Divide students into groups of four. Ask students if they have heard the term sustainability. Allow students time to discuss in small groups and report back to the class. Record student comments.
Students will read
Sustainability Introduction Part 1 of the Companion Reader below.
Allow students a few minutes to consider how they would rewrite the definition of sustainability. Then encourage students to discuss their ideas in the small group. Ask them to rewrite the definition of sustainability in their own words and then give examples of sustainable activities from their own experiences. Students should share their answers with the class through the digital platform of your choice.
Suggested Activity:
If this is the first exposure to the concept of sustainability,
The Fish Game is recommended as a starting activity. Allow an additional class period for the game. An electronic version is available from
The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education. The game may also be played using paper fish or fish-shaped crackers or candy.