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In this lesson, students will go on an investigative mission in small groups to explore the impact of deforestation on climate change.
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Click and watch this teacher preparation video to help you understand how to teach this lesson. Here is a YouTube link of the teacher video for your reference: https://youtu.be/xfRp-ebD9HI
Start Here: Teacher Preparation Video
To develop an understanding of deforestation and the pitfalls of unsustainable industrialization
To explore how deforestation is connected to the greenhouse effect
To identify how human activities contribute to climate change
Collaboration
Communication
Creativity
- Think, pair, share: Ask students to consider the questions on slide 2 and 3 of the PowerPoint and discuss with a partner or within a small group.
What is deforestation?
How do you think deforestation can impact climate change?
- Share final ideas and thoughts as part of a whole class discussion. At this point, do not address students' misconceptions.
Introduction: Show PowerPoint slides 4-13 which will share the key parts and tasks within the Minecraft world.
Divide the class into teams of four/five and instruct students to enter the base camp in the Minecraft world. At base camp, students will meet Emily, their guide, and be informed of their mission.
Students will then explore the Minecraft world, following the assignment and visit the three different areas, taking photos and reflecting on their initial discussions. Within each area, they will find rifts to explore (slide 8) which will highlight an alternative view and the impact of deforestation. They will also interact with Emily and find boards (slides 10 and 11) to read with key learning points. Whilst engaging with in-game dialogue and exhibits, encourage students to explore their thoughts and feelings.
When students have visited all three areas, they will arrive back at base camp (slide 13). They will interact with Emily again and be asked to look through their photos and make notes using the book and quill. This can then be used for a final class discussion.
Consolidate learning (slide 14): Students will be directed to the build challenge area when they have finished their notes in the book and quill. They will be challenged to create a sustainable village drawing upon their deforestation knowledge. Encourage students to conduct further research if needed. Share final builds with the whole class, encouraging teams to give reasons for their ideas.
Reflection (slide 15): Once students have completed their sustainable village build for the final challenge, use slide 15 to prompt a whole class discussion for reflection.
Ask:
Were your initial thoughts about deforestation and climate change correct?
Have you discovered anything new about deforestation and climate change?
How do you think deforestation affects you?
What can humans do to help the problem?
To develop an understanding of deforestation and the pitfalls of unsustainable industrialization
To explore how deforestation is connected to the greenhouse effect
To identify how human activities contribute to climate change
Sustainable Development Goals: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000247444
Tropical Deforestation: https://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2020/11/13/tropical-deforestation-a-log-jam-on-the-road-to-net-zero/
Forest Fires and Climate: https://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2021/03/12/did-the-weather-fuel-climate-changing-forest-fires-in-the-amazon-in-2019/
Check out the Tips & Tricks video playlist that will help you and your students better use Minecraft: Education Edition in the classroom:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkh9rrdH-ARER03ojhFYtmoFDVuACYJLa
More videos added periodically so make sure you check often for more content!
Click and watch the student pause and play video with your class, pausing and playing as needed. This will help your students understand how to navigate through this lesson and Minecraft world and complete the activities located within them. Enjoy!
Check out the YouTube link for your reference: https://youtu.be/nFk8txbDZds
Student 'Pause & Play' Video