Addressing Climate Change in the Classroom
The impacts of climate change will be felt in every community in Chicago. Climate change is not just a scientific issue but an economic issue, a social justice issue, a public health issue and a civics issue.
As educators, we have the responsibility to educate students about the ways in which climate change is reshaping the planet. We also have the opportunity to empower them to protect the environment they will inherit.
Below are climate resources that can help you prepare lesson plans on the causes, risks, and solutions surrounding climate change.
NATIONAL EDUCATION RESOURCES:
- (CLEAN) Climate Literacy and Education Network (6-12)
- Alliance for Climate Education (High School Focus)
- Climate Change Live (All Ages)
- Climate Generation (3-12)
- Climate Interpreter (All Ages)
- Climate Literacy Framework (All Ages)
- Climate Voices (6-12)
- Earth Day Network Climate Education Week (All Ages)
- National Council for Science Education (All Ages)
- National Earth Science Teachers Association Teacher-Friendly Guide to Climate Change (9-12)
- National Science Teachers Association (All Ages)
- NOAA Teaching Climate Resources (All Ages)
- PBS NewsHour: Climate Change and Your Community Lesson Plans (7-12)
- US Climate Resilience Toolkit (All Ages)
LOCAL RESOURCES:
- Chicago Community Climate Action Tool-Kit (All Ages)
- Chicago Wilderness (All Ages)
- City of Chicago Climate Action Plan (All Ages)
- Illinois Environmental Council and Shedd Aquarium Videos on Energy, Food, and Water (All Ages)
- Illinois Environmental Council Educational Videos (All Ages)
- Illinois Environmental Education Association Curriculum Guides (All Ages)
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Climate Resources (Elementary Focus)