Climate Change Education in Formal Settings, K-14 A Workshop Summary (2012) / Chapter Skim
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5 Innovations at the High School and College Levels
5 Innovations at the High School and College Levels
Pages 49-62
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From page 49... ...
described an award-winning climate change education program offered by a nonschool institution. Advanced Placement ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AP environmental science is a relatively young program, compared with the other AP science programs, noted Lionberger.
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From page 50... ...
One challenge for AP environmental science teachers is that few students come to the course having previously taken an earth systems or earth sciences course, whereas students in other AP science classes have often already taken a year's worth of coursework in the subject. Thus, AP environmental science introduces students to a wide range of material.
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From page 51... ...
The primary goal was to connect research and education in climate science, she explained, and specifically to increase students' sense of the relevance of science, to create a sustainable means of outreach for University of Washington science faculty, and to bring the depth and interdisciplinary nature of climate science to high schools. There are programs throughout the country, Thompson noted, that offer college coursework in high schools.
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From page 52... ...
The university also offers a separate course on global warming that focuses on politics and sustainability, but the faculty chose to focus the option for high school students on climate science, Thompson noted. The course content overlaps significantly with the AP environmental science curriculum, covering: · climate of the present -- the global energy balance, atmospheric circulation, the role of oceans and ice in climate, the carbon cycle, and atmospheric composition; · climate of the past, on time scales ranging from thousands to bil lions of years; and · climate of the future -- is the earth getting warmer?
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From page 53... ...
An Interdisciplinary Climate Change Minor There are currently very few opportunities for focused interdisciplinary study of climate change at the undergraduate level, noted Phear. The University of Montana introduced such a program in 2009, inspired by the work of Nobel laureate and faculty member Steven Running, an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change author, who urged the university to recognize that global warming is likely to be the defining challenge for future generations and that students need to understand it and begin to respond.
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From page 54... ...
. BOX 5-1 Introductory Course Topics, University of Montana Climate Change Studies Minor Science · Introduction and Principles of the Global Climate · Global Climate Change Models · Paleoclimatology · Current Climate Change Trends · Oceans · The Cryosphere · Climate Change and Forest Dynamics Society · Ethics and Climate Change Policy · U.S.
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From page 55... ...
A study abroad course takes students to Vietnam to explore adaptation to rising sea level in the Mekong Delta. Every student in the minor program is required to complete an internship or take a course that includes an applied project involving campus initiatives, local businesses, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
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From page 56... ...
and in the community. Phear observed that she views education as "an iterative, adaptive process in which students learn from faculty, carry those conversations across disciplines, and apply them on the ground." The 54 students currently signed up to complete the minor requirements, Phear noted, represent 23 different majors, which she identified as a key asset that will help engage students, even those who may not opt to complete the minor but will take the introductory and other courses.
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From page 57... ...
fall to their knees, start crying, and realize that climate change is a serious issue," Lappe noted. "But, sadly, many people who have not had a background in the sciences are not receptive to that." The ACE presentation is based on peer-reviewed research and is overseen by a science advisory board composed of practicing scientists, Lappe explained.
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From page 58... ...
Preliminary results show an increase in the percentage of students who agree that "most scientists think global warming is happening" from 48 percent before to 59 percent after an assembly presentation, as well as an increase from 54 to 74 percent who agree that "the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today is higher than it has been over the past 800,000 years." After seeing an assembly presentation, students also reported feeling more confident in their ability to help start a project to reduce their own school's carbon footprint and in their ability to explain global warming to others. REMARKS BY THE DISCUSSANTS There are many programs, contests, and academic opportunities for students around the country, noted discussant Michael Town, an environmental science teacher who served as an Einstein fellow at the National Science Board.
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From page 59... ...
Lionberger noted the importance of passionate teachers, emphasizing that "kids care when their teachers care." In her view the learning is what sparks students to tackle these problems. Many of the teachers involved in environmental education sponsor clubs and other activities outside the classroom, Town added, and such activities can influence the culture of the school and help engage students who are not otherwise involved.
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From page 60... ...
Roundtable chair James Mahoney cautioned the education community about their use of the phrase "global warming." This phrase does not capture many important implications of climate change for the broader public, such as the potential for more intense hurricanes and erratic winter weather or ocean acidification, he observed. Lappe agreed, pointing to research regarding communication about climate science.
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From page 61... ...
Lionberger added that although many high school biology teachers teach environmental science as part of their course, often they lack the necessary training in earth sciences. For her, this relates to the question of what can be done to prepare these teachers.
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