Summary: In this interactive lesson, students read through several primary source documents. Students consider how human interactions may have led to changes in the environment, weather and climate described in these documents. As they review each document, students write down five observations and address the central question: How can human interactions lead to changes in the environment, weather, and climate over time?
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
- ECONOMICS: What is the proper role of government in the economy? (Especially with regard to economic crises, national defense/security, health and safety of the people, and economic development and practices.)
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.GeoHE.14.a: Evaluate the impact of individual, business, and government decisions and actions on the environment and climate change and assess the efficacy of government policies and agencies in New Jersey and the United States in addressing these decisions.
Link to Lesson: Breaking Down Barriers with Climate Change | DocsTeach