In this media literacy activity, students will analyze two videos featuring young climate activists as they try to show adults the gravity of the climate crisis.
This resource includes an activity plan and two video clips: Greta Thunberg's speech "I Want You to Panic" and Zayne Cowie's "'Goodbye, Earth': A Story for Grown-Ups."
Teaching Tips
Positives
The lesson plan includes discussion questions for several academic subjects.
Students will enjoy evaluating the two young activists' messages.
Additional Prerequisites
Teachers must create a free account to access the materials.
Differentiation
Students could respond to the questions individually or in small groups before discussing their answers as a class.
English language arts classes could discuss the tactics used in the videos and decide whether or not they were effective, then write their own persuasive speeches on climate action.
Other resources on this topic include this NowThis News video on climate projects led by youth activists, this video on how Greta Thunberg got involved in climate activism, and this lesson on the climate movement.
Scientist Notes
There is no contradiction in the resource. This resource provides an effective strategy for young people to advocate for social change and environmental justice. It is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-4 Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Civics
D2.Civ.14.9-12 Analyze historical, contemporary, and emerging means of changing societies, promoting the common good, and protecting rights.
D2.Civ.5.9-12 Evaluate citizens' and institutions' effectiveness in addressing social and political problems at the local, state, tribal, national, and/or international level.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence.
