• Replies 20 replies
  • Subscribers 11 subscribers
  • Views 6944 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related

Introducing Climate Project // April 2024

Kathy Hays

Introducing Climate Project, the newest course offering from OER Project that’s designed to help students explore the issue of climate change without the fear and uncertainty that defines so much of the current climate debate. Along the way they’ll build key reading, writing, and data-literacy skills needed to take action.       

Like all OER Project courses, this curriculum is free, flexible, and easily integrated into your LMS. Teach the course as an end-to-end elective or supplement your social studies class with Climate Project materials, the choice is yours!  

Explore course materials: everything is available online today! Interestied in learning more? Sign up for our first Climate Project Planning Session on May 7.

Share your thoughts and how you can use Climate Project in your classroom in the comments below.

Parents

  • Yeah! I have really enjoyed using the Climate Project materials over the last three years and really appreciate OER Project for always updating and making the curriculum to reflect input!  I am very happy to see that the Career portion of the project is still there.  There is always a "buzz" in the classroom when they do this activity.

    And, as a self proclaimed "Civics Nerd!"  I like using the "Action" part of the curriculum!  Get those students involved in solutions!!!

Reply

  • Yeah! I have really enjoyed using the Climate Project materials over the last three years and really appreciate OER Project for always updating and making the curriculum to reflect input!  I am very happy to see that the Career portion of the project is still there.  There is always a "buzz" in the classroom when they do this activity.

    And, as a self proclaimed "Civics Nerd!"  I like using the "Action" part of the curriculum!  Get those students involved in solutions!!!

Children
  • in reply to Janet Mann

    I agree,  . My students have done some interesting job research in the name of "green" action. Last year one of my students said that she knew she was already going into cosmetology and wasn't interested in researching climate-friendly careers. So, instead we research climate-friendly salons! 

    We found so much new information about products and suppliers that help cut down on packaging and harmful salon chemical waste. But the truly amazing find was what is being done with all the HAIR clippings! Way beyond just donating your pony tails for wigs, there are products actually being made with recycled hair! You just have to be a "green salon" to take part in the movement. 

    That extra research showed that even a chosen career could have climate solution options that a person could prioritize in their future. 

  • in reply to Janet Mann

    Janet I would like to chat about how you bring more civic lessons to the course. For the past two years, I have invited in our mayors (district town mayor and sending district) for the Climate Summit presentations. This year we were able to partner with our town's Environmental Commission. We are working on a Rain Garden Project with them. I would love to hear about some of the civic lessons you bring into the course so I can build out better classroom lessons. Thank you!

  • in reply to Mike Skomba

    Hi  looks like you are already headed in the right direction with civics!  Brining in community leaders and partnering with non profits is a great way for students to have change makers listen to their ideas!

    When I did the Extension course last year, I had a group of students work after the project to figure out what they could share with community members to get attention and support.  I encouraged them to continue so that they could earn the California State Seal of Civic Engagement.  One actually did AND additionally  got an award that had $$ attached!

    Mostly what I do is coach.  I ask questions to lead them to think about an actual project or change they could make and then I support them in figuring out who the "change maker" or person(s) with the power is to make change so that they can contact them and/or work with them, attempt to make policy change or bring an issue to them.

    I have had a lot of students present to our school board about food waste, plastics, dress code, feminine products (CA law says female bathrooms have to be stocked with supplies and our weren't!). I have had students work with political candidates on issues they support, as well.

    I think just letting students know they have a voice and helping them find it and use it is what I do.  Not all students take me up on it, but some have circled back as juniors or seniors to continue getting support or guidance.

    Hopefully that wasnt too general.  Hit me up 1:1 if you have specific questions.  I have used curriculum called Y-Plan as well as the Mikva curriculum of of Illinois.