This article examines the impact of climate change on physical and mental health, the best ways to broach this issue with young people, and how to practice self care in the midst of this climate crisis.
Teachers will learn that climate change is causing anxiety among young people, it's important to approach conversations about climate change with empathy, openness, and authenticity, and connecting with nature is a good coping strategy.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This article has a QR code that is embedded with resources.
This article is easy to understand and addresses an important topic for students.
Additional Prerequisites
Teachers need to have a basic understanding of climate change.
Teachers need to know how to scan a QR code.
Differentiation
This article could supplement a classroom discussion about healthy coping strategies, how these strategies can be employed, and how these strategies can improve one's health.
This article could enhance a classroom discussion about the amount of connection students feel with their peers, why community is important, and what can be done to strengthen bonds within their school and neighborhood.
After reading the article, the teacher could lead a classroom discussion where students talk about the impact of climate change on their own mental health.
This article could accompany a classroom discussion on how climate change impacts the health of some groups more than others.
Scientist Notes
It is crucial to understand that every single climate action will have a significant impact on the fight against climate change. This handbook demonstrates the significance of leading climate conversations on the climate crisis and mental health, as well as how to engage others in the battle against the climate disaster. This resource is suggested for classroom use.
Standards
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Informational Text (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2 Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.2 Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to provide a complex analysis; provide an objective summary of the text.
National Health Education Standards
Standard 1: Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health.
1.8.1 Analyze the relationship between healthy behaviors and personal health.
1.12.3 Analyze how environment and personal health are interrelated.
