Geoscience for Sustainability Lessons

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in conjuction with the American Geophysical Union (AGU), developed Geoscience in Action, a report that highlights the work of geoscientists toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The lessons on this page were funded by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation, and are based on select case studies within the report that connect the work of geoscientists to K-12 earth science concepts.

Geoscience in Action Case Studies

The map below shows the location of each case study from the Geoscience in Action Report. Each pin has information on the SDGs that relate to each case study. Lessons have so far been developed for four case studies for grades K-8 (purple pins) and grades 9-12 (green pins).

Introducting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

These grade-level readings were designed to introduce the SDGs to K-12 students, focusing on how the SDGs relate to the geosiences (earth science).

• Introduction to the SDGs for Elementary School
• Introduction to the SDGs for Middle School
• Introduction to the SDGs for High School

K-8 Lessons

Investigating Soil for Better Food and Health

This lesson is based on case study 4.2.2 from the Geoscience in Action report. Use this lesson to relate the study of soils to SDG 2: Zero hunger and SDG 3: Good health and well-being.

• Teacher Guide
• Summary of Case Study 4.2.2
• Activity: Soil Testing and Plant Growth Experiment
• Activity: Community Heat Map

Protecting Geoheritage Sites

This lesson is based on case study 4.3.3 from the Geoscience in Action report. Use this lesson to relate the conservation of geologic sites to SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production.

• Teacher Guide
• Summary of Case Study 4.3.3
• Summary of Geoheritage Values
• Activity: Geoheritage Values
• Activity: Collaborative GEOfood Map

9-12 Lessons

The Effect of Infrastructure on Water Quality

This lesson is based on case study 4.3.1 from the Geoscience in Action report. Use this lesson to relate the study of water quality to SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation.

• Teacher Guide
• Summary of Case Study 4.3.3
• Activity: Water Quality Testing
• Activity: Ground Cover and Water Quality

Exploring Climate Solutions: Carbon Sequestration and Storage

This lesson is based on case study 4.3.4 from the Geoscience in Action report. Use this lesson to relate the study of carbon dioxide’s effects on climate to SDG 13: Climate action.

• Teacher Guide
• Summary of Case Study 4.3.3
• Activity: Carbon Storage Model
• Activity: Soil Respiration

Lesson Development

The lessons on this page are based on case studies from the Geoscience in Action: Advancing Sustainable Development report. Lesson development was supported by generous funding from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation (AAPG-F).