Activity Introduction
Quick summary: After exploring the differences between needs and wants, students learn about the concept of ecological footprints. They approximate the amount of resources they personally use and take steps to reduce their footprint. Students conclude that valuing material wealth in isolation can impact on our community and planet.
This lesson supports students to inquire into the big idea of ‘real wealth’. Students develop an understanding of shared values, and build their sustainable and ethical financial knowledge, equipping them with the skills to make sound financial decisions based on social, environmental and economical merit.
We’ve taken elements of this lesson and adapted them for remote learning. You can find this activity here.
Learning goals:
- Students measure their personal ecological footprint.
- Students practice their research skills.
- Students build their understanding of wealth as a holistic concept.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Numeracy.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.3, OI.8.
Australian Curriculum content description:
Year 5 Humanities and Social Sciences
- Develop appropriate questions to guide an inquiry about people, events, developments, places, systems and challenges (ACHASSI094)
- The difference between needs and wants and why choices need to be made about how limited resources are used (ACHASSK119)
Year 5 Science
- Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena (ACSHE081)
- Scientific knowledge is used to inform personal and community decisions (ACSHE217)
Year 6 Humanities and Social Sciences
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Develop appropriate questions to guide an inquiry about people, events, developments, places, systems and challenges (ACHASSI122)
Year 6 Science
- Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena (ACSHE098)
- Scientific knowledge is used to inform personal and community decisions (ACSHE220)
Syllabus Outcomes: ST3-6PW, ST3-4WS, HT3-5.
Topic: Consumption
Unit of lessons: Real Wealth Year 5 & 6
Time required: 60 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: High – lead students in activity.
Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet. Real Wealth Cheat Sheet, Glossary Years 5 & 6.
Digital technology opportunities: Get your students to complete a digital footprint: www.myfootprint.org
Homework and extension opportunities: Includes opportunities for homework or extension.
Keywords: wealth, open and closed-ended questions, Googleable and Un-Googleable questions.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation