Activity Introduction

Watch or read The Lorax and think about the message that Dr Seuss is trying to get across. Reflect on the role humans have played in degrading the environment on Earth. Create two pictures that show the difference between a healthy planet and a mistreated one.

This is a good activity for kids to complete independently. 

Younger kids may need support to integrate the key concepts. 

Ideal for: Middle Primary Ages 7 – 9

Themes:

  • be creative

Time required: 40 minutes 

Curriculum connections: English, Visual Arts, Humanities, Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Sustainability

Tips for Parents and Carers

Kids can take for granted that everything they need is right at the doorstep, not realising that the food in the supermarket or the power that makes the TV work have to come from somewhere. This activity will probably raise some questions about what’s behind the curtain in terms of all these productions, so be prepared to talk with you child about how it’s okay to use the things our society produces, but at the same time we can be thoughtful about how we minimise our impact on the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling.

Lesson & Curriculum Details

Curriculum codes:

Complete lesson for classroom teachers:

The true cost of stuff – Years 5 & 6

Resources Required

  • Art supplies: Coloured pencils, pens, paint, coloured paper, glue, scissors.
  • White paper
  • Writing pen or pencil

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Worksheets

Student Worksheet

Healthy vs Unhealthy Planet - Activity Instructions

Watch The Lorax and think about the message that Dr Seuss is trying to get across. Reflect on the role humans have played in degrading the environment on Earth. Create two pictures that show the difference between a healthy planet and a mistreated one.

Step 1. Watch the Lorax (https://youtu.be/ZA4k2E0ZzTk) or read the book yourself. What is the message of this book?

Step 2. The way humans live has a huge impact on the earth. We chop down forests to make paper, and create lots of other forms of pollution. Make a list of all the ways humans mistreat the earth.

Step 3. You are going to create two pictures using your art supplies. It could be a drawing, painting, collage or model.

  • One picture will be of a polluted earth with an unliveable environment. Imagine what the earth would look like if humans did not try to reduce their pollution and live more sustainably. What is the worst thing that could happen to the earth?
  • The seco
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