Course Description

Welcome to an innovative and transformative course designed to empower educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively incorporate climate education into their classrooms. This comprehensive program, offered by MITx, goes beyond traditional climate science to provide a multidisciplinary approach that engages students and equips them with essential skills for the future.

As climate change continues to shape our world, educators play a crucial role in preparing the next generation to face these challenges. This course offers a unique opportunity to explore climate education through various lenses, including social and emotional learning, justice perspectives, and inter- and transdisciplinary techniques. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to create meaningful, engaging, and impactful climate-focused lessons that resonate with your students and prepare them for a climate-changed world.

What students will learn

• Fundamental principles of climate change science
• Strategies for addressing the disproportionate effects of climate change and incorporating justice into the classroom
• Innovative pedagogical approaches, including place-based, inquiry-based, and experiential learning
• Practical skills and concepts for integrating climate education into STEM and social science curricula
• Techniques for implementing and guiding student-led climate impact projects
• Methods for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in climate education
• Strategies for empowering students to become informed, prepared leaders and citizens in a changing world

Prerequisites

While this course is designed to be accessible to educators from various backgrounds, having basic curriculum development knowledge and experience in education would be beneficial. The course is introductory in nature, making it suitable for those new to climate education as well as those looking to enhance their existing knowledge and skills.

Course Coverage

• Climate change science fundamentals
• Environmental and climate justice
• Interdisciplinary approaches to climate education
• Pedagogical principles for effective climate teaching
• Integration of climate content into STEM and social science curricula
• Development and implