The Climate Crisis Trial Role Play
Activity - Classroom
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Civics, History
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Zinn Education Project
What it is
- In this activity from the Zinn Education Project, students will participate in a mock trial where they will support their position on who carries the blame for causing the climate crisis.
- Students will role-play as the U.S. government, U.S. consumers, the governments of China, India, and other developing countries, fossil fuel companies, and capitalism.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This is an actively engaging way for students to discuss who is at fault for the climate crisis.
- Students will enjoy arguing their points while exercising critical thinking skills.
Prerequisites
- Teachers will need to create a free account to download the resource.
- Students should have some familiarity with the law and court proceedings. Students should know the terms defense, prosecution, and indictment.
- Additionally, students should understand the causes and impacts of climate change.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Language arts teachers can use this role play as an exercise in argumentative speaking. Teachers can give students time to research their role and the other defendants and have them cite evidence to support their arguments.
- Teachers can invite other students or community members to observe the trial, possibly recruiting them as jurors so all students can participate in the trial.
- After this activity, students can research real court cases dealing with climate change. The lesson The Constitution and Climate Change discusses the Julianna court case and can be an interesting resource to use after the role-playing activity.
- If students enjoyed this role-playing, they may enjoy other simulations, such as CFR Education's Global Climate Change Policy Simulation.
From the scientist review
Through a role-play, students will learn about the root cause of climate change, the concept of climate and environmental justice, who and what is responsible, and the importance of collective action in addressing the climate crisis. It includes teacher testimonies about how students find the lesson plan fascinating and engaging. This lesson is advised for instructional purposes.
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