Green Careers: A Public Speaking Lesson
Lesson Plan
1 hour 55 minutesGrades3, 4, 5English Language Arts
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 →
Written by Emily Townsend, Sheena Carmela Juliano, Ember Brock
About this lesson
In this lesson, students act as science communicators to explain patterns in temperature changes over time.
Inquire: Students are introduced to the STEM career of science communication, and learn key information about the job.
Investigate: Students consider the best methods for sharing weather and climate data with a specific audience.
Inspire: Students share climate data as science communicators.
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Suggestions
- This lesson aligns with Hawai'i's Nā Hopena A'o HĀ-BREATH Framework.
- This lesson can be used as a Career and Technical Education pathways introduction.
- The lesson can be adapted to use in locations around the world. Exchange the graphs with local data from your area.
- The Investigate section can be completed over two or three classes depending on time.
- This lesson introduces the importance of voice in speaking and writing.
Prerequisites
- Materials and handouts should be printed prior to the start of the lesson.
- If possible, print the graphs in color or have students refer to the digital versions of the graphs using a device.
- Students should have a basic understanding of reading graphs. For an introduction to reading different types of graphs, see the companion lesson, What Do These Numbers Mean?
Differentiation
- Students can be challenged to present to another class or a larger audience.
- You may choose to use one graph to write a Science Communicator Script together for additional practice. Then the class can split into two groups to work on a second graph and script in pairs.
- Sentence frames for the Science Communicator Script are available in the Student Document. Students may use these frames as a guide when writing their script.
- You may use the Presentation Rubric for students to self or peer review.
From the scientist review
Students can gain an understanding of the foundations of climate science communication in this lesson. It gives them evidence to motivate them to become skilled communicators of climate science. After carefully examining all the resources, the lesson is approved for learning.
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About the teacher writers
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Emily Townsend
K-8 ELL Teacher
Emily Townsend is an educator with 15 years of teaching experience as both a general education teacher and an English Language Learner (ELL) specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Drake University and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency from the University of Iowa.
Sheena Carmela Juliano
Teacher
Sheena Carmela Juliano holds a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi. She has been teaching since 2020 and specializes in science, social studies, English language arts, mathematics, visual and performing arts, health, and engineering for fourth-grade students. She holds Special Education and English as a Second Language certifications.
Ember Brock
Teacher
Ember teaches reading, writing, mathematics, art, music, science, and computer science to students in grades K–6 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. They specialize in Elementary Career and Technical Education, with an emphasis on music and robotics, and are passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences. As a lifelong resident of Hawaiʻi, Ember enjoys developing lessons that celebrate the unique culture, history, and environment of the islands while inspiring students to explore creativity, technology, and problem-solving.
