What I Can Do About Climate Change
Provided by: MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative|Published on: January 9, 2023|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts
Authors: MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative
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 →
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 →
Synopsis
- This lesson challenges students to identify ways they can use their skills and interests to help fight climate change and discuss climate change with friends and family.
- The lesson includes a podcast about climate solutions, two activities to motivate students to take climate action, and a lesson plan.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Students are encouraged to consider their passions, interests, and skills.
- The lesson plan includes a list of objectives, curriculum alignments, discussion questions, background information, and tips for social-emotional learning.
Additional Prerequisites
- The two activities and podcast should take at least 70 minutes to complete.
- To provide context, students should listen to the podcast before completing the activities.
- Before the lesson, students should understand how climate change is caused, the greenhouse effect, and the role of human activities in causing global warming.
Differentiation
- In the group activity, have students consider ways they can work together toward climate action based on their Venn diagrams. Each group can come up with a realistic action plan.
- Older students can use this lesson as an opportunity to consider how climate action can be integrated into their future careers.
- Consider having students practice their climate conversations in class with each other every few weeks as they learn more about climate change.
This resource presents teachers with activities that they can use to engage students with climate change and get conversations started about what everyone can do. A short podcast is included with three guests who share how they used their voices and circle of influence to make a difference. The first activity tasks students with analyzing their interests and talents along with the climate work that needs to be done through a Venn diagram to determine their "climate superpower." The second activity pushes students to have a conversation about climate change. This resource is prudent and features numerous links to resources from MIT and the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication which are great resources for further learning and discussion. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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