In this creative activity, students will write a song about climate change solutions.
The resource also links to helpful articles about climate change.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The student handout links to a variety of amateur and professional climate-action songs, as examples.
This activity offers students a chance to work in groups or individually.
Additional Prerequisites
The linked Global Citizen article, "12 Essential Songs for Fighting the Climate Crisis," contains some songs and music videos which may not be appropriate for all students.
Differentiation
Younger students could write lyrics for a familiar tune such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to make the task less daunting.
Older students could make music videos and play them for the class or during a school assembly.
Other resources on this topic include this lesson on hip hop and activism, this activity on writing a climate monologue, and this video on using art for activism.
Scientist Notes
This resource is intended to help students bridge creativity and awareness of climate change by writing a song about it. While some of the example songs provided may exaggerate some aspects, overall the scientific sources are valid. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
ETS1: Engineering Design
HS-ETS1-2 Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
National Core Arts Standards
Visual Arts: Standard 1 - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr1.2.Ia Shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present day life using a contemporary practice of art or design.
Visual Arts: Standard 2 - Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr2.1.3a Create personally satisfying artwork using a variety of artistic processes and materials.
