TEACHER'S SNAPSHOT
Course Topics/Big Ideas:
Civic Engagement, Economic Prosperity and Equity, Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Town:
Hartford
Grade:
High School
Lesson Plan Notes
For over 50 years, the Connecticut General Assembly has passed laws to protect the state’s land, air, water, and climate. Now, Connecticut is one of 16 states considering an environmental rights amendment to its state constitution. Three states have already adopted such amendments, and four others include environmental protections elsewhere in their constitutions—but not in their bills of rights.
The proposed Connecticut Environmental Rights Amendment (SJR 36) is currently moving through the legislative process. In this C3 Inquiry activity, students will explore the issue by asking compelling questions, analyzing claims and evidence through historical and civic lenses, and forming their own written opinions. They will present their views in a mock General Assembly hearing and consider other forms of informed civic action.
This lesson plan has 3 levels of activities. The intro level will take approximately 2 days. The intermediate and advanced level activities will each take about 1 additional day.
ESSENTIAL QUESTION
SUPPORTING QUESTIONS
- What does the proposed Connecticut Environmental Rights Amendment state and propose to do?
- What arguments and evidence do proponents of the amendment offer and are they persuasive?
- What arguments and evidence do opponents of the amendment offer and are they persuasive?
ACTIVITY
- Groups of 3 or 4 students will read the Compelling Question, record their understanding of its meaning and key terms, and identify further questions to answer. They will then pair with another group or groups.
- The students will then divide into 3 groups with each group assigned to discuss, answer and record their responses to 1 of the 3 Supporting Questions.
- Students in each of the 3 groups will read and evaluate each of the sources, use evidence from them to develop or strengthen their assigned positions, and identify strengths and limitations of arguments and explanations from multiple perspectives.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASSESSMENT
This lesson plan has 3 levels of activities. The intro level will take approximately 2 days. The intermediate and advanced level activities will each take about 1 additional day.
Intro Level / Written Persuasive Arguments
Students will work individually or in small groups to demonstrate their knowledge and take informed action by writing persuasive arguments, either supporting or opposing the amendment, by way of written testimony to share with the governor and members of the General Assembly. (2 days)
Intermediate Level / Verbal Arguments
After writing their persuasive arguments, students will role play a General Assembly hearing in which they will verbally present testimony as concerned citizens or experts who support or oppose the CT Environmental Rights Amendment. Other students will act as state legislators who will respond to their concerns and ask questions. The teacher will moderate the debate using guidance, if needed, provided in the Teachers Guide for this lesson.
Advanced Level / Developing a compromise solution
(This can be done after the General Assembly hearing or in lieu of it.)
After writing their persuasive arguments, Students will act as legislators and discuss, persuade, and negotiate with each other to come up with a compromise solution that revises some of the language of the Environmental Rights Amendment to incorporate the key concerns of proponents and opponents.
RESOURCE TOOL KIT
Primary Source:
Supporting / Secondary Sources:
- CT League of Conservation Voters’ Environmental Rights Amendment Briefing Paper (proponent view)
- Yankee Institute article: The Dangers of a “Green” Amendment (opponent view)
- The Hill: National Push for “Green Amendments” Puts States at Forefront of Climate Fight (informational)
- State Court Report: The Greening of State Constitutions (informational)
Printouts
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Places to GO
Things To DO
See the accompanying Teacher’s Guide / Worksheets for detailed directions, student worksheets, self-assessment, and rubric.
Websites to VISIT
1. Green Amendments” and the Right to a Healthy Environment
2. Advocate Touts Benefits of Adding ‘Green Amendment’ to State Constitutions (Nebraska Youth Climate Summit 2024)
3. Montana Supreme Court Affirms Landmark Youth-Led Climate Decision, Upholding Constitutional Rights to a Safe and Livable Climate
