individual carbon footprint. This resource is ideal for classroom use.
Standards
English Language Arts
Language (K-12)
5.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
K.SL.2 Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood.
Writing (K-12)
1.W.5 With guidance and support, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as needed.
4.W.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Science
ESS2: Earth's Systems
K.ESS2.1 Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
K.ESS3.3 Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
5.ESS3.1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
