Lesson Idea | Nature in Cities: Design Thinking Lesson

This lesson, created by SubjectToClimate teachers for grades K–2, introduces students to the importance of adding nature to cities to reduce problems like heat islands. Through the picture book The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton, students inquire about the value of green spaces, investigate how nature benefits urban areas, and then design their own “nature cities” to prevent heat islands. Finally, they share ideas for adding more nature to their classroom and school. The lesson lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes, blends literacy with engineering concepts, and is shared under a Creative Commons license for global use.

Learning Standards
Primary Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
K-PS3-2. Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area.

Supporting Standards

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.10 Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.1 Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.8 With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.8 With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.8 Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.