Investigating Climate Science in the 7–12 Classroom

Laura Tucker is an education consultant with more than 45 years of experience in science and environmental education. She is a former professional development coordinator at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, USA.Lois Sherwood is a retired science teacher at Port Townsend High School and former professional development coordinator with Washington Science Teachers Association, USA.

• Information for Teaching This Unit 1. Building a Foundation for Studying Climate Change 2. Sources of CO2 in the Atmosphere 3. The Greenhouse Effect 4. Fact or Phony? Scientifically Evaluating Data 5. Conducting Research on Current Climate Change Topics 6. Climate Change Conference 7. Climate Change Challenges 8. Climate Change Solutions 9. Connecting to Your Community 10. Addressing Grief and Providing Hope Additional Resources for Teaching Climate Change

"Investigating Climate Science in the 7–12 Classroom is the kind of curriculum we need right now. It is science that empowers rather than overwhelms. As an Ocean Guardian School teacher guiding my 6th graders through my Environmental Stewardship project for over 20 years now, I’ve watched my students connect local environmental restoration projects to global climate systems. This resource strengthens that bridge, centering climate justice, multilingual learners, and the emotional realities of climate grief and hope. It turns abstract data into human stories and gives students authentic agency as changemakers in their communities." Al Gonzalez, 6th Grade STEM Teacher, Chimacum Elementary School, USA."As an environmental science teacher in a very conservative state (Wyoming), which funds its schools with coal, oil, and natural gas, it has been a delicate challenge to teach climate change. Tucker and Sherwood's book Investigating Climate Science in the 7-12 Classroom has been a lifesaver! I love the resources, background information, the Climate Change Agent careers, and data analysis pieces. My students were engaged and thought critically about climate data, and tools were in place to adapt the curriculum to my age group, region, and student needs. Lately, I have noticed student apathy and hopelessness about climate change, and I'm looking forward to trying the grief/hope session to enable students to move beyond the 'we're doomed' stage and actively seek solutions to reducing human impact on the climate."Jenny Edwards, Environmental Science Teacher, Natrona County High School, USA."I so appreciate all the ideas and actionable activities that Investigating Climate Science in the 7-12 Classroom: Actionable Curriculum For Tomorrow’s Changemakers offers. In particular two really important pieces are exceptional. I work with preservice teachers and in this work I was desperately looking for ways to bring the “voice” of students to play. Your work does just that. It expands the science around climate and climate change to include those that will help shape the future when we share the kinds of ideas that you have shared. This also leads to the other exceptional feature of this work, that of hope. Any of us working in climate education have been faced with the challenge of finding ways to not have students so discouraged that they don’t see that their actions can truly change the course that we are on. Your work in Investigating Climate Science In The 7-12 Classroom: Actionable Curriculum For Tomorrow’s Changemakers turns this on its head. THANK YOU so much for these INCREDIBLE ideas!!"Michael Jabot, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Science Education Director, Institute for Research in Science Teaching, State University of New York at Fredonia, USA.