Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a successful campaign to reduce littering in our school and engage the community to take action for a cleaner environment?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- Why is littering a problem in our school and community?
- How can we effectively communicate our message to encourage others to reduce litter?
- What strategies can we implement to create a cleaner environment?
- What are the environmental impacts of littering on local ecosystems?
- How does community engagement play a role in addressing littering?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand the importance of reducing litter in their community.
- Students will develop persuasive communication skills through writing and speaking.
- Students will collaborate with peers to design a campaign that raises awareness about littering and its impacts.
- Students will identify strategies to engage their school community in reducing litter.
Common Core Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
Social Studies Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students‘Adopt-a-Space’ Challenge
Students are invited to ‘adopt’ a specific area in their school grounds. They will create a proposal for how to clean, maintain, and beautify their chosen space, encouraging ongoing stewardship while exploring community responsibility.Community Litter Impact Presentation
Students are presented with shocking statistics about litter in their community and its impact on local wildlife and health. They will interview local environmentalists and brainstorm campaign ideas to raise awareness in their school based on the information gathered.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Litter Awareness Brainstorm
Students will brainstorm the types of litter commonly found in and around their school. This activity aims to raise awareness about litter and its impact on the environment.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA class chart displaying the different types of litter and their potential impacts on the environment.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the understanding of environmental science and social studies standards related to community health (e.g., discussing environmental effects of pollution).Campaign Creation Teamwork
Students will work in groups to create visual campaign materials aimed at reducing litter in their school based on their research findings and opinion pieces.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityEngaging campaign materials, such as posters or a digital campaign presentation, ready to be displayed around the school.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports W.5.1 by synthesizing writing skills with creative presentation and aligns with social studies standards on civic responsibility and community awareness.School-wide Campaign Launch
Students will conduct a school-wide campaign to raise awareness about litter based on the materials they have created.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA documented campaign event where students showcase their work and foster community engagement in reducing litter.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsEncourages students to take part in a community awareness project, building on the social studies standards for participation in civic life.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCampaign Against Litter Rubric
Understanding of Environmental Issues
Assessing student knowledge of environmental impacts and their ability to articulate these issues.Identification of Litter Types
Ability to identify and describe various types of litter and their specific impacts on the environment.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and describes a comprehensive range of litter types and articulates their detailed impacts.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies most litter types and describes general impacts on the environment.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some litter types with basic descriptions of their impacts.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify litter types or describe their impacts adequately.
Articulation of Environmental Impact
Ability to explain the broader environmental consequences of litter.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplains environmental consequences with detail and integration of scientific concepts.
Proficient
3 PointsExplains environmental impact with clarity and some scientific concepts.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic explanations of environmental impact.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal explanation of environmental consequences.
Persuasive Communication
Evaluation of students' ability to construct persuasive arguments and communicate effectively.Persuasive Writing
Ability to craft compelling, reasoned arguments in written form.
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts highly persuasive and logical arguments with comprehensive evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsCrafts clear persuasive arguments that are well-supported.
Developing
2 PointsWriting includes arguments but lacks depth and supporting evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsArguments are unclear and unsupported.
Oral Presentation Skills
Ability to engage an audience and convey messages effectively during presentations.
Exemplary
4 PointsEngages audience fully with clear, confident delivery and strong visual aids.
Proficient
3 PointsDelivers clear, confident presentations with effective visuals.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation is basic, with some engagement and visual support.
Beginning
1 PointsUnclear and tentative presentation delivery with limited visual support.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Evaluating the ability to work effectively within a team to achieve shared goals.Participation and Engagement
Actively contributes to group discussions and decision-making processes.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates leadership in discussions and consistently contributes insightful ideas.
Proficient
3 PointsContributes effectively and collaborates well with peers.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in discussions with encouragement, contributing occasionally.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited involvement in discussions, needing support to participate.
Shared Responsibility
Shares tasks and responsibilities equitably; supports group's activities.
Exemplary
4 PointsProactively assumes tasks, facilitates group progress, and supports peers greatly.
Proficient
3 PointsShares tasks fairly, assists group progress well.
Developing
2 PointsShares tasks with prompting, and supports some group activities.
Beginning
1 PointsReluctant task sharing, frequent prompts needed.
Creative Design and Impact
Evaluation of the creativity and potential impact of campaign designs.Innovative Design
Ability to design creative and engaging campaign materials.
Exemplary
4 PointsDisplays highly creative design; materials are engaging and memorable.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates visually appealing and effective materials.
Developing
2 PointsBasic design elements used, occasionally engaging.
Beginning
1 PointsDesign lacks creativity and engagement.
Community Engagement
Effectiveness in engaging the community and creating awareness.
Exemplary
4 PointsHighly effective community engagement with demonstrable impact.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively engages community with clear outcomes.
Developing
2 PointsSome community engagement with limited impact.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal community engagement or impact.