How to Have a Climate Change Conversation

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Social Studies, English Language Arts

Provided by Climate Outreach

What it is

This guidebook provides eight guidelines for having productive climate change conversations.
Students will learn techniques for starting a climate change conversation, phrases and questions to keep the conversation going, advice for being a good listener, and solutions for overcoming conversation challenges.

Preparation:

Consider watching video recordings of webinars for guidance on how to use the discussion guide. Links are provided in the list of references.

Classroom Implementation:

Provide students with a list of phrases and questions from the guide and have them conduct mock climate conversations.
Students make a list of barriers to productive climate conversations and then use the guide to find solutions for each of the barriers.

Related Resources:

Other resources on this topic include this TED video on strategies for climate change conversations, this video on how different generations talk about climate change, and this article that provides five easy-to-understand facts to use in climate conversations.

There is no misconception in the article. The article is recommended for teaching environmental and climate justice.

Hosted on climateoutreach.org

Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.

Standards alignment · D2.Civ.7.6-8 + 4 more

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D2.Civ.7.6-8Apply civic virtues and democratic principles in school and community settings.
D4.3.6-8Present adaptations of arguments and explanations on topics of interest to others to reach audiences and venues outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, reports, and maps) and digital technologies (e.g., Internet, social media, and digital documentary).

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.6Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.