Unit Plans

Hands catching stream of clean water
MRJN Photography / Unsplash

Youth Activism for Water Justice in the U.S.

Grades 4 – 6

Objective: Students investigate America’s water crisis through an audit of their school’s water and inquiry into youth water justice activism. Students evaluate data to make conclusions about their school’s water quality and synthesize their findings into a culminating action project. 


Clear blue sky above grass
Vlad Kutepov / Unsplash

Air Quality in Our Communities – Draft

Grades 1 – 3

Objective: Students will explore air pollution via a case study of McKinley Park, a neighborhood in Chicago, IL. Students will investigate the processes behind point source air pollution, explore potential health and justice impacts, and audit their own community’s air quality. Students will also take action to address air pollution locally and globally.


Basket of fresh garden vegetables on table
Markus Spiske / Unsplash

Food Waste Unit

Grades TBD

Objective: Students investigate how to reduce food waste and create healthy communities through the lens of gardening. Along the way, they learn science concepts related to compost, plants, and soil.