All of GEF's lessons and programs are offered at no cost. Become a member to support GEF and enjoy member only benefits! 
Professional Development
 |
GEF Institute offers affordable, online sustainability courses eligible for professional development or academic credit. Give your resume a boost! |
Sponsor a Teacher
Support educators in your community by helping them earn a Certificate in Sustainability or take an online course. Find out more about sponsorship!
Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse
Green Inside, Outside, and Above: Green and Cool Roofs
Lesson Description:
This lesson will introduce students to the heat trapping characteristics of roofs and how the sun’s heat increases the urban “heat island” effect, substantially heating buildings. Students will learn the benefits of green roofs - how they save cooling costs for buildings, provide habitat for wildlife, filter pollutants, and drain rainwater.
Objectives:
· Understand how a roof traps heat
· Identify the characteristics of the urban heat island effect
· Recognize the environmental benefits of green roofs
· Create a plan to install a green roof at school
This lesson will introduce students to the heat trapping characteristics of roofs and how the sun’s heat increases the urban “heat island” effect, substantially heating buildings. Students will learn the benefits of green roofs - how they save cooling costs for buildings, provide habitat for wildlife, filter pollutants, and drain rainwater.
Objectives:
· Understand how a roof traps heat
· Identify the characteristics of the urban heat island effect
· Recognize the environmental benefits of green roofs
· Create a plan to install a green roof at school
Lesson Type:
- Discussion
- Group Work
- Lecture
Sustainability Topic:
- Green Building
GEF Program Category:
- Green Building Program
Time Needed:
One 45-90 minute class
One 45-90 minute class
Standards Addressed:
National Standards Addressed:
· Content Standard: NSS-G.K-12.5 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY
As a result of activities in grades K-12, all students should: Understand how human actions modify the physical environment.
Understand how physical systems affect human systems.
Understand the changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources.
· Content Standard: NS.9-12.6 PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES
As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
Personal and community health
Population growth
Natural resources
Environmental quality
Natural and human-induced hazards Science and technology in local, national,and global challenges
· Content Standard: NL-ENG.K-12.8 DEVELOPING RESEARCH SKILLS
Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
· Content Standard: NT.K-12.2 SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
National Standards Addressed:
· Content Standard: NSS-G.K-12.5 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY
As a result of activities in grades K-12, all students should: Understand how human actions modify the physical environment.
Understand how physical systems affect human systems.
Understand the changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources.
· Content Standard: NS.9-12.6 PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES
As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
Personal and community health
Population growth
Natural resources
Environmental quality
Natural and human-induced hazards Science and technology in local, national,and global challenges
· Content Standard: NL-ENG.K-12.8 DEVELOPING RESEARCH SKILLS
Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
· Content Standard: NT.K-12.2 SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
Submitted By:
GEF on behalf of Earthday Network
GEF on behalf of Earthday Network
School or Group:
GEF
GEF
Contact Email:
service@greeneducationfoundation.org
service@greeneducationfoundation.org
Notes:
This high school lesson on Green Roofs includes a few different lessons that could be used individually or collectively.
This high school lesson on Green Roofs includes a few different lessons that could be used individually or collectively.
Located in: Science | Social Studies
