Together, We Move From Fear to Hope
Podcasts
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Civics, Health
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 Meditative Story
What it is
- In this 36-minute podcast episode from Meditative Story, climate activist Varshini Prakash tells several stories from her life that highlight the importance of community.
- There are pauses throughout the story where the podcast host, Rohan Gunatillake, asks students to meditate and reflect on the themes.
- Varshini Prakash talks about her work in climate activism, climate-related disasters in her grandparents' village in India, and how her community helps her stay energized in her work.
Teaching tips
Positives
- Varshini Prakash is an excellent storyteller and makes it easy for listeners to visualize as she speaks.
- Students will benefit from the mindfulness connections made in this episode.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand how climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Teachers can pause throughout the podcast to ask students to make "text-to-self" connections. For example, teachers can ask students to think of their own special childhood place.
- To practice supporting a central idea with key details, students can find three quotes from the episode that support the central idea of relying on community.
- As prompted by the host, students can write down their fears and hopes for the future, then share them as Varshini and her fellow activists did in the story.
From the scientist review
This podcast episode explores Varshini Prakash's life experiences and how they influenced her to become a climate activist. Prakash discusses her story and the stories of those around her, focusing on the impacts of climate change on their lives and in their communities. The podcast intertwines the story with meditations, helping listeners connect with it and reflect on their experiences. The podcast is an example of a different form of climate advocacy. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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