What's Your Footprint?
​Inquiry Activity
​A learning activity by Tom J. McConnell
& Shelby Stallard, Ball State University. 
Produced for Conservation Tales: Manatees (2018)

What is your carbon footprint?   And what IS a carbon footprint??

Your "carbon footprint" is a number that measures how much carbon dioxide you produce by using carbon-based fuels, electricity made by burning fuels, and how much waste you send to the landfill.

In this activity, you will use an online tool to find the carbon footprint of your household. Then you will explore and discuss ways you can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide you produce. You can also learn about the impact that rising carbon dioxide levels might have on manatees, and other animals.

---

Objectives:

• I can explain how carbon dioxide affects our environment.
• I can use online tools to calculate my carbon footprint.
• I can suggest ways to reduce my carbon footprint.

Select an activity to learn about carbon dioxide, it's impact on the environment,
or find your carbon footprint.

For the Teacher
Grade Level: 3-12
Class Periods: 1-3

NGSS Standards
Performance Expectations

• 3-LS4-4
• ​MS-LS-4
• HS-LS2-7

​Practices 

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data
• Constructing explanations & designing solutions

​Disciplinary Core Ideas

• LS2.C
• ​LS4.D

​Croscutting Concepts

• Cause and Effect
• Systems and System models
• Energy & matter: Flows, cycles & conservation
• ​Stability & change ​​

Produced with support from the USGS Aquatic & Wetland Research Team and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.