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How is climate change a social studies problem?

Kathy Hays

Climate change is generally seen as a concept that is generally taught in science classes.  

Our questions for you are: 

  • Why teach climate change in a social studies classrooms?  
  • What new perspectives can social studies bring to addressing the problem of climate change? 

We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Parents

  • Climate change-- and climate science in general-- is a social studies issue for so many of the reasons already stated. Further, it is a basic component of geography, one the "the social studies". 

    The OER Climate Project in its debut was a fabulous, fully curated curriculum meant for social studies teachers. I can't wait to see Climate Project 2.0!!

    What new perspectives can social studies lend? SOOOOOOO many! I have to brag on my state for a moment.

    In Washington, "Clime Time" is a joint project between our Superintendent of Public Instruction, WA legislature, and UW. The next part of its strategic plan is to support the integration of climate science into every discipline in public education! 

    Last year I attended the first annual "Climate Summit" targeted especially for non-science teachers. It was one of the best conferences I've ever attended. This year's conference is next month.

    Even if you're not from WA State, you can still access lessons and links from Clime Time !

    If you are from WA, jump on board!

     

  • in reply to Donnetta Elsasser

    Thanks for sharing this resource  ! I think it totally makes sense to teach about climate change in social studies because it impacts humans and geography. We also know what we know about climate as a result of data and observations that have been collected over time. Isn't that what history is all about? We have information and can track continuity and change that way. This can inform future decisions! When you think about how interdisciplinary these courses are, it only makes sense to address climate change.

  • in reply to Meaghan Mihalic

     The differences in our political climates, pun intended, blow my mind.  This resource is something I would have never imagined.  

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  • in reply to Eric Schulz

    I would agree with you,  , except that the Western side of our state is considerably more liberal and more populated than the eastern side. Thus, politics at the state level seems to follow those trends. UW is on the west side too, and they have highly respected programs in medicine, engineering, environmental science, and law, among others.