Civics and Climate Change Lesson Plan
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE1Civicsand Climate Change Lesson PlanLength: Approx. three50-min.class periodsDescription: Explore how governments respond to climate change through laws, policies, and international agreements, and then examine how citizens can influence these decisions through civic participation. Students willbetter understand how climate action happens—and how people can play a role in shaping change.Note: Linked sample answers require a free teacher log-in. Click hereto sign up or log in.Learning Objectives:•Explore the role of governments in addressing climate change through laws and international agreements.•Research,assess, and advocate fora climate policy that will help address climate change.Day 1: International Climate Goals•Opener:Students focustheir thinking with the quick warm-up activity Data Investigation.•Watch: Students watchthe videoInternational Climate Agreementsandreadthe infographic Who Caused Climate Change?to explore what’s worked and what’s failed when it comesto international collaboration around climate change. Find key idea questions and sample answers for these resources here.•Do: As students complete the activity Global Policy Exploration, they’ll compare previous attempts at international agreements, and then create theirown recommendation for what should be done.
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE2Day 2: Policy Research•Do: Students complete the Climate Policy Analysisactivityto gather evidence and prepare to advocate for a policy they think will have an impact.Day 3: Civic Action: Writing•Do: Students complete the Climate Policy Letter Writingactivityto demonstrate what they’ve learnedby crafting aletter toa policymaker that advocates fora policy that will help address climate change.Students should use the Climate Project Writing Rubricto help guide their writing.Explore FurtherWant more? Check out these resources:•Video: Why Does Policy Matter?•Graphic Biographies: Civic Action•Article: “Decarbonization Goals”