Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the importance of environmental science in survival situations and apply basic survival skills.

Materials and Prep

• Pen and paper
• Access to the internet or library resources
• Outdoor space (backyard, park, or nearby nature area)

Before starting the lesson, make sure you have a basic understanding of survival skills and have identified a safe outdoor location for the activities.

Activities

1. Research and Learn

   Using the internet or library resources, research and learn about the importance of environmental science in survival situations. Take notes on key points and interesting facts.

2. Survival Scavenger Hunt

   Head outdoors to your chosen location and create a survival scavenger hunt. Make a list of items or natural resources that would be important for survival, such as clean water sources, edible plants, or shelter materials. Challenge yourself to find as many items as possible within a given time limit.

3. Build a Shelter

   Using natural materials you find in the outdoor space, try building a shelter that would provide protection and comfort in a survival situation. Take pictures or draw a diagram of your shelter design.

4. Purify Water

   Learn different methods of purifying water in the wild, such as boiling, using purification tablets, or building a simple filter. Choose one method and demonstrate how to purify water using available resources.

Fifth Grade Talking Points

• "Environmental science is the study of how living organisms interact with their environment."
• "Understanding environmental science is crucial in survival situations because it helps us make informed decisions about finding resources and protecting ourselves."
• "When in a survival situation, it is important to prioritize basic needs like water, food, shelter, and safety."
• "Knowing how to identify edible plants and sources of clean water can greatly increase your chances of survival."
• "Building a shelter using natural materials can provide protection from the elements and keep you warm and dry."
• "Purifying water is essential to remove harmful bacteria and parasites that can make you sick."
• "Remember, survival skills are not just for extreme situations, but they also help us appreciate and respect the environment in our daily lives."