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 related to the environment

a photo of a groundhog and a slogan "can animals predict the weather?"

This ESL lesson explores Groundhog Day and weather lore, focusing on different ways people predict the weather. Students will learn key weather-related vocabulary and expressions, explore weather-related sayings, and watch a video about the origins of Groundhog Day. They will also create and present their own weather forecasts.

3:13

a photo of a snowstorm and a slogan "how to prepare for a snowstorm"

This intermediate ESL lesson focuses on snowstorms, covering how to prepare your home for extreme winter weather and what to do if stranded in a car during a snowstorm. Students will learn essential vocabulary, discuss key survival strategies, and watch informative videos on the topic.

4:00

FREE

a photo of a hotel and a slogan "can a hotel be sustainable?"

This FREE intermediate ESL lesson explores the topic of sustainability in the hospitality industry, with a focus on sustainable features in hotels. Students learn essential vocabulary, weigh the pros and cons of various sustainable practices, and watch a video about an eco-friendly hotel.

2:44

a person symbolicly cutting their credot card and a slogan "Declutter and give away items you no longer need!"

Vocabulary: thrift store, pre-loved, repurpose, give away, declutter, sharing economy
Functional language: Describing the condition of an item
Writing: a post to give away an item

3:05

a photo of burrs that inspired velcro, and a slogan "biomimicry: nature's design solutions"

Vocabulary: collocations related to inspiration (to draw inspiration from, to seek inspiration, the creativity spark, to serve as an inspiration, a burst of inspiration)
Speaking:  creativity, new ideas, adaptation strategies, designs inspired by nature, applications of biomimicry in students’ professional fields
Video: Biomimicry 101 – examples of how we copied nature

5:00

a person throwing away a computer, and a slogan "how can we combat throwaway culture?"

Vocabulary: verbs related to repairing things and tools
Speaking: consumerism, recycling, alternatives to throwaway culture
Videos: Repair cafés – what they are and why we need them

2:59

the chernobyl power plant and a slogan "what happened at chernobyl?"

Vocabulary: nuclear power and radiation
Video: Chernobyl disaster 1986: what really happened
Speaking: Chernobyl, nuclear power

4:20

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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)