Students use CER (claim, evidence, reasoning) to determine if climate change meets the definition of ecocide. Students research causes, effects, and whether or not corporations acted with knowledge, then present their findings. The lesson includes options for further exploration of Big Oil’s prior knowledge of the industry’s impact on climate change.

Inquire: Students discuss whether climate change could be considered ecocide.

Investigate: Students apply the definition of ecocide to the causes and effects of climate change and explore examples of acting “with knowledge.”

Inspire: Students construct a collective visual representation of climate change’s causes, effects, and myriad contributors.