Climate Action: A Sustainable Future
Created byGerry Docherty
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Climate Action: A Sustainable Future

Grade 8EnglishMathScienceSocial StudiesHistoryForeign LanguageArtMusicPhysical EducationTechnologyGeography10 days
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use data and storytelling to inspire climate action and reduce our school's carbon footprint, considering the global impact of climate change and international agreements?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can we reduce our carbon footprint in school?
  • What are the impacts of climate change on different communities?
  • How can data be used to model and predict climate change?
  • How do international agreements address climate change?
  • How can storytelling raise awareness and inspire action on climate change?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to analyze and interpret data related to climate change, including local and global impacts.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Global Town Hall: Climate Action

A "global town hall meeting" simulation allows students to role-play different stakeholders affected by climate change, such as scientists, politicians, business leaders, and local community members. They debate and negotiate solutions for sustainable action.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

School Carbon Footprint Audit

Students will investigate their school's energy consumption and waste production to identify areas for improvement.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Conduct a school-wide audit of energy usage (electricity, gas) and waste generation.
2. Collect data on energy consumption and waste production in different areas of the school (classrooms, cafeteria, library, etc.).
3. Analyze the collected data to identify patterns, trends, and areas where significant reductions can be made.
4. Research and propose actionable strategies for reducing energy consumption and waste, including specific goals and timelines.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report detailing the school's current carbon footprint and proposing specific, data-driven strategies to reduce it.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAnalyzing and interpreting data related to climate change
Activity 2

Climate Change: A Global Perspective

Students will research the impact of climate change on different regions of the world, focusing on how it affects vulnerable communities.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a specific region or community impacted by climate change.
2. Gather data on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change in the chosen region.
3. Research local initiatives and international efforts to address climate change in the chosen region.
4. Create an interactive presentation using multimedia tools to communicate the impacts and solutions effectively.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityInteractive presentations highlighting the specific climate change challenges faced by different communities and potential solutions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAnalyzing and interpreting data related to climate change, understanding global impacts
Activity 3

Climate Action Storytellers

Students will use creative writing and digital storytelling tools to create compelling narratives about climate action.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm narrative ideas based on their research or personal experiences related to climate change.
2. Develop a narrative outline including characters, setting, plot, and a clear message about climate action.
3. Use digital storytelling tools (e.g., video editing software, animation apps) to create a compelling narrative.
4. Share and discuss their stories with peers and a wider audience to inspire action.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of digital stories, poems, or short films that showcase innovative solutions and inspire climate action.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsStorytelling to raise awareness and inspire action
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Interdisciplinary Climate Action Project Rubric

Category 1

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Evaluation of students' ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to climate change and carbon footprint.
Criterion 1

Data Collection and Organization

Effectiveness in gathering and organizing relevant data on energy usage and waste.

Exemplary
4 Points

Data is accurately and comprehensively collected from various relevant sources and is exceptionally organized, facilitating easy analysis.

Proficient
3 Points

Relevant data is collected and organized in a coherent manner, allowing for clear analysis.

Developing
2 Points

Data collection is inconsistent and somewhat organized, making analysis challenging.

Beginning
1 Points

Data collection lacks coherence and organization, hindering analysis.

Criterion 2

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Depth of analysis and interpretation of collected data, identifying trends and areas for improvement.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates deep analysis with insightful interpretations, identifying clear trends and innovative areas for improvement.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides thorough analysis with clear interpretation, identifying evident trends and areas for improvement.

Developing
2 Points

Shows basic analysis with limited interpretation, identifying few trends and areas for improvement.

Beginning
1 Points

Analysis lacks depth and interpretation, with minimal identification of trends and improvements.

Category 2

Research and Global Perspective

Assessment of students' research skills and understanding of the global impact of climate change.
Criterion 1

Comprehensive Research

Quality of research conducted on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change.

Exemplary
4 Points

Research is thorough, well-documented, and integrates diverse sources to present a nuanced understanding of impacts.

Proficient
3 Points

Research is complete and coherent, utilizing various sources to present a clear understanding of impacts.

Developing
2 Points

Research is somewhat complete and coherent, with limited use of sources to understand impacts.

Beginning
1 Points

Research lacks coherence and depth, with minimal sources used for understanding impacts.

Category 3

Storytelling and Communication

Evaluation of students' ability to convey messages and inspire climate action through storytelling.
Criterion 1

Narrative Creativity and Clarity

Creativity and clarity in narrative development, including character, setting, and message integration.

Exemplary
4 Points

Narrative is exceptionally creative and clear, with compelling integration of characters, setting, and a powerful climate action message.

Proficient
3 Points

Narrative is creative and clear, effectively integrating characters, setting, and climate action messages.

Developing
2 Points

Narrative shows basic creativity and clarity, with partial integration of elements.

Beginning
1 Points

Narrative lacks creativity and clarity, with minimal integration of necessary elements.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on the entire process of this project, from defining the driving question to creating your final product. What were the most challenging aspects, and how did you overcome them?

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Question 2

How effective was your final product in achieving the goals you set at the beginning of the project? Explain your reasoning.

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Question 3

How did your understanding of climate change and its impact evolve throughout this project?

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Question 4

How did collaborating with your peers contribute to your learning and the success of the project?

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Question 5

What specific actions do you personally commit to taking to address climate change?

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Question 6

On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you in your ability to analyze and interpret data related to climate change? (1=Not at all confident, 5=Very confident)

Scale
Required
Question 7

Which portfolio activity did you find most impactful in deepening your understanding of climate change? Explain your choice.

Multiple choice
Required
Options
School Carbon Footprint Audit
Climate Change: A Global Perspective
Climate Action Storytellers