Making the Case for Climate Education Policy

Grades9, 10, 11, 12Civics

What it is

This document provides talking points for advocating for climate education policy, explaining the benefits of implementing climate education.
The resource includes a curated list of research and resources grouped by themes such as social justice and equity, mitigation and sustainability, resilience and adaptation, civic education, and workforce development.

Prerequisites:

Ensure students are familiar with climate change and the need for collective climate action.
Consider having students familiarize themselves with their school's current climate curriculum requirements.

Classroom Implementation:

Have students use this to inform a civic engagement project where they draft a proposal for climate education in their school.
Have students use this as a source in a persuasive piece on the benefits of climate education.
Have students evaluate each talking point by identifying the claim and deciding what evidence would be needed to support it.
Hold a structured debate in which students argue for and against adding climate education requirements to state standards.

Extensions:

Have students take part in a green career exploration. Consider using this resource to get them started.
The resource includes a separate set of resources for advocates working in places where climate education is less widely supported, which can spark discussion about tailoring arguments to different audiences.

Hosted on eepro.naaee.org

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Standards alignment · D3.2.6-8 + 5 more

Core Standards legacy

D3.2.6-8D3.2.6-8 Evaluate the credibility of a source by determining its relevance and intended use.
D3.3.6-8D3.3.6-8 Identify evidence that draws information from multiple sources to support claims, noting evidentiary limitations.
D2.Civ.3.K-2D2.Civ.3.K-2 Explain the need for and purposes of rules in various settings inside and outside of school.
D2.Civ.12.9-12D2.Civ.12.9-12 Analyze how people use and challenge local, state, national, and international laws to address a variety of public issues.
D4.1.9-12D4.1.9-12 Construct arguments using precise and knowledgeable claims, with evidence from multiple sources, while acknowledging counterclaims and evidentiary weaknesses.
D4.3.9-12D4.3.9-12 Present adaptations of arguments and explanations that feature evocative ideas and perspectives on issues and topics to reach a range of audiences and venues outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, reports, and maps) and digital technologies (e.g., Internet, social media, and digital documentary).