Minds On
Resources
Humans are one of many species that consume resources on the planet.
Which of the Earth’s resources do people need to live? What resources might people use that they don’t need?
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
Let’s think and brainstorm about things we use that we need to live, and things we use but don’t need.
Complete the Mind Map: Things People Use Activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Mind Map: Things People Use Activity.
Press the Activity button to access the Mind Map: Things People Use Activity.
Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)Let’s think and brainstorm about things we use that we need to live, and things we use but don’t need.
Action
Ecological footprint
An ecological footprint is a way to measure how many natural resources a person or group of people use. This includes use of natural resources for food, clothing, energy, shelter, waste, just to name a few.
When the world’s ecological footprint is bigger than the number of renewable resources that are available, it is considered an ecological deficit.
Press the following tabs to access a few key terms.
An ecological footprint is a way to measure how many natural resources a person or group of people use.
A natural resource is something found in nature that people find useful or valuable.
For example, wood from forests used to build houses, water from lakes and rivers to drink and wash with, and coal from mines to produce energy.
A renewable resource is any natural resource that can replenish itself naturally over time, such as a forest, the wind, and sunshine.
A non-renewable resource is any natural resource that has a limited supply, such as coal or natural gas.
When the world’s ecological footprint is larger than the amount of renewable resources that are available, it is considered an ecological deficit.
Earth
At the rate of consumption that is happening today, there is not enough of planet Earth to meet the demand of the global population. It is important that we begin to think about our ecological footprints and how we can reduce the size of them.
Consumption is to use up, waste, absorb, or destroy something.
Waste is an unusable substance or material.
Ecological Footprint. Energy Use, arrow points to Petroleum. Land Use, arrow points to Housing. Forestry, arrow points to Logging and Paper. Farming, arrow points to Food and Clothing. Fisheries, arrow points to Seafood.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
What can humans do to reduce their ecological footprint?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
When you’re ready, press ‘Possible Solutions’ to access several ways humans can reduce their ecological footprint.
There are many small actions humans can do, like turning off the taps when brushing their teeth or taking short showers. Humans can consider how to make their home more energy efficient. Humans can consider reducing, reusing, and recycling products when they can.
Let’s sort!
For this activity, sort the items or actions as reducing or enlarging the ecological footprint.
Choose “Reduce” if you think the item or action will help to reduce the ecological footprint.
Choose “Enlarge” if you think the item or action increases the ecological footprint.
Sustainability
One way to reduce an ecological footprint is to consider sustainability.
Sustainability is living within the limits of available resources. These resources may include Earth’s natural resources, and/or the economic and human resources of a society.
Sustainability also assumes that the distribution of resources and benefits is equitable. Understanding the interrelationships between natural environments, societies, and economies will help understand sustainability.
There are three pillars to sustainability.
Press the following tabs to explore the pillars of sustainability.
The Earth’s environmental systems are kept in balance. Humans consume natural resources at a rate that the resources can replenish themselves.
Groups can maintain independence and access the resources that they need. This means ensuring that they are available to everyone.
Human rights and basic needs are accessed by all, and everyone has enough resources to be healthy and safe.
Geography?
How does the concept of ecological footprints and sustainability connect to the study of geography?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Press ‘Hint’ to access what geography is.
Geography is the study of places and the relationships that happen between people and their environments.
As you continue through this learning activity, take note of how connected this topic in science is to the study of geography.
Indigenous perspectives
Indigenous peoples are caretakers of Earth. They honour and respect Earth’s gifts of water, air, and fire. All people are negatively impacted when the environment is endangered, especially by humans. Indigenous communities contribute to creating a sustainable future by focusing on land use and economic initiatives.
First Nations traditional knowledge has provided people with strategies and tools to care for Earth, such as:
- developing sustainable agriculture practices
- protecting endangered species and plants
- protecting treaty rights that depend on having healthy ecosystems and environments
- protecting natural resources
- preserving traditional lifestyles, cultures, and health
For instance, harvesting wild rice is a way of life for Anishinaabe Nations in Ontario.
