Navigating a Changing World

Humans are changing the Earth’s natural systems in rapid and unprecedented ways. This has propelled our planet into a new geologic era: the Anthropocene. How do we navigate these changes we’ve caused, where can we have positive impacts…and where do we find hope? Through five video interviews with experts from the University of Montana, aligned discussion questions, and supporting classroom materials, educators and students can explore the challenges of climate change, learn how to seek local involvement, and maintain hope through our newly developed resources.

Climate Change Video Series

Climate Change and Geologic History

Kallie Moore, the University of Montana’s Fossil Librarian, discusses the intricacies of geologic climate change. By understanding the geological time scale, we can gain insight into the geologic science behind climate change, how climate change results in mass extinctions, and what climate change means for us today.

See alignment to Next Generation Science Standards and download discussion questions and vocabulary list here.

Biodiversity and Climate Change

Jedediah Brodie, the John J. Craighead Endowed Chair of Conservation, delves into how climate change affects biodiversity. Temperature fluctuations can result in both positive and negative effects on biodiversity. Brodie explains how humans can adjust to help species thrive and alleviate some of the detrimental effects of climate change.

See alignment to Next Generation Science Standards and download discussion questions and vocabulary list here.

Humans, Environment, and Ethics in the Anthropocene

As we have increased our fossil fuel use, we have become less connected with the environment. University of Montana Environmental Studies professor Dan Spencer examines environmental ethics and how humans can rethink our relationship with the environment to better adapt to and steward the world around us.

See alignment to Next Generation Science Standards and download discussion questions and vocabulary list here.

Business Innovation and Solutions through Biomimicry

Jakki Mohr, Regents Professor of Marketing at the University of Montana, examines ways to connect business and nature through biomimicry, or innovations inspired by nature. She also discusses the importance and benefits of businesses learning from nature instead of extracting from it.

See alignment to Next Generation Science Standards and download discussion questions and vocabulary list here.

Pursuing Passions, Solving Problems, and Seeking Hope in the Anthropocene

Nicky Phear, the Program Director for Climate Change Studies at the University of Montana, looks at how we can engage with climate change activism through the science of climate change, societal dimensions of climate change, and solutions to climate change. She discusses ways to work toward societal change and how to be active participants in our communities.

See alignment to Next Generation Science Standards and download discussion questions and vocabulary list here.

Using Media in the Classroom

The use of technology can occur daily in the classroom. Check out some of these helpful tips from the California Academy of Sciences for using media as a teaching and learning tool in your classroom.

Best Practices

Climate change can be a tough topic to teach in the classroom. The National Center for Science Education has created a list of best practices when teaching climate change in the classroom.

Essential Information for Educators

Be prepared and know the essentials when teaching about climate change. The National Education Association aims to prepare educators with essential information and resources before implementing climate change concepts.

Additional Resources

The resources listed below offer up-to-date data, research, and policy decisions on global, national, and local levels. Additionally, many of the organizations offer educator resources including lessons, multimedia, and graphics.

Thank you, Stephanie Fisher, for your work on this project and to our University of Montana partners for providing interviews and expertise. Thank you to the EVST Bryon and Bernice Dawson Award and ASUM Creative Scholarship for project funding.