The Columbia Climate School offers a wide range of opportunities for K12 students, with a particular focus on middle and high school students. These programs aim to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge to create positive climate solutions, become environmental stewards, and lead within their communities. By increasing science and data literacy, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and encouraging students to integrate climate knowledge into any career path they choose, the Climate School empowers the next generation of changemakers.
Together, the Columbia Climate School, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and the Center for Sustainable Development bring decades of experience running these programs and have developed best practices for teaching earth science, climate, and sustainability in ways that deeply resonate with students. These approaches include place-based, field-based, and project-based learning; tiered mentorship structures; immersive programming; debate, negotiation, and collaboration exercises; communication strategies to simplify complex topics and more. These proven strategies can be adapted and incorporated into your classrooms to inspire and engage students in meaningful climate action.
Audience: The tools in the workshop are open to teachers of all subjects, but the content will have a special focus on Earth and environmental sciences.
Grade levels: Suggested grades 8-12
Panelists:
Ben Bostick, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Margie Turrin, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Marisa Annunziato, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Laurel Zaima-Sheehy, Columbia Climate School
Radhika Iyengar, Center for Sustainable Development
Magdaly Sevilla, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Moderated by: Haein Shin, Center for Sustainable Development