G3 Math- Calculating Carbon Footprint

Approaches to Learning (ATLs): Social, thinking, self-management

Learner profile: Caring, principled

Our fifth UOI’s central idea was “We have a shared responsibility to use, store, and conserve energy.” Throughout this unit we learned about the responsibility we all have to help conserve energy.

The unit began with the students learning about energy use and how it impacts the environment. Each student was tasked with recording their energy use at home, including the use of electricity, gas, and water. This data was then used to calculate their carbon footprint.

The students then compared their energy use with their classmates and identified patterns and trends. They noticed that some students used more energy than others and started discussing ways to reduce their energy consumption. This was an excellent opportunity to teach the children about the importance of energy conservation.

In groups, the students created different types of graphs to visualize their energy use. They learned about bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts and selected the type of graph that best represented their data. This was a great way to integrate math skills with real-world applications and to promote data analysis and interpretation.

Finally, the students reflected on their energy use and thought of actionable steps to reduce their carbon footprint. They brainstormed ideas such as turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging electronic devices when not in use, and taking shorter showers to save water. These ideas were shared with the class, and the students were encouraged to implement them at home.

In conclusion, the third graders in our school have not only gained a better understanding of energy use and its impact on the environment, but they have also learned valuable math skills through the use of graphs. This unit has empowered the students to take action and make a positive impact on the planet. We hope that this experience will inspire them to continue making sustainable choices and to become environmental stewards in their communities.