aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Doesn't matter
What topic	Environment
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: Exploring Our Environment

Hook: "The Last Tree on Earth"

Objective:

Engage students' imagination and foster a sense of urgency about environmental issues.

Materials Needed:

• A short video (2-3 minutes) featuring breathtaking landscapes of Australia’s natural environment, followed by footage of environmental degradation.
• A large, blank sheet of paper.
• Markers or coloured pencils.

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Begin by dimming the lights and playing the short video. Choose visuals that resonate with students, showcasing the pristine beauty of places like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and lush rainforests, juxtaposed with images of plastic pollution, bushfires, and habitat destruction.

2. Reflection (5 minutes):

   • After watching the video, ask students to close their eyes for a moment and imagine a world where all the natural beauty has been replaced with concrete and pollution. Pose a thought-provoking question: “What if you woke up one day to discover you were the last person on Earth, and the last tree had just been cut down?”

3. Discussion (10 minutes):

   • Facilitate a class discussion around this scenario. What emotions does this provoke? How does it connect to the environmental issues we are facing today? Encourage students to voice their thoughts and feelings, creating an open forum for expression.

Creative Activity (15 minutes):

• Distribute the blank sheets of paper and markers. Ask students to illustrate their vision of either a world with flourishing nature or a desolate landscape.
• Prompt them to think about the following questions while they draw:
  • What does your world look like?
  • How does it make you feel?
  • What elements of nature are most important to you?

4. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Allow a few students to share their artwork and thoughts with the class.
   • Conclude the lesson by highlighting the importance of protecting our environment. Explain that throughout this unit, we will explore various aspects of environmental issues, including conservation efforts, climate change, and personal responsibility.

Transition:

Now that we have sparked our imaginations and feelings about the environment, let's dive into the fascinating world of environmental vocabulary and concepts that will help us better understand the challenges we face!

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This engaging introduction sets the tone for the lesson, fostering curiosity and empathy towards environmental issues, while aligning with Australian educational standards by encouraging creativity and critical thinking.