Formal and informal education have transitioned to distance learning in many countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to develop an activity for science lessons during distance education to increase students' knowledge of and awareness about environmental problems. The study was conducted with 7th grade students enrolled in a public school in Turkey. The activity was designed based on the predict-observe-explain-do (POED) method to promote students' inquiry-based learning. The activity engaged students in researching about and calculating carbon footprint, discussing the causes and effects of global warming, sharing ideas about how to protect the environment, and creating products to raise awareness about environmental issues. Data analysis suggested that the students were active participants in the learning tasks, were motivated to learn the concepts, and increased their awareness about global warming. A suggestion of the study is to design similar POED activities for other science topics.