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Unit III: Week 6: Activity 1
Covered
Land
 |
Introduction: As more of our culture becomes adapted to life with cars, more of our land gets paved over. There are many consequences of paving over land: not only do we see less vibrant, green landscapes, but also we cover the very soil that may be called upon to provide food for the next generations. This is an opportunity for the class to think about the value of open land in the neighborhood. It is also a chance for the class to think about ways of protecting some open space for future appreciation and use. |
Materials:
mylar or acetate sheets
colored pens to write on the sheets
crayons and paper (for extension)Classroom Management:
Activity Steps:
1. Find out the amount of built-over land: What percent of your neighborhood is covered by surfaces through which water cannot easily drain ("built-over land" or "impervious surfaces")?
Lay mylar or acetate or another see-through material on top of your map, and color all houses, strees, sidewalks, parking lots, other pavements etc. Color the rest green (non-built land) or blue (water). What percent of the whole is "impervious" surface? What percent of the land?*
2. Brainstorm: What happens to the soil under land that is built upon? Does the same happen to both good and bad soil? (Both types of soil get compressed, and often absorb pollutants in drain-off. The consequences for good soil are even worse, because it is harder for the small organisms in the soil to survive without fresh water and air.) How long might it take the soil to recover before food can be safely grown in it again?
What about beauty: Do you need to see green land, trees? gardens? Where do you go to see them? Can you see green from where you live?
3. Project ahead: Future Cover Think back on your population projection. How much more land will be built-over in 100 years? 200 years?
Extensions: Plan a Food Garden: A small amount of land in your neighborhood can grow a great deal of food. Where would you put it? What would you like to grow. How could you organize neighbors to help?
Plan a park: Decide an area of the neighborhood either to protect or to turn into a park for future residents. What makes a good park? Where would you locate it? Remember that our planet needs trees to breathe in CO2 from all of the car exhausts, so it will need at least some trees. Remember, also, that even mini-parks are helpful; you don't have to have LOTS of space. Draw a picture of the way you would like that park to look.
Community Work: Share your thoughts, your ideas and pictures with the Neighborhood.
* Adapted from Indicators for a Sustainable Community
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