Translating Climate Change into Music

Angela Mazur, Polar Trec

In this lesson, students collect outdoor observational data to create a song about climate change. Intermediate music students will not only earn a greater appreciation for Alaska, but also for nature. These activities help students to learn how to use sound and sight maps in order to identify aspects of our region in Southeast Alaska. In addition, students learn about the basic concepts of climate change in order to write creative lyrics for songs for the entire school. At the end of the unit, students perform their unique songs in a school wide assembly. Although written for Alaska, the lesson could easily be adapted for many other locations.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Review the NASA Climate Kids link before beginning the activity so that connections with questions can be made during the observational hike as opportunities permit. This activity integrates science and art in an engaging fun way for students.
This resource has students collect outdoor observational data to create a song about climate change. Students integrate their knowledge of climate change into art. Students learn about their local flora and fauna, and report on natural phenomena observed using all their senses. The lesson is designed to promote appreciation of the natural world, and introduces the damage of climate change through a children's fictional book about dragons. Comments from expert scientist: Scientific strengths: The NASA resource referred to is created for children which makes the science accessible to them. Suggestions: Although NASA created this and updates this regularly, no references to source material/studies are available on their website. This is understandable, as children would likely not be able to understand the source material, but it still could be a concern.
Students learn about their local flora and fauna and then observe them on a small field trip. They use their observations to create a song. This STEAM activity will be engaging for diverse learners. Though the activity focuses on SE Alaska it could be easily modified for any local community (the field trip would need to be adapted). This lesson will appeal to different groups and learning styles. It contextualizes learning within an Indigenous worldview.