The climate crisis currently facing the earth is one of the major challenges now confronting humanity. The principal cause of the extremely rapid process of global heating we are witnessing is human activity, specifically the burning of fossil fuels for industry, agriculture, transport, energy, etc. The impact of climate change on our ecosystem and our societies is dramatic. Drawing on the particular interest in this topic among young people, this module invites pupils to engage with issues around climate justice and climate activism.
The module’s primary purpose is not to teach facts about climate change; many textbooks and teaching and learning materials cover this ground. Instead, the module centres on discussion and reflection. Some pupils may be very well-informed on climate change, and the module enables teachers to follow a peer education approach by drawing on this expert knowledge.
12-16 | |
6 x 45 min. | |
‘Yes’ and ‘No’ signs; statements on which pupils will show their position; paper; pens; chairs (as many as there are pupils); balloons or other object as symbol for CO2 emissions (as many as there are pupils); large map of the world; board game pieces, coins (play money) and small black plastic counters (the same number of each); Devices with internet access for research or additional materials (printed out) on the climate activists featured in M7; Atlas or online map (such as Open Street Maps or Google Maps); If desired: materials for poster-making (sheets of A1 paper, pens, scissors, glue); computer with internet access and attached projector; a print-out of a map showing the local area for each pupil (or per group); smartphones/computer with internet access for students; | |
This topic helps pupils engage with issues related to climate justice, tells them the stories of climate activists from around the world, and involves them in creating a map of initiatives and campaigns local to them. | |
Geography Business and economics Science Political Studies Ethics/Religion Social Studies/Civic Education Philosophy Language |
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Phase | Content | Media, Material |
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What’s your view?
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Preparation
Execution
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Towards a definition of climate change
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What is climate change exactly? It’s a phrase we hear a lot – but what precisely does it involve? This exercise uses a multi-stage process to create a class definition of climate change from pupils’ individual views.
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Reflection on learnings
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Phase | Content | Media, Material |
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Global Game about CO2 emissions
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Preparation
ExecutionFacts and figures can sometimes seem rather abstract and it can be difficult to imagine what they actually mean. The Global Game is a way of bringing statistics to life.
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Concluding phase
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Phase | Content | Media, Material |
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Introductory phase
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Preparation
Execution
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Group work
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Presentation
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Reflection on learnings
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Phase | Content | Media, Material |
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Introductory phase
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Preparation
ExecutionThis exercise gives pupils the opportunity to find out what campaigns and initiatives on climate change are going on in their neighbourhood/local area.
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Research session
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Reflection on learnings
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Phase | Content | Media, Material |
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Follow-on project
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Thinking and talking about the climate crisis may be a frightening or frustrating experience for some young people. Launching a project or campaign of their own can help them combat feelings of frustration and powerlessness in the face of the situation. If the class, or some of its members, would like to launch a project or campaign, the teacher will need to be prepared to give them time and support to help them realise their idea. Planning and running a project or campaign gives pupils a chance to acquire valuable project management skills. Preparation
Execution
Note
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