“We have the right to harvest but that also gives us the responsibility to make sure that there are… the animal has a right to live, also. That the fish have a right to live. That the water has a right to be pure. So, we have the right to harvest, definitely. We have the responsibility to harvest.”
- France Picotte, Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario
Connections
Connections
Explore the following examples of Indigenous communities that are contributing to sustainability.
Press the following tabs to explore sustainability in Indigenous communities.
Meet Chyyah! Chyyah’s community of the Nuuchahnulth Nation in Port Alberni, British Columbia, lives in a way that keeps a balance between human needs and the needs of the environment. This community ensures that everyone has their needs met and will help each other to meet these needs.
Access this video entitled “Chyyah” to learn more about this community, it’s culture, and it’s sustainable practices.
Meet Marissa, an 11-year-old Ojibwe girl from Curve Lake, Ontario. As Marissa shares her story, take note of the practice of harvesting wild rice and how this would relate to the pillars of sustainability. Record your thoughts in a method of your choice.
Access this video entitled “Raven’s Quest: Marissa” to learn more about Marissa, her community, and her culture.
Complete the Indigenous Perspectives: Chyyah and Marissa in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
| Chyyah | Marissa |
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What are the ways that Chyyah has shared how her community meets their needs environmentally, economically, and socially? Consider the environment where Chyyah lives, the food available, the medicines available, and the salmon ceremony. |
What is the practice of harvesting wild rice, and how would this relate to the pillars of sustainability? |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Indigenous Perspectives: Chyyah and Marissa.
Careers
There is a growing need for individuals who want to save the planet! There are careers that are dedicated to reducing ecological footprints and creating a lifestyle that is more sustainable on Earth.
Let’s explore the following careers!
As you are exploring, create jot notes about each career, and how they are working toward reducing our ecological footprints. Record your notes in a notebook or another method of your choice.
All of these jobs are expected to become more in demand over the next ten years, with demand rising anywhere from five to 30 percent.
Press the flip button to explore both sides of the following flashcards, as you learn more about each environmental career.
Making an impact
How does each of these careers help to reduce the negative impact of humans on the environment and focus on the positive impact?
Complete the Standout Environmental Careers Activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
How does each career help to reduce the negative impact of humans on the environment and focus on the positive impact?
| Career | Impacts |
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environmental engineer |
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environmental scientist |
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geoscientist |
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biochemist |
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hydrologist |
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agriculture and food scientist |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Standout Environmental Careers Activity.
Future impacts
This learning activity connects new and existing approaches for young scientists to create positive changes in their communities.
Can one person make a difference on ecological footprints?
Yes, they can! It is important that we are focused on making Earth more sustainable and there is a lot that people have the power to change.
Student Success
Let’s think!
What are some different ways that a focus on sustainability can help reduce ecological footprints? How can people, by themselves or with their communities, consider ways to reduce their ecological footprints?
Press ‘Hint’ to access additional details.
Using the categories from the Minds On section of this learning activity, generate a list of ways that people and communities can reduce their ecological footprint in certain areas. You may wish to begin by using ideas learned throughout this activity.
If you would like, you could explore government databases, environmental websites, or encyclopedias.
Complete the What Can People Do? in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
| Areas to Consider | What Can People Do? |
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Food |
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Place of residence /school |
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Transportation |
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Water |
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Other |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access What Can People Do?.
When you’re ready, press ‘Let’s Check!’ to access ways people can reduce their environmental footprint.
| Areas to Consider | What Can People Do? |
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foods |
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place of residence / school |
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transportation |
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water |
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other |
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Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
Consolidation
Take action!
Now that you have learned about why an ecological footprint is important and various ways people can try to reduce their own footprint, it is time to take action!
Create a public service announcement (PSA) to educate others on the importance of sustainability and reducing their ecological footprint. Use a visual, audio, slideshow, written speech, or another method of your choice.
Be sure to include at least three ways that people can try to reduce their footprint and live sustainably.
Your PSA should include the following:
Making connections
Let’s reflect on the following:
- How important is sustainability in a community? Why?
- Why is it important for people to professionally dedicate themselves to sustainability and helping to reduce ecological footprints?
- How can it help to know that other areas of study, such as geography, has a connection to this real-world issue?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel…
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.