John Muir: the lungs of the world

Subject area: Sciences, expressive arts, literacy

Experiences and outcomes: EXA 2-02a, SCN 2-02a,  LIT 2-05a

The aim of this lesson is to find out why plants and trees are the 'lungs of the world' and are essential for all creatures’ survival, including humans.

Before you begin, ask your class to look through the John Muir graphic novel and read The Lungs of the World section up to page 124.

Then show your class this BBC Bitesize video(this link will open in a new window) and information on photosynthesis. It explains photosynthesis in a fun and simple way.

Provide your pupils with copies of the lungs of the world worksheet and encourage them to take notes capturing key points as they watch the video or work their way through the BBC Bitesize information.

Once they have watched the video explain to your pupils that their task now is to create a poster to explain how photosynthesis works and why the plants, trees and flowers we share this world with are so important.

Display all the posters created for this activity in your classroom or a suitable place in your school. If you are able, you could display the posters around your local community, perhaps on a notice board, to let members of the community know why plants are so important. 

Reflecting on learning

• Had your pupils considered that plants, trees and flowers are the 'lungs of the world'?
• Do they recognise how important trees, plants and flowers are for the survival of all creatures, including humans?

Learners can:

• Explain and understand how photosynthesis works.
• Create a poster that shows how photosynthesis works and also emphasises the importance of plants, trees and flowers.