Science Education Approaches

Increasingly, U.S. universities are creating #climatechange programs to meet demand from students who want to apply their firsthand experience with extreme heat, flooding, wildfires and more to what they do after high school, and help find #solutions. Here's my latest of three stories on climate change #education (you can find my The Associated Press stories on this schooling at the high school level here: https://bit.ly/3V2Ivkn and in community colleges here: https://bit.ly/4bMPi8u). Early college movers that created studies on climate change include the University of Washington, Yale University, Utah State University, the University of Montana, Northern Vermont University and UCLA. Columbia University opened its Climate School in 2020. But just in the past 4 years, Plymouth State University, Iowa State University, Vanderbilt University, Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and several others have started climate-related programs. The fact that climate change is affecting more people is one factor. The Biden administration’s #InflationReductionAct, the largest climate investment in U.S. history, plus growth in climate-focused #jobs, are also increasing interest, experts say. When higher ed institutions put their programs together, they often draw on existing meteorology and atmospheric sciences studies. Some house climate under sustainability or environmental science departments. But climate tracks need to go beyond those to satisfy some incoming students. I heard from these students and the faculty racing to meet their needs. Read below:

Are you ready to ditch the jargon? 🤐 It's the best way to connect with the public about sustainability, but hardly anyone is doing it. New research shows that most people in the UK struggle to grasp basic climate terms and policies: - 'Circular economy'? Only 4% of people claim to understand it - 'Carbon neutral'? 'Traceability'? They don't fair much better. - Even the concept of 'reducing single-use plastic' is only grasped by a minority of the public For those of us working in the sector, these terms are vital and specific. But that doesn’t mean they’re the right ones to use in the public domain. So what do we do about it? Luckily the answer is fairly simple. We need to speak plainly, specifically, and meet people where they're at. You see brands like Oatly and Fjällräven do this every day. More need to follow suit. I like to think we get this right at Hubbub, more often than not. Our Manchester Is Green campaign was a nice example, engaging football fans to adopt more sustainable diets by talking about 'tactical substitutions', not regenerative agricultural practices. When we skip the jargon, we start to strip away the confusion about the climate crisis and show that taking action makes sense. And when businesses speak plainly, highlighting specific benefits and results instead of generic sustainability claims, everyone can understand the role they have to play. What examples have you seen of companies who do this well? (A longer version of this just appeared in PRWeek. I'll post it below for anyone with an account. The research was by Trajectory Partnership and Fleet Street.) ++ P.S. I'm Alex Robinson, CEO of environmental charity Hubbub. We bring business, government and civil society together to create campaigns that make it easier and more possible for all of us to make choices that are good for the environment. Follow me to find out how, or get in touch for more. #sustainability #environment #communications

Climate change isn’t just a scientific issue — it’s a communication challenge. In a world where heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and rising pollution have become the norm, understanding climate language is critical. But terms like net zero, biodiversity loss, and quarrying can still feel out of reach for many. That’s why Reckitt, in collaboration with Plan India, launched the Climate Dictionary as part of the Dettol Banega Swasth India initiative. This isn’t just a glossary — it’s a movement. The Climate Dictionary simplifies complex climate science, making it understandable, relatable, and actionable — especially for students and communities who will lead the change tomorrow. It aligns with Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and reinforces an urgent truth: climate change is the biggest health threat facing humanity. On this #WorldEnvironmentDay, let’s come together as the community, let’s bridge the knowledge gap and make climate literacy mainstream. More on the initiative on ndtv.com/swasthindia #BanegaSwasthIndia Reckitt Plan_India Plan International NDTV NDTV Profit

