Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Deforestation: Main Issues

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this lesson stage is to prepare students to understand the problems and impacts of deforestation in a practical and applied way. It aims to develop essential skills such as critical analysis and teamwork, which are relevant both in school and in the job market. By understanding the effects of deforestation, students will be better equipped to discuss solutions and engage in sustainable practices, contributing to the formation of conscious and responsible citizens.

Main Objectives

1. Identify the main problems caused by deforestation.

2. Analyze the impacts of deforestation on the local biome.

3. Understand how deforestation affects the quality of life of people in deforested regions.

Side Objectives

1. Develop research and critical analysis skills.
2. Encourage collaboration and teamwork.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to introduce the topic engagingly and connect students with the reality and relevance of deforestation. By sparking curiosity and initial interest, students will be more motivated to participate in the practical and reflective activities that will follow throughout the lesson.

Contextualization

Deforestation is one of the biggest environmental problems we face today. It occurs when large areas of forest are cut down or burned to make way for activities such as agriculture, livestock, and urbanization. This phenomenon not only destroys natural habitats but also contributes to climate change, loss of biodiversity, and negative impacts on the lives of local communities. Understanding the effects of deforestation is essential for promoting sustainable practices and protecting our planet.

Curiosities and Market Connection

 Curiosities: Did you know that the Amazon produces about 20% of the world's oxygen? Furthermore, many medicinal plants we use today were discovered in tropical forests.  Market Connection: Professionals such as environmental engineers, agronomists, and forest scientists work directly to combat deforestation and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. Technology companies are also developing drones and satellites to monitor deforestation in real-time, showing how innovation can help protect the environment.

Initial Activity

 Initial Activity: Show a short video (3-5 minutes) that displays impactful images of deforestation and its effects. After the video, ask students the thought-provoking question: 'How do you think deforestation affects the lives of people living close to the forests?'

Development

Duration: 40 - 45 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to deepen the understanding of the impacts of deforestation through practical and reflective activities. By engaging students in a maker project, they can visualize and better understand how ecosystems work and the importance of preserving them. The activities also aim to promote critical analysis, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Covered Topics

1. Impacts of deforestation on biodiversity.
2. Effect of deforestation on local and global climate.
3. Socioeconomic consequences of deforestation.
4. Solutions and methods to combat deforestation.

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how human actions, especially deforestation, are directly linked to climate change and loss of biodiversity. Facilitate a discussion on how this affects people's daily lives, both locally and globally, and encourage them to think of practical solutions that could be implemented to reduce these impacts.

Mini Challenge

Maker Project: Building a Sustainable Terrarium

In this practical activity, students will construct a terrarium that simulates a forest ecosystem. This project will help understand the importance of forests and the impacts of deforestation.

Instructions

1. Divide the students into groups of 3 to 4 people.
2. Provide each group with a transparent glass container, small stones, activated charcoal, soil, and small plants (succulents or mosses).
3. Guide students to follow these steps to build the terrarium:
4. Place a layer of stones at the bottom of the container for drainage.
5. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the terrarium clean and prevent odors.
6. Place a layer of soil on top of the stones and charcoal.
7. Plant the small plants in the soil, arranging them so that all receive light.
8. Water lightly and close the container, if possible, to create a humid environment.
9. After construction, ask groups to discuss and write about how each component of the terrarium represents parts of a forest ecosystem and how deforestation could affect this natural cycle.

Objective: The objective of this activity is to demonstrate practically how an ecosystem functions and the impacts of deforestation, as well as to promote teamwork skills and critical thinking.

Duration: 40 - 45 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. List three negative impacts of deforestation on biodiversity.
2. Explain how deforestation can influence the global climate.
3. Describe two socioeconomic consequences of deforestation for local communities.
4. Suggest a practical measure that can be adopted to combat deforestation and explain why it would be effective.

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate learning, providing a moment for reflection and discussion about what has been learned. This helps to reinforce the knowledge acquired and understand the relevance of the topic to daily life and the job market.

Discussion

Facilitate a final discussion with students about the topic covered during the lesson. Ask how they felt while building the terrarium and what they learned about the impacts of deforestation. Encourage them to share their reflections on the challenges and exercises carried out. Also, ask about possible solutions and measures that could be adopted to combat deforestation in their communities.

Summary

Recap the main content presented: the impacts of deforestation on biodiversity, climate, and local communities. Explain how building the terrarium helped visualize the importance of forests and the negative effects of deforestation. Reinforce the connection between theory and practice, showing how the knowledge gained can be applied in real situations.

Closing

Conclude the lesson by emphasizing the importance of the topic for students' daily lives and society as a whole. Explain that understanding the problems caused by deforestation and its consequences is essential for promoting sustainable practices and combating environmental degradation. Thank everyone for their participation and encourage them to continue reflecting on the topic and seeking solutions to protect the environment.