Youth Climate Story: Drought in California
Provided by: ACE|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Economics
Authors: ACE
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 →
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 video, Jonathan talks about how the long-term drought in California has affected his family in Watsonville.
- He and his family work on farms and their livelihoods depend on the ability of those farms to produce crops.
- The lesson plan and student worksheet are focused on the effects of climate change on agriculture in the United States and the reciprocal effects of agriculture on climate change.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This is a very personal and relatable narrative about the effects of drought on farming families.
Additional Prerequisites
- The video is accessible to the public but teachers must create a free account to access the lesson plan and other materials.
Differentiation
- Biology and science classes could use this video as a hook for lessons about the water cycle, photosynthesis, trophic levels, the carbon cycle, or cellular respiration.
- The accompanying lesson plan utilizes an inquiry-based framework to explore the effects of changing weather patterns on various crops grown in the United States.
- Social studies classes could use this video as an example of the unequal effects of climate change on vulnerable communities.
- Other resources related to this topic include this interactive data resource about the environmental impacts of food, the U.S. Drought Monitor, and this interactive Table of Solutions.
This resource is suitable and recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
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 →
