Launch
🌍 Carbon Footprint Calculator Kickoff
Holders of Foundational Knowledge
Reflection
Project Launch
Submission Required
Students use an online carbon footprint calculator to estimate their annual CO2 emissions. They record totals (kg or tons per year) and emissions from at least three categories (transportation, home energy, food). Results are documented with a screenshot or drawing in their project journal, followed by a brief round-table share of one surprising result.
Plan day
Day 1
Duration
30 min
Grouping
Individual
Steps
5 steps
Lesson plan
5 steps · 30 min| # | What teachers do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather students in a circle and introduce the concept of carbon footprint by showing visuals of different activities that produce CO2. (10 min) |
| 2 | Demonstrate how to use the online carbon footprint calculator by working through one example as a group on a large screen. (10 min) |
| 3 | Allow students to independently calculate their own carbon footprint using the tablets or computers, focusing on transportation, home energy, and food. (20 min) |
| 4 | Facilitate a brief round-table discussion where each student shares a surprising result from their calculation using their journals. (10 min) |
| 5 | Guide students to write a reflection in their project journals about their initial findings and how they felt about their carbon footprint. (10 min) |
Preparation (3 items)
- Set up tablets or computers with an internet connection and bookmark the online carbon footprint calculator on each device.
- Print and prepare visual aids showing carbon-emitting activities and effects of high CO2 levels on the environment.
- Create a reflective journal template for students to document their calculations and thoughts during the activity.
Student-facing instructions
Your task is to learn about your carbon footprint by using an online calculator. You will look at the activities like transportation, home energy, and food to see how much CO2 you make. Use your tablet or computer to follow along as we check one example together. Then, try it yourself and write down the numbers. Next, share one surprise from your findings with the class, and write a reflection in your journal about what you discover.