Starting with Sustainability Lesson Sets

Starting with Sustainability Lesson Sets are designed to support youth aged 11-18 in initial explorations into topics of sustainability.  The lesson sets consist of educator and youth-facing lessons that include reading and literacy components, investigations, hands-on activities, quotes from STEM professionals, and opportunities for creativity. Supporting supplemental materials include slide decks, worksheets, games, and videos. The lesson sets and supplemental materials are inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and draw on content from the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals guide series found at ssec.si.edu/global-goals. 

Smithsonian Science for Global Goals uses a Discover, Understand, Act framework to guide youth from ideas about real-world problems to actions. The Discover section contextualizes global issues within local communities by encouraging young people to recognize their existing knowledge. In the Understand section, youth gather data on real-world problems through natural and social science research. Finally, youth apply their learning through self-determined actions to help solve problems for their local and global communities.