3-6 Inquiry Guide

Chapter 3. How does addressing climate change make us healthier?

This chapter consists of three guided inquiries that start with a provocation and culminate with ideas to take action. 

Contributors: Lynn Bristoll and Judy Halpern

Video guide for Chapter 3. How does addressing climate change make us healthier? Watch here or in our Youtube Playlist.

ElyAstorga-Climate-Web
Art by Ely Astorga for ArtistsForClimate.org

This inquiry explores sensitive material. It explores the connection between climate change and many facets of human health. We have included resources, activities, and information to inform educators of the serious and widespread effects that climate impacts have on physical and mental health across Canada. This inquiry also invites students to reflect and consider their own health in the face of these serious climate changes. We explore how many of the actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions also have the co-benefit of improving our health.

Click on the drop downs below to learn more and access or download the full section. 

Background Information for educators focusing on the mental and physical health risks and impacts of climate change.

Through open-ended discussion probes, thoughtful provocations, and several hands-on activities, this inquiry provides multiple directions for educators to take as human health and climate change are explored side by side.

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“Vitamin N (for “nature”) is a concept coined by Richard Louv, author of the book of the same name. This book and concept is a complete prescription for connecting with the power and joy of the natural world right now, with: activities, informational websites, an abundance of down-to-earth advice, and dozens of thought-provoking essays.” (“Vitamin N (for “nature”), Richard Louv, 2016). 

Resources:

  • Access to the Internet
  • Art supplies for poster making activity

Explore Inquiry 1

“Well-being is a feeling of satisfaction with life, a state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity. Good health concerns the care of the human body and everything that can be done to protect it from sickness and intoxication and enable access to care” (UNESCO, 2021).

Hunger is an alarm signal sent by the body when the stomach is empty and the blood sugar level decreases. Malnutrition occurs when the body adapts to the prolonged absence of food, losing weight and functioning more slowly.” (UNESCO, 2021). 

Resources:

  • Access to the internet
  • Poster of the Sustainable Development Goals
  • Large gym or outdoor field for active game

Explore Inquiry 2

“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a global blueprint for dignity, peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future. A few years into the Agenda, we see how civil society, private sector, and governments are translating this shared vision into national development plans and strategies” (United Nations, 2020

Resources:

  • Access to the internet
  • Cardstock paper and colouring implements for each child to make a pair of Global Glasses (The Worlds Largest Lesson, 2020).

Explore Inquiry 3

Chapter 3 Curricular Connections

Curricular Connections

Concepts

Science



Living things

Ecosystem

Protection

Habitats

Sustainability

Survival

Changes

Environment

Language

Critical literacy

Communication

Retelling

Physical Education and Health

Motor skills

Locomotor

Cooperation

Relationships

Choice

Self-awareness

The Arts

Creativity

Innovation

Interpretation

Colour

Space