AboutFor Educators: Environmental Justice Movement
Overview
Environmental Justice is one in a series of lesson units to be launched as part of the Avoice Virtual Library. The lessons will provide teachers supplemental information about African American Congressional members' push, often in collaboration with grassroots organizations, for environmental justice for minority and low-income communities.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have been at the forefront of the Environmental Justice Movement, calling national attention to the disproportionate burden of pollution on the most vulnerable members of our society. Their public advocacy has included protesting the location of toxic waste sites in minority and low-income areas, calling for new and revised standards for clean air and water, as well as promoting environmentally progressive energy policies. Their efforts to bring Congressional attention to environmental injustices and raise the levels of awareness about the environment in their communities have brought about significant changes in environmental policy and oversight.
Through the use of documents and images provided on the website as well as suggested activities and readings to explore topics like the Hurricane Katrina Disaster and the Gulf Region, students will learn about the growing need for minorities to become more engaged in protecting their environment and how best to do it.
Grade Level: 8-12
Essential Question: Is it important to care about our environment? How may an unhealthy environment affect my personal life as well as my community?
Using documents, images, and articles from the Avoice Web site, students will:
Science
NS 9-12.6: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives.
Content Standard F: A personal and social perspective of science helps a student to understand and act on personal and social issues. This perspective builds a foundation for future decision making.
US History
Era 10: Contemporary United States (1968 to the present)
Standard 2E: The student understands how a democratic polity debates social issues and mediates between individual or group rights and the common good.
Select an activity below to view full activity guidelines:
Activity 1: Pollution: Why Should I Care About It?
Activity 2: The Birth of the Environmental Justice Movement: Warren County, North Carolina
Activity 3: Advocacy for Environmental Justice and the Congressional Black Caucus
Activity 5: How do I Make a Difference in My Community?
