Climate Super Solutions

National Center for Science Education

This lesson is the fifth and final module in the climate change curricula from the National Center for Science Education. It aims to teach students about the economic, social, and scientific implications of climate change while highlighting the usefulness of citizen science participation.

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Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

Note that there is an optional rubric for the Project Drawdown Poster activity. Consider assigning this as a homework assignment or group presentation to allow for more time and collaboration than an in-class activity. Consider using this lesson at the end of any climate change curricula to reinforce the social context of science and climate solutions. This lesson requires some background on climate science but is an important bridge to help students feel empowered. Consider focusing on what you can do as a class and a school to avoid individual action equity concerns. Consider taking a deeper dive into the Drawdown solutions featured here.
Students engage in a birdwatching activity and record data through iNaturalist, conduct a class simulation activity, evaluate a scientific paper, and engage in self-reflection on their contribution to climate solutions. This lesson does a fantastic job of reinforcing that science is an accessible and social endeavor and focuses on concepts more than building data analysis skills. All resources are cited at the conclusion of the lesson. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
A teacher and student guide is provided with relevant objectives. This is the last unit in a five unit set by the National Center for Science Education. The activities and lessons take significant preparation and background information, but working through the full set could be very beneficial to students. Focusing on local climate impacts and considering place-based solutions may help students feel hope and support in the context of a daunting topic.
Educators will need to create an account to access lesson materials. All resources are available on GoogleDocs through links that are embedded throughout the lesson. This lesson requires multiple tools that students and teachers may not be familiar with. Spend time reading through the lessons before presenting to make sure you're prepared.