K-2 Inquiry Guide
Chapter 4. It's Easy Being Green
This chapter consists of three guided inquiries that start with a provocation and culminate with ideas to take action.
Contributors: Janice Haines and Nathalie Lauriault
Video guide for Chapter 4. It’s Easy Being Green. Watch here or in our Youtube Playlist.
This chapter explores green energy, the difference between “needs” and “wants” as well as the importance of becoming a climate champion.
Click on the drop downs below to learn more and access or download the full section.
The background information for this chapter delves into the future of careers in climate change: the green economy & climate opportunities.
What do children need to survive and live a healthy, happy life? The activities in this inquiry help students distinguish the difference between the things they want and the things they need.
Resources:
Students will explore innovations in alternative energy, learn how they function and understand their benefits. They will explore their environment and understand how changes can be put in place to improve the energy system. Students will then create a machine that can help the environment. They will be given choices and encouraged to design and build their prototype.
Resources:
Poster:
Videos:
- 100% Renewable Energy
- Worlds Largest Lesson – Emma Watson Introduction | Global Goals
- 5 inventions changing the world! | Explore | Awesome Activities & Fun Facts | CBC Kids
- 11 Kid Inventors Break Down Their Greatest Inventions | The New Yorker
- Engineering Design Kindergarten Science
- Seed Launching Backpack, a 3D-printed, pollinator-friendly invention | The Kid Should See This
Worksheets:
Website:
How to get students thinking about being “green”. Students will explore how a simple act can have a ripple effect and change and help their world.
Resources:
- Sesame Street: It’s Not Easy Being Green (Kermit’s Song)
- Kermit the Frog – It’s Not Easy Being Green Lyrics
Books:
- Teach kids sustainability: What Does it Mean to be Green? – By Rana Diorio, illustrated by Chris Blair
- What Matters – By Alison Hughes, illustrated by Holly Hatam
- I AM ONE (A Book Of Action) – By Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Chapter 4 Curricular Connections
Curricular Connections | Concepts |
Science | Stewardship Ecosystems Environment Biodiversity Sustainability Protection Habitats Innovation Change Survival Action Conservation |
Language | Communication Inferencing Retelling Visual literacy Media forms Persuasion Point of view Critical Literacy |
Social Studies | Resources Perspectives Consequences Interrelationships Cause Significance Human-environmental interaction Physical features Rights and responsibilities Scarcity Choice Supply and demand |
Physical Education and Health and Wellness | Decision-making Contribution Connection Relationships Self awareness Balance Choice Peer pressure Self-determination Leadership Participation |
The Arts | Composition Symbolism Interpretation Relationships |
Math | Scale Shapes Location Investment Organisation |