Activity 3B
Can't See the Forest or the Trees
Setting: Indoors
Subject: Social Studies
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Materials Needed: Flip chart
and markers or chalkboard
and chalk |
Learner Objectives
After completing this activity, learners should be able to:
- List, describe, and analyze local responses to tropical deforestation.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed.
Doing the Activity
In a complex world, it's sometimes comfortable to look for a simple solution to environmental problems such as tropical deforestation. Many times, this leads to solutions that not only are ineffective, but actually make the problem worse.
Discuss the following quote with your students:
"The trivialization of environmental issues is the tiny gesture we do to make ourselves feel good."
Ask students: What does the term "trivialization" in this quote mean? Is feeling good more important than doing good? Can they name some examples of "solutions" to tropical deforestation that may make people feel good, but that actually aren't very helpful?
Explain that we only have limited time and resources. It may be a waste of energy, commitment, and effort to spend time on simple environmental solutions that don't really make a difference. It's important that we use our energies seeking authentic solutions.
Demonstrate this concept to students. Ask them to brainstorm a list of things they can do to help protect tropical rainforests. Write these on a flip chart or chalkboard. After they have finished, ask them to place the ideas in two categories:
Have they been able to identify any ideas that actually might make a difference in protecting tropical rainforests? Are their solutions focusing on underlying issues, such as population growth, poverty, and international debt? Point out that solving the problem of tropical deforestation is not as easy as sorting cans for recycling. There are no simple things that children or adults in the United States can do to have a huge impact.
Encourage students by noting that they are on the right track just by learning about tropical rainforests. Point out that chances are, they now know more than most adults about the real causes of tropical deforestation. They can even define deforestation! Encourage them to share their knowledge with other students and adults. They might even want to pursue a career someday in the tropical rainforest.
Evaluating Results
Do students understand some of the proposed solutions to tropical deforestation? Can they determine whether these solutions might be effective? Have they any ideas about personal actions they could take to help protect rainforests?
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