Summary of Lessons for 4th and 5th Grades
Download Full Curriculum | National Standards Correlations - The Case of the Hidden Helpers
Lesson 1:
Launch
(1 hour)
Summary
The class reads The Energy Detectives: The Case of the Hidden Helpers, and students engage in corresponding literacy activities.
Lesson 2:
Building Knowledge
(1 and 1/2 hours)
Summary
Students learn about various topics related to climate change, sustainability and different types of advocacy. They listen to a podcast episode and/or read a news story and identify the major story elements.
Lesson 3:
Project Research
(3 and 1/2 hours, divided)
Summary
Students research and collect information in order to write a news story.
Lesson 4:
Project Writing
(3 hours, divided)
Summary
Students write a news story in order to raise awareness and educate the community about a local climate-related issue.
Lesson 5:
Project Presentations & Reflections
(1 hour)
Summary
Students present their news articles to a live audience. They then reflect on the experience and what they learned.
Extension:
Guest Speaker
(1 hour)
Summary
Students learn about a climate topic from an expert in the field.
Lesson 7:
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Relevant Frameworks
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Lesson 8:
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Relevant Frameworks
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Rationale
Heating and cooling of buildings is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. cities and towns. Burning of fossil fuels for energy results in high costs to residents as well as pollution that leads to environmental and health concerns.
Illnesses associated with fossil fuel pollution include chronic cough, asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. Energy efficiency measures can support good physical and mental health by creating healthier indoor living environments, which include improved air temperatures, noise levels, humidity levels and air quality.
The book Energy Detectives was written by Madelyn Rosenberg, illustrated by Paul Meisel, and funded by Cooler Communities to help children better understand how to conserve energy at home. Our hope is that educators will read the book with students in the classroom and incorporate some or all of our accompanying solutions-based curriculum into their instruction.
Additionally, we hope children will learn to understand and advocate for changes to energy consumption in their communities. This starts with encouraging their adult family members to make changes to more efficiently insulate and power their homes.