What's So Funny about Climate Change? Editorial Cartoon Opinions
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Provided by: Project Look Sharp|Published on: April 27, 2021
Lesson PlansScientist Reviewed
3-AP
Scientist Reviewed 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
- In this media literacy activity, students will analyze six climate change-related editorial cartoons and discuss how each cartoon conveys a different message.
- This resource includes a lesson plan, a student activity, a student handout, and a video clip.
Subjects: Science, English Language Arts, Visual and Performing Arts
Authors: Project Look Sharp, Brian Goodman & Sox Sperry
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The lesson plan includes discussion questions for several academic subjects.
- Students will enjoy interpreting the messages in the editorial cartoons.
Additional Prerequisites
- The video was made in 2015, so the narrator references an "upcoming" UN Climate Change Conference that took place in 2015, resulting in the Paris Agreement.
- Teachers must create a free account to access the materials.
- This handout will help students understand how to analyze media messages.
Differentiation
- Visual arts classes can use this lesson and then have students create editorial cartoons.
- English language arts classes can use this activity in a lesson on symbolism, irony, hyperbole, or metaphors.
- Other resources on this topic include this video on using doubt to keep people from believing in climate change, this video on how to talk to climate change deniers, and this podcast episode on Americans' opinions on climate change.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Project Look Sharp
Project Look Sharp is a nonprofit, mission-driven outreach program of Ithaca College. Their mission is to help K-16 educators enhance students' critical thinking, metacognition, and civic engagement through media literacy materials and professional development.
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.
Learn about our review process →
