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Translating Climate Change into Music

Provided by: CLEAN |Published on: November 20, 2025

Lesson Plans

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Synopsis

In this lesson, students will hike in nature, identify species that resonate with them, and write a song inspired by the nature in their region.
Students will work with sound and sight maps, rhythm, and expression.
This lesson is created for students in Alaska and references species native to Alaska.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Visual and Performing Arts

Authors: Polar TREC, Angela Mazur

Region: Alaska

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

Students will love being able to channel their feelings about nature into a piece of art.
This lesson does an excellent job of fostering in students a love of nature in their region.

Prerequisites

Teachers will need to set up the hike ahead of time, securing the permission and chaperones that are necessary for their school. Additionally, teachers will need to gather images of native species.
Students should be familiar with rhythm and meter, and should understand the basics of songwriting.
Many of the links for resources are broken, including the links for the climate change songs. Instead, teachers can use the songs "Earth is Home," "Fight for You," and "No Straws Please."
The link to the book The Trouble With Dragons is missing, but teachers should be able to find this book online or in their library.

Differentiation & Implementation

While this lesson is meant for Southern Alaskan students, teachers can adapt the lesson by selecting plants and animals that are native to their region.
Students can explore how climate change is impacting their native species and add a call for climate action in their songs.
Teachers can use this video to make connections to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 14, Life Below Water, and SDG 15, Life on Land.

Scientist Notes

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About the Partner Provider

CLEAN

The CLEAN Network is a professionally diverse community of over 630 members committed to improving climate and energy literacy locally, regionally, nationally, and globally in order to enable responsible decisions and actions. The CLEAN Network has been a dynamic group since 2008 and is now led by the CLEAN Leadership Board established in 2016.

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