Lesson Plan

Global Citizenship Education - Science Related

Investigation of 17 SDG Adopted by the UN in 2015 and the Role that Science WIll
Play in Reaching These Goals

Summary

1. Subject(s): A Global Perspective of Science in Solving World Problems

2. Topic or Unit of Study:
● MS-LS2-5 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics Evaluate
competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and
ecosystem services.*
● MS-ETS1-1 Engineering Design: Define the criteria and constraints of
a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful
solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and
potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may
limit possible solutions.
● MS-ETS1-2 Engineering Design: Evaluate competing design solutions
using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the
criteria and constraints of the problem.
● MS-LS1-6 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of
photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and
out of organisms.
3. Grade/Level: 7/8
4. Objectives
● Students will consider 17 SDG ( Sustainability Development Goals)
and critically assess the role that science can play in helping meet
these goals.
● Students will consider the need for cooperation needed both
between and within countries for these problems to be addressed
and solutions found.

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 5. Time Allotment: 2 block periods ( 2 x 1hr 50 mins)

Implementation

Learning Context

Students will use their knowledge of the contributions that science has made to
the world’s development and develop ideas as to how science can help the world
to achieve success in reaching its goals in the form of the 17 SDG.

Procedure

a. Anticipatory Set

Brainstorm in small groups - what are the biggest challenges facing

● our city
● state
● country
● world

Watch One Earth: Environmental Short Film by Romain Pennes

One Earth - Environmental Short Film

Take another look at issues and discuss in small groups the ways in which
science might provide answers to meeting SDG..

b. Content Delivery

Consider the 17 SDG set by the UN in 2015. UN SDG

Guiding Question: Which goals can science be used to create solutions?

In small groups, read, from the U.N., The Lazy Person's Guide to Saving the
World - found here Lazy Person's Guide Students will take notes as they
read.

c. Students discuss thoughts at their tables and develop a list of 5 SDG that
they feel science can address at their tables. Each group creates a
movement or action to represent each SDG they chose. As a whole the class

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 discusses their choices and collates ideas into one list of 5 SDG’s that they
feel science can address in a bid to help all nations improve their citizens’
situation and therefore the world as a whole.

d. Working in pairs, students create an informational poster containing

advice and tips on how a 5th grader can become part of the solution to
reach the 5 selected SDG’s and the role that science can play in these
solutions.

e. Closing

Students will share their completed posters with 5th graders as they
explain the reasons for their choices of action items that we can take to
help make the world a better place. The middle school students will make
notes for their reference about their peers’ posters and a final kahoot about
SDG will wrap up the lesson.

Differentiated Instruction

a. Visual Learners - video to watch and option to create artistic posters to

allow visual components to show understanding.
b. Auditory Learners - conversations at both table level and class level allows
delivery of content.
c. Kinesthetic Learners - movement / action developed by group to represent
each SDG
d. ESL Students - vocabulary word wall for new subject specific terms
e. Advanced Learners - mindful groupings allow discussion of content at a
higher leve

Materials & Resources

a. Instructional Materials: Slides to introduce topic and give direction

b. Resources: One Earth - Environmental Short Film

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 c. Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals
d. poster paper , art supplies

Assessment

Student created posters and presentations to 5th graders will demonstrate

understanding of topics and integration of ideas about our global village and the
roles science can play in helping people live healthier, longer , more productive
lives.