Have the Talk, Climate Conversations

• This lesson will prepare students to have a thoughtful conversation about climate change and highlights the importance of listening and engaging respectfully with others.
  
• This resource includes a lesson plan, student worksheet, presentation slides, and two videos.
  

Positives

• There are opportunities for the students to role-play and practice their communication skills. 
  
• The optional "Youth Climate Story: Climate Denial in Florida" video gives an example of a young person engaging in difficult climate conversations.
  

Additional Prerequisites

• In order to have meaningful climate conversations, teachers and students should know basic facts about climate science, the impacts of climate change on people and the planet, and some solutions.
• The teacher must make a free account to access the materials.
• You must click the title of the first video for the correct link to open.
  

Differentiation

• The student worksheet provides an excellent scaffolding tool for ELL and students with learning differences.
• For the "Climate Conversation Guide," consider having fill-in-the-blank prompts for students. For example, "I will have a conversation with _________."
• This lesson could follow any lesson or discussion about climate change and this other resource is directly related to talking about climate change.
• Other resources to consider using with this resource include this Yale lesson plan about connecting data to storytelling, and this video about leaving the world a better place.  

The OARTAC model is appropriate for a good climate conversations, without being persuasive. This resource is recommended for teaching.