Free 5th Grade Connecting With Nature Lesson Plan (Social Emotional Learning)

Topic: Connecting with nature

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will understand how experiencing nature can help us care more about the earth and the people around us.

Materials

• Field trip to a park or natural area
• Handouts with quotes from nature lovers

Warm-up

• Show a video about environmental activists who are working to protect nature. Ask students to think about what motivates these people to take action.
• Share a personal experience of connecting with nature and how it made you feel.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of environmentalism and the importance of nature in our lives.
• Share more personal stories and examples of how experiencing nature can lead to a greater sense of care and connection with the earth.
• Explain that one way to be more environmentally-conscious is to reduce, re-use, and recycle.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs to create a list of ways they can be more environmentally-conscious in their daily lives.
• Have each pair share their list with the class and discuss how they can put these ideas into practice.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one idea from their list to put into practice in their daily lives. Encourage them to be creative and think outside the box.
• Ask students to report back on their chosen idea and how it is going during a classroom meeting.

Closure

• Ask students to think about one way they can help protect the environment and share it with the class.
• End the lesson by reminding students of the importance of caring for the earth and asking them to make a personal commitment to do their part.

Assessment

• Observe students during the independent practice activity and take note of their understanding of the importance of caring for the earth and their ability to creatively show their commitment to the task.
• Have students complete a short quiz to assess their understanding of the connections between nature, human beings, and the earth.