Students review the countries of Europe and then explore the climate and some of the important natural resources of the continent. Next, students get an overview on environmental threats in Europe and work in small groups to research and report on a specific problem. Finally, they take a look at the role that young people can play in preserving natural resources and the environment.
Students read an introduction to the experience, which previews how they will explore Europe’s climates, natural resources, and environmental problems. After examining a political map of Europe, they collaboratively create entries in a class table by writing three geography questions and answers that can be answered using the map.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the lesson focus and objectives, highlighting that students will investigate both natural resources and environmental challenges in Europe. Project the political map and, if desired, have students close their devices while you ask and discuss some of the student-generated questions to reinforce familiarity with European countries before moving on.
Students read Europe: Resources to learn about major European climates and how natural resources support agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, and the built environment. Using a graphic organizer, they take structured notes on these categories, including specific countries when mentioned. They then answer several multiple-choice questions that check understanding of European climate regions, Mediterranean agricultural products, and leading fishing countries.
Teacher MovesPrompt students to use the graphic organizer to connect climate types with specific economic activities and locations across Europe. Circulate to support note-taking and clarify key ideas about renewable and nonrenewable resources. Review student responses to the embedded questions to address misconceptions about European climates, agricultural products, and fishing industries, and prepare students for small-group work in the next scene.
Students read an overview explaining that Europe, like other continents, faces environmental problems caused by unsustainable use of natural resources. In assigned small groups, they choose one topic—such as biodiversity loss, air or water pollution, water overuse, deforestation and illegal logging, overfishing, or climate change—and research it online. Each group creates a report describing the problem, its causes, current efforts to address it, and relevant images, then posts the report to a shared discussion wall or links to a product created with a digital tool. Groups review and discuss reports created by other groups to build a broader understanding of environmental issues across Europe.
Teacher MovesOrganize students into small groups and assign or approve environmental topics to ensure coverage of multiple issues. Guide students in conducting focused online research and in organizing their findings into clear, well-supported reports using appropriate digital tools. Monitor the discussion wall, prompting students to compare issues, ask clarifying questions, and connect environmental problems to earlier learning about climate and resources. If time allows, invite groups to present their reports to the whole class and facilitate a question-and-answer session.
Students read about how young people can influence environmental protection and explore the website of Young Friends of the Earth Europe to see examples of youth-led environmental action. They then post to a class discussion wall describing what issues a similar group in their own community should address and what they would like such a group to accomplish. Finally, they review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with questions or positive comments.
Teacher MovesEncourage students to look for specific examples of youth activism and strategies on the website, connecting these to the environmental problems studied earlier. Prompt students to think critically about which environmental issues are most relevant locally and how a youth group could take realistic action. Monitor the discussion wall to ensure respectful, constructive interaction and to highlight thoughtful ideas about community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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