As the world evolves, our educational approach must also adapt, inspiring stewardship and understanding of global challenges. I’ve crafted curriculum outcomes that blend primary school subjects with real-world activities, fostering curiosity and a proactive mindset in young learners. 1. The study of rainforests - Let’s build a classroom mini-rainforest to explore biodiversity and promote ecosystem conservation. 2. The study of writing letters - Let’s impact future policies by writing persuasive letters to leaders about environmental or social issues. 3. The study of insects - Let’s create a habitat for beneficial insects to promote local biodiversity. 4. The study of history - What can we learn from historical events to improve community cohesion and peace? 5. The study of the food chain - Let’s adopt a local endangered species and start a campaign to protect it. 6. The study of maps - Let’s explore the impacts of climate change on different continents using interactive map projects. 7. The study of basic plants - Let’s cultivate a garden with plants from around the world, focusing on their roles in sustainable agriculture. 8. The study of local weather - Let’s build weather stations to understand climate patterns and their effects on our environment. 9. The study of simple machines - Let’s engineer solutions to improve water and energy efficiency in our community. 10. The study of counting and numbers - Let’s analyze data on recycling rates and set goals for waste reduction. 11. The study of community helpers - Let’s explore how people around the world help improve community well-being and resilience. 12. The study of basic materials - Let’s investigate how everyday materials can be recycled or reused creatively in art projects. 13. The study of stories and fables - Let’s share stories from various cultures that teach lessons about community and cooperation. 14. The study of water cycles - Let’s design experiments to clean water using natural filters, learning about sustainable living practices. 15. The study of world populations - Let’s look at population distribution and discuss how urban planning can address housing and sustainability challenges. 16. The study of ecosystems - Let’s restore a small section of a local park, linking it to the role ecosystems play in human well-being. 17. The study of cultural studies - Let’s hold a festival to celebrate global cultures and their approaches to sustainable living. 18. The study of physics - Let’s discover renewable energy sources through simple experiments. These projects encourage real-world application, teamwork, and problem-solving, emphasizing the role of education in shaping informed, proactive citizens ready to face global challenges. This approach makes learning relevant and essential for today’s interconnected world. Which one will you try? #education #school #teacher #teaching

𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 & 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻? Instilling a sense of stewardship for our planet in our children is one of the greatest gifts we can give future generations. Here are a few thoughts to educate children and spark their curiosity … do share your thoughts! 1. The first steps – reduce, reuse and recycle. Children will enjoy learning about the core principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Use simple, relatable examples to make these concepts stick – with consistency being so important! Online delivery boxes are great to supply children’s school projects or tinker zones with craft supplies – get them to sort, list and plan a supplies lending program with friends. Or identify the nearest carton pick-up point, unknown but often existing with neighbourhood grocers. 2. Create opportunities to get hands-on and join in local or neighbourhood drives: Simple shared experiences such as balcony gardening, composting, or community clean-ups. Set a cadence or keep it spontaneous! These activities can help build both resilience and grit in the face of daily challenges and foster a sense of innate accountability. Recently, at the SGFIN (more on this soon!) my conference mate told me how she heads back home to collect her grocery bags if she has forgotten to carry them. 3.  Model easy energy conservation and smart purchases in daily life: Children learn beautifully from the examples around them – practice timed turn on/off of geysers and setting the air conditioner to a more energy-efficient setting. And why not check the eco-friendly nature of the AC refrigerant before buying your next AC! When making a new purchase, look out for ACs with refrigerants that have lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) and lower to no Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). The difference can often be significant, and this item merits a place on your checklist! 4.  Be candid about the challenges and opportunities that present themselves regularly: In an age-appropriate manner, discuss the effects of climate change and pollution. Explain the compounding power of consistency and smart steps in being more responsible citizens. Collect an idea carafe and hear what the young ones have to say. Kids might enjoy - https://lnkd.in/gkXbqy2g 5.  Enjoy the onset of the seasons and the wonders of the natural world together: Being with nature and meandering without purpose is often a passport to unexpected giggles. Notice the smells, sounds and sights as you amble through a park, a little jungle patch or sit by a lake/pond. Let us celebrate the innate curiosity, openness, and creativity of children across the planet and introduce them to the joys and power of curiosity with daily acts & chats! Image generated using Kalaido.ai #sustainability #future #environment #impact

🌍 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐘𝐏 🌱 In an ever-changing world, fostering environmental responsibility from an early age is essential. The IB PYP framework emphasizes inquiry-based learning and action. Encouraging students to explore, question, and take meaningful action for the environment helps build a generation that cares for our planet. ✨ 𝟏. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 📝🌿 Empower students by co-creating a class pledge to reduce waste, save energy, and respect nature. When learners take ownership of their commitments, they are more likely to act responsibly. 🥦 𝟐. 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 🌎♻️ Encourage students to bring zero-waste lunches once a week. This small yet effective initiative nurtures habits of mindful consumption and sustainability. 🌡️ 𝟑. 𝐈𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 🔍🌊 Integrate climate discussions into Units of Inquiry (UOI) by exploring real-world issues like deforestation, ocean pollution, and endangered species. Inquiry-based learning allows students to think critically and develop a deeper understanding of environmental challenges. 🎨 𝟒. 𝐔𝐩𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 🔄✨ Engage students in hands-on projects where they repurpose waste into useful or artistic items. This activity sparks creativity while reinforcing the concept of reduce, reuse, recycle. 🌳 𝟓. 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 🌻🌱 Create a classroom or school garden where students plant and care for trees, flowers, or vegetables. This hands-on approach builds a connection with nature and teaches responsibility. 📖 𝟔. 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐬 & 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 🎬📚 Introduce students to books and documentaries like The Lorax or Our Planet to inspire discussions and reflection on environmental conservation. Stories and visuals make abstract concepts more relatable and engaging. How do you promote environmental awareness in your PYP classroom? Share your strategies in the comments! ⬇️💬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭: Link- https://lnkd.in/g2ijMEsW 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? Join our Inquiry Classroom WhatsApp Community: 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤-https://lnkd.in/gWdqJqca 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 (𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐘𝐏) 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬: https://lnkd.in/gBvxeMYT #inquiryclassroom #EnvironmentalAwareness #SustainabilityInEducation #InquiryBasedLearning #EcoFriendlyClassroom #StudentAgency #GreenEducation

🌍 Key Highlights from the "Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development" Specification 🌱 https://lnkd.in/dM3vPMvR 🔎 What is this document about? The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has introduced this forward-thinking curriculum Specification to equip students with the skills and mindset for meaningful action on climate and sustainability issues. Aimed at Irish senior cycle students, it integrates interdisciplinary learning to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and global justice challenges. ✨ Key Themes and Takeaways 1️⃣ Holistic Senior Cycle Education ▪️Focus on inclusive education, critical thinking, and sustainability as guiding principles. ▪️Students engage in lifelong learning pathways, preparing them for diverse futures, including VET, higher education, and employment. 2️⃣ Strands of Learning ▪️Earth Systems, Life, and Environment: Students explore global ecosystems, climate science, and planetary boundaries. ▪️People, Power, and Place: Highlights the role of social justice, systemic inequalities, and just transitions in addressing climate challenges. ▪️Global Connections: Examines climate justice movements, economic systems (like doughnut economics), and international commitments. ▪️Applied Learning Tasks: Hands-on projects like community climate dialogues and nature-based solutions connect theory to action. 3️⃣ VET and Skills Focus 🛠️ ▪️Promotes action-oriented learning, enhancing critical skills like systemic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. ▪️Aligns with VET goals, emphasizing green skills and pathways to climate-related careers in fields such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. 4️⃣ Transformative Teaching and Learning 🧑🏫 ▪️Supports student agency and democratic participation through collaborative, place-based, and interdisciplinary methods. ▪️Embeds emotional resilience, fostering hope and empowerment in the face of climate challenges. 5️⃣ Assessment Innovation ✏️ ▪️Combines a 60% written exam with a 40% Action Project, allowing students to demonstrate applied competencies through real-world climate action initiatives. 📈 Why This Matters This curriculum exemplifies education for sustainable development, aligning academic goals with the urgency of global challenges. It inspires systemic change by cultivating young leaders prepared to address climate crises with innovation, empathy, and evidence-based solutions #EducationForFuture #GreenSkills #VET Department of Education — Ireland OECD Education and Skills EU Employment & Skills Cedefop European Training Foundation International Labour Organization UNESCO-UNEVOC WorldSkills International EfVET European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB)European Vocational Training Association - EVTA Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Educação e Formação SEPIE - Servicio Español para la Internacionalización de la Educación

🌍 The Climate Dictionary -Speak Climate Fluently The climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time, affecting every country, community, and ecosystem. Yet, the language of climate change can often feel complex and inaccessible. The Climate Dictionary changes this narrative. This essential guide, created by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), simplifies 40 critical climate terms, bridging the gap between technical jargon and everyday understanding. From “Net Zero” to “Climate Justice,” it equips readers with the tools to comprehend and act on the climate crisis. 🎯 Why This Matters: Understanding the climate crisis empowers action. Clear, accessible information is the foundation of stronger climate advocacy, policy, and innovation. Let’s read, share, and utilize this resource to drive a global push for climate action. Together, we can build a more sustainable future. 🔗 Learn more and join the movement: UNDP Climate Promise #ClimateAction #Sustainability #TheClimateDictionary #UNDP #ClimateCrisis

Dubai Cares recently launched “Rewiring Education: The Climate-Education Nexus” during #UNGA79 week. This report, shaped by two years of consultations, as well as insights from the RewirEd Summit 2023 held at #COP28, brings together education and climate action stakeholders 🌍. The report underscores how transforming education systems is essential to tackling climate challenges. Key takeaways: 🌱 Early Childhood Development: Investing in early childhood education fosters environmental awareness and resilience from a young age. This is crucial for building the future problem-solvers of tomorrow. 📚 Embedding Climate Education: The report calls for climate education to be fully integrated across all levels of learning. By reshaping curricula, students can develop critical thinking and practical skills to address climate issues. Teachers play a pivotal role and must be supported with the necessary resources. 🤝 Collaboration Across Sectors: Cross-sector partnerships—between governments, businesses, and civil society—are essential to embedding education into broader climate strategies. Collective efforts will amplify the impact of climate education globally. 📊 Measuring Impact: To track progress, robust monitoring frameworks are necessary. Successful local models must be scaled up to ensure effective climate education worldwide. 🔗 Community Engagement: Schools and communities must work together to promote climate awareness and action. This collaboration connects classroom learning to real-world sustainability efforts, engaging students as active participants in climate solutions. The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time, but education provides a powerful path forward. The “Rewiring Education” report offers a clear roadmap for turning ideas into action. Follow the 🔗 in the comments ⬇️ to download and read the report in full. #Education #ClimateEducation #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #TransformingEducation #ClimateCrisis #SDG4 #SDG13 #SDG17

Last week, someone who’s been working in climate communications for over a year quietly admitted they still didn’t totally understand what “lowering emissions” meant. Not the general vibe of it, but the actual why and how. I loved their honesty. It reminded me how often specialists in the space continue to throw around terms that even insiders don’t fully grasp. If we want the public, policymakers, and private sector to act, we have to stop communicating like we’re at a scientific conference. Here are 5 tools I use all the time to make complex climate and science ideas land: ✔️ The “Grandma Test” Can you explain the concept to your grandma without losing meaning? This test forces clarity without condescension—and it’s one of the fastest ways to reveal jargon you didn’t even know you were using. ✔️ Metaphor as a Bridge Metaphors are powerful shortcuts for understanding. For example, instead of saying “emissions reductions,” try: “Imagine your home has a slow gas leak. Cutting emissions is like finding and sealing that leak—before it gets worse.” It may take longer to say (a communications faux pas) but we process metaphors faster than data. ✔️ Chunk the Concept Break big ideas into bite-sized parts: What is it? Why does it matter? What can be done? Who’s doing it well? This format creates digestible flow and gives your audience mental “hooks” to follow you. ✔️ Visual Storytelling Not every concept needs a paragraph. Sometimes it just needs a sketch, a diagram, or a comparison chart. ✔️ Mirror the Audience Before I write or say anything, I ask: “What does this audience care about most?” Meeting people in their worldview is half the battle. I’ll be sharing more of the frameworks and strategies I use in future posts—but if your team is trying to translate climate science or sustainability language into something people actually understand and act on, C3 can help. Let’s make it make sense. 👉 Feel free to reach out or follow along for more tools from the Climate Communications Collective playbook.