In this double lesson, the students deal with the concept of the ecological footprint. The lesson is introduced with a brainstorming session to record prior knowledge about the ecological footprint. The teacher then explains what is meant by this concept. The pupils then calculate their ecological footprint using a footprint calculator. The results are compared by having the pupils line up according to their footprint. The maximum load of 1.78 gha is marked on the floor with adhesive tape. The students line up according to their results. They then research the size of the ecological footprint of people in other countries. The pupils present their findings and discuss the causes of the different footprints. Finally, they discuss what options exist for reducing the footprint.

It makes sense to find out about the concept of the ecological footprint in advance and to carry out the test yourself. In addition, possible reduction measures should be familiarised with. Laptops should be available for the test. It is a good idea to have posters and Eddings ready for the plenary discussion on reduction.

* Posters
* Eddings
* Laptops
* Adhesive tape

Ecological footprint Consumption at the expense of the environment:
www.planet-wissen.de/natur/umwelt/globaler_wandel/pwiederoekologischefussabdruck100.html

Calculator for the individual footprint (5th & 6th grade):
www.fussabdruck.de

Calculator for the individual footprint (6th - 10th grade):
www.footprint-deutschland.de

Animation for the Global Footprint:
www.youtube.com/watch

Living Planet Report 2022 - a brief overview:
www.wwf.de/living-planet-report/

Information about the ecological footprint method:
www.footprint-deutschland.de