Environment ESL lesson plans

For ESL teachers looking to address environmental topics, our video-based lesson plans offer a comprehensive approach to exploring important issues related to the environment. Each lesson delves into topics such as climate change, conservation, renewable energy, pollution, sustainable practices, biodiversity, and environmental policies. These relevant topics will engage students in thoughtful discussions and deepen their understanding of environmental issues.

all our worksheets about environmental

people skiing and a slogan "how is climate change affecting winter sports"

Vocabulary: winter sports, protective gear, clothes and footwear, equipment, facilities
Video: Winter sports and climate change
Speaking: discussing winter sports, climate change, and winter

2:12

customer making return of parcel and worker in protective gloves and a slogan "the environmental impact of online returns"

Vocabulary: returning a product, online shopping
Speaking: discussing reasons for returning products, holiday shopping, online shopping, return policies
Video: Returns day: How does it impact the environment?

3:00

a photo of a woman in a field conveying feelings of calmness, and a slogan - how much time do you spend in nature?

Vocabulary: collocations with the verbs alleviate, boost, soak in, brighten up, and soothe
Vocabulary: nature sounds
Speaking: conversation questions, brainstorming

3:00

autumn scene in yellow tones and a sloga - is fall the best season?

Vocabulary: autumn/fall (crisp air, harvest, chilly, foggy, foliage)
Grammar: difference between the verbs “to be” and “to get”
Video: Why we love fall

3:00

devastation and collapsed buildings n an aftermath after an earthquake

Vocabulary: earthquakes (tremor aftershock, collapse, warning signs, to be prone to, magnitude, death toll, devastating)
Video: Why Morocco’s earthquake was so deadly
Speaking: conversation questions, brainstorming

6:07

an electric car charging with a slogan - are electric cards really greener?

Vocabulary: electric vehicles and sustainability (life cycle analysis, a silver bullet, emission-free at the tailpipe, greenwashing, power grid)
Grammar: linking contrasting ideas (although, despite, in spite of, while, yet)
Speaking: conversation questions, debates, evaluating advantages and disadvantages

5:00

UPDATED

thermometer showing high temperature and a slogan - are heatwaves getting worse?

Vocabulary: other ways to say “It’s very hot”
Functional language: talking about negative consequences
Speaking: conversation questions, brainstorming, creating an awareness campaign

5:52

climate change drought with dead tree and a green tree on the side and a slogan - climate induced displacement

Vocabulary: migration and climate change
Grammar: the passive voice
Word formation: uninhabitable, displacement, unsustainable, humanitarian

4:00

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Learn more about our teaching materials on environment:

Try out The English Flows’ lesson plans related to the environment if you are an ESL teacher whose students are:

  • Students with a general interest in environmental issues who want to expand their vocabulary and knowledge while improving their English language skills.
  • Travellers and Outdoor Enthusiasts: People who enjoy nature and outdoor activities and want to improve their English to engage with like-minded individuals and participate in eco-tourism.
  • Professionals in Green Industries: Workers in industries such as renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture who need to communicate technical and environmental information in English, as well as individuals working in environmental sectors such as conservation, sustainability, or environmental policy.
  • Activists and Advocates: Environmental activists and advocates who need to effectively communicate their messages, raise awareness, and engage with a global audience in English.

Each lesson features 5-8 pages of material designed to explore environmental topics comprehensively. Environmental issues are broad and relevant subjects that stimulate discussion and engage ESL learners. Delving into topics such as climate change, conservation, or sustainable practices offers numerous opportunities for meaningful language practice and interaction.

Every lesson plan includes

Pre-class online activities
(Free)

In-class activities
(For Full members)

After class: Additional resources
(Free)