This resource is a 60-minute activity that teaches empathy about the effects of climate change on different communities, while students practice their improvisation and acting skills.
Students act out one of the five characters described who are suffering from climate change, making sure to end with a positive outcome.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The lesson plan and worksheet can be downloaded and used offline or printed.
The stories provided for this activity present diverse experiences and challenges faced in other parts of the world.
Additional Prerequisites
It may be helpful to include background information specific to each location to provide additional context for the students.
Differentiation
Consider making this a school or classroom performance and invite parents and guests.
Ask students to share stories of people they know who may be suffering from issues related to climate change in written form or in a discussion.
This resource could introduce students to the social, ethical, and health impacts of climate change.
Other resources to consider for background knowledge about climate change include this brief overview video by the Climate Reality Project, this short National Geographic video, and this video to future generations.
Scientist Notes
This activity introduces students to several fictional narratives from individuals from around the world who are suffering or are impacted by climate change. The students are given 20 minutes to write a 2-minute play inspired by the fictional narratives and encouraged to do so in a positive and improvisational manner. This activity is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Language (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.6.3-5 Draw on disciplinary concepts to explain the challenges people have faced and opportunities they have created, in addressing local, regional, and global problems at various times and places.
D4.7.3-5 Explain different strategies and approaches students and others could take in working alone and together to address local, regional, and global problems, and predict possible results of their actions.
