Teaching About Climate Change: Why Does the Source Matter?

• In this media literacy activity, students will analyze two letters, one from the National Science Teachers Association and one from the Heartland Institute, which offer conflicting perspectives on teaching climate change. 
• Students will decode the messages from the two organizations and investigate the organizations' motivations. 
• This resource includes a lesson plan and a student handout. 

• The lesson plan includes discussion questions for several academic subjects.
• This unique activity allows students to see how the education system can be vulnerable to propaganda and disinformation about climate change.

• Teachers must create a free account to access the materials.
• Teachers may want to go over this handout on analyzing media messages before students start this activity.

• Students could respond to questions individually or in small groups before discussing their answers as a class.
• English language arts classes could examine the tactics used in both letters to persuade the reader. Students could also identify the tone and the syntax in each letter.
• Civics and government classes could use this activity in a lesson about propaganda.
• Other resources on this topic include this video on strategies to make people doubt the realities of climate change and this lesson on how to have productive conversations about climate change.
  

The resource highlights conflicting information about the reality of climate change, it is important to note that even with scientific evidence about global climate change, some top organizations, individuals, and governments are denying these realities. Students would be able to compare these letters and advocate for urgent climate actions. This resource is recommended for teaching.