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Grades K-3: Happiness
In this animated video Oliver, Brad and Clementine participate in the Challenge of the Sphinx where they are given 60 seconds in a toy store to collect whatever objects make them happy. Brad and Oliver collect shopping carts full of toys, but are only mildly happy and can't recall exactly what toys they chose. Clementine on the other hand, selects only one small toy but is thrilled with her choice. By examining the concept of "needs vs. wants," students learn that the things that make us happy are not necessarily things that cost money.
Grades 4-8: LSF’s Reusable Bags Action Toolkit for Elementary and Middle Years Students
Reusable Bags is a series of interesting activities through which students become acquainted with the concept of reusing. The resource emphasizes reducing and reusing over recycling. Students take action to decrease the number of plastic bags in circulation by constructing their own reusable bags using old clothing items. The resource also provides an activity allowing students to connect their learning to the SDGs and apply the knowledge they gained throughout this action toolkit to think critically about them. Through interactive activities and hands-on projects, teachers can help students understand the importance of the SDGs and how they can make a difference. By introducing students to the SDGs, they can better understand how their actions can help create a more sustainable world.
Grades 6-9: Fashion and a Circular Economy
This video talks about the importance of a circular economy and how people should consider shopping 'second hand' in order to help our environment. As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure! At thredUp, the worlds largest consignment online shopping site, they want people to understand that if we don’t want to fill up landfills with old clothes, we have options. Consignment is an Earth-friendly way to buy pre-owned items and to put clothes we no longer love back out into the world.
Grades 7-12: Buy Nothing Day
This lesson plan focuses students’ attention on the issue of consumerism and asks them to consider its benefits and drawbacks. Students identify the different influences on their spending habits with special attention to the role of the media. They track their recent purchases and consider how many are needs as opposed to wants. Students are introduced to Buy Nothing Day and its goal of causing people to think about the role of shopping in our culture and more broadly to appreciate the impact that 'what, why and how much we buy' has on our planet as well as our quality of life. As a culminating activity students work cooperatively to plan either a pageant or television program to celebrate Buy Nothing Day and spread its message.
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