Local well-being

Taking action

Summary information

Age range:	7 - 14 year olds
Curriculum links:	English
Time needed:	20 minutes research in preparation session, 30 minutes for initial action planning session
Group size:	Whole class
Setting:	Classroom or similar
Key vocabulary:	Efficiency, conservation
Sustainability learning outcome(s):	To understand the links between human activity and climate change. To develop the ability to communicate in a reasoned and effective manner. To recognise that working with others can make a difference.

Preparation:

Pupils should look at the websites listed below to research ideas about energy and water conservation.

Resources needed:

A flipchart or similar to display brainstorm ideas. Access to the following websites for research purposes:
www.est.org.uk/myhome
www.midkentwater.co.uk/household/efficiency/home.htm

Procedure:

1. Outline the tasks to the class:

To persuade at least three parents of pupils at your school to become more energy and/or water efficient at home.
To collect data to show the changes and estimated savings that have been made.

2. Brainstorm the following questions with the class:

How could we present the message? (leaflet, drama, discussion?)
What might persuade people? (save money, save the environment?)
What could we ask them to do?
How will we measure the changes?

3. As a class, create an action plan showing how you’ll complete this task. For each stage, include practical details, e.g. who’s doing this job? What will they need? When will it be completed?

Extensions:

Discuss with the class ways to monitor and evaluate the action plan developed by the pupils.

Evaluation:

Ask pupils to complete the following:

People are more likely to listen to what you’ve got to say if…
One of the best things we did was…
One of the best things we could do next is…
The most important thing I learned is…

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