Strategies for Teaching Climate Change |
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The swollen Pecatonica River spills into downtown Darlington, Wis., on March 14, 2019
(photo by The Telegraph Herald)
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Turning on the news at any given time, you won’t have to wait long to hear a reference to climate change. Arguably one of the more pressing issues of our day, the information about climate change quickly becomes swirled in varying opinion, controversy, and even politics. It would be easy for teachers to think that bringing this topic to middle and high school students is a bigger bite than they’re willing to chew. And yet, climate change offers opportunities to teach about data literacy, media literacy, critical listening, critical thinking, on top of many more specific standards and content areas that are inherently part of the issue. |
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According to DNR Secretary Preston Cole, “Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. From shifting weather patterns, increases in average temperature, higher frequency and intensity of rainfall to heavier snowfalls, the impacts of climate change directly impact Wisconsin.” Changes in global land and ocean temperature patterns, also being observed in Wisconsin, are likely to have an impact on our state’s agriculture, fisheries, and the forest products industry. In studying strategies to address these possible impacts, students can learn more about how scientists, economists, community leaders and other experts work together to develop public policy. All of these topics are rife with connections to many middle and high school courses and academic standards. |
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In order to feel prepared to teach about the topic, a teacher must have a firm grasp of the science of climate change. Next, they need to consider how best to introduce the topic to students. As with any other topic perceived as controversial, students may have their own opinions about the issue. These opinions might be informed by accurate and reliable information, but in some cases, they are not. Modeling how to respect students’ opinions while teaching them how to think critically about information can show students how to listen to differing opinions, and have discourse with others that is both civil and rooted in fact. By investigating the basic information, exploring where misunderstandings come from, and learning about the difference between scientific ways of knowing and other types of thought, students can discover in more depth the likely effects of climate change and how it might be mitigated. |
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The Science of
Climate Change
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Teaching about climate change can seem overwhelming with the breath of information to cover and the social issues to navigate, but it can be a great way to incorporate standards, tie in local real-world issues, and encourage the next generation to be engaged, thoughtful, and civic-minded citizens. |
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Participants will receive access to Project Learning Tree’s Carbon & Climate middle school e-unit, a digital copy of Project Learning Tree’s Southeastern Forests and Climate Change high school module, a physical copy of LEAF’s Wisconsin Forestry Lesson Guide at either the 7th-8th or 9th-12th grade level, and a kit with classroom supplies. |
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Teaching About Climate Change: Online Resources for Middle and High School Educators |
Teaching middle and high school students about climate change involves helping students make sense of data, draw connections between complex topics, listen to opposing viewpoints, and think critically about information. Participants will delve into strategies and curriculum materials designed to help bring students to a deeper understanding of the topic. Participants have 45 days from registration to complete the module, which should take approximately 7 hours. Cost: $50 |
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Last Chance to Nominate Your School Forest Champion |
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Celebrate your School Forest Champion! Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 School Forest Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have provided leadership for local school forests registered through Wisconsin's School Forest Program. LEAF (Wisconsin's K-12 Forestry Education Program) will recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to a school forest program(s) over a period of years. To nominate a candidate, complete the requirements listed on the nomination form. Awards will be presented in the spring at a time arranged within the honoree’s local school district or community.
Nomination deadline is January 28, 2022
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School Forest Seedlings Now Available! |
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Now is the time to place your tree seedling orders through the DNR Nursery. You can order seedlings until March 15, 2022. That may seem like a long way off, but spring and Arbor Day will arrive before you know it. Popular species of trees go fast. If you desire to plant a certain type of tree, get your order in early. Once they are gone, they are gone!
Did you know that according to state statute, every 4th-grade class can order free tree seedlings from the DNR? Information and the order form for the Fourth Grade Arbor Day Free Tree Program can be found here. |
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Have questions or need additional resources? Contact us at leaf@uwsp.edu. We are here to support educators and students with forestry opportunities. |
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Published for January 2022 |
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