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

About This Video

Grade Level: 9-12

Length: 10 minutes

Next Generation Science Standards:

HS-ETS1-1. Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.

HS-ETS1-2. Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Video Discussion Questions

  1. Why is it important for educational institutions to offer programs and courses related to climate change?
  2. Describe actions a student interested in climate change solutions can take to benefit her/his community?
  3. What are steps we could take at this school to increase awareness of climate change and empower students to take action to mitigate and/or adapt to climate change?
  4. How do we find real, practical hope when addressing a global issue as comprehensive and far-reaching as climate change?

Download more discussion questions

Download student vocabulary

Classroom Activities

Designing Solutions

What kinds of solutions might help humans mitigate and/or adapt to our changing climate? Below are some ideas for inspiring students to engage with brainstorming, planning, and implementing solutions.

Asking Questions

Asking questions is the first step to scientific inquiry and methodology. Encourage students to ask questions to better understand the complexities of climate science.

  • TakingITGlobal offers resources to empower youth to understand and act on the world’s greatest challenges.
  • The United Nations Joint Framework Initiative on Children provides activities and resources in hope to empower young people to take action on climate change. The publication Youth in action on climate change: inspirations from around the world highlights concrete activities young people are leading around the world.
  • The Civil Conversations Project aims to provide resources to assist people in bridging differences through conversation. Click here to access resource guides.