Basic 6 · Religious and Moral Education · The Environment
Living Out Environmental Lessons
In this topic you will explain and practise moral actions that preserve the environment at home, in school and in the community.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Plan practical actions to preserve the environment
- Explain the moral value of each action
- Take part in an environmental project
What you already know
- Religious lessons on preserving the environment
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- God’s Creation And Attributes
- Sub-strand
- The Environment
- Indicator
- B6.1.2.1.2 – Explain the religious and moral lessons in preserving the environment
Introduction
Knowing the teachings is not enough. Faith and morals become real when we act. Now you will turn environmental lessons into actions.
1. Actions at Home, School and in the Community
| Place | Action | Moral value |
|---|---|---|
| home | switch off lights; close taps; sort waste | moderation, responsibility |
| school | keep classrooms clean; plant and water trees; use bins | stewardship, cooperation |
| community | join clean-ups; report illegal dumping and galamsey; protect rivers | courage, accountability |
| everywhere | refuse unnecessary plastic bags; reuse containers | moderation, care for future generations |
2. The Green Ghana Project
Green Ghana Day was launched in 2021 to encourage citizens to plant millions of trees across the country. Schools, churches, mosques and traditional authorities take part. Planting is only the first step; the trees must be watered and protected until they grow.
Religious groups are important partners. Many churches and mosques have planted trees on their grounds and organised clean-up exercises, and traditional authorities have declared days for communal labour. When faith communities lead by example, many people follow.
Your class can also partner with a local church, mosque or chief for a joint environmental project.
3. Planning an Environmental Project
- Identify a problem (e.g. litter around the school gate).
- Set a goal (e.g. a clean gate area for one month).
- Plan actions (e.g. place two bins, make posters, take turns sweeping).
- Share duties and set a timetable.
- Carry out the plan and record progress.
- Review: what worked and what can be improved?
4. Faith in Action
The Bible says, "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). Islam teaches that removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity. Traditional elders teach that the land is borrowed from the ancestors and held for children not yet born. Whatever our religion, caring for the environment is a way of serving God and our neighbours.
New words
- project
- A planned piece of work with a goal.
- goal
- Something you aim to achieve.
- cooperation
- Working together.
- Green Ghana
- A national tree-planting programme launched in 2021.
- review
- To look back and assess.
- faith in action
- Showing beliefs through deeds.
Summary
- Environmental lessons must be turned into actions.
- Simple actions at home and school make a difference.
- Green Ghana encourages tree planting and care.
- Planning, acting and reviewing make projects successful.
Class activity: Class Environmental Project
- Choose one environmental problem in your school.
- Plan and carry out a two-week project.
- Present a report with before and after pictures.
You need: Local tree seedling, Broom, Waste basket
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which action preserves the environment?
- A. Using bins
- B. Littering
- C. Burning plastics
- D. Wasting water
Show answer
Answer: Using binsProper disposal.2. Green Ghana Day was launched in…
- A. 2021
- B. 1957
- C. 1992
- D. 2000
Show answer
Answer: 2021National tree planting.3. "Faith without action is dead" is from…
- A. James 2:17
- B. Genesis 1:1
- C. Psalm 24:1
- D. Qur'an 2:255
Show answer
Answer: James 2:17Bible.4. Planted trees need watering and protection.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueUntil they grow.5. Knowing environmental teachings is enough without action.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseAction is needed.6. Working together is called ______.
Show answer
Answer: cooperationTeamwork.7. List the steps in planning an environmental project.
Show answer
Answer: Identify the problem, set a goal, plan actions, share duties, carry out, review.In order.8. Why is caring for the environment a way of serving God and neighbours?
Show answer
Answer: It protects God's creation and keeps people healthy and safe, showing love for others.Faith and morality.
Homework
- Carry out one environmental action at home every day this week and record it.