Lesson Plan

On the Verge of Displacement

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

By having scholars tackle this interdisciplinary lesson, they'll see how social studies and environmental science are related as they explore the impact that the construction of a dam will have on the population and ecosystem of the Omo River Valley in Ethiopia. The anchor source is a photo gallery that serves as a springboard for discussion and then persuasive writing.

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Have scholars find and describe other examples of construction projects that have impacted or might impact long-standing communities, cultural practices, and ecosystems
  • Collaborate with a science teacher to do this lesson as the students are learning about ecosystems, hydroelectricity, or climate change
Classroom Considerations
  • To have the students view the photo galleries on their own in class, they'll need Internet-enabled devices
Pros
  • Writing prompts give students a great opportunity to write practical pieces aimed at real-world audiences
  • Helpful external links are provided for further research
  • The discussion prompts include thoughtful questions about the nature of photographs as agents of change
Cons
  • None
Common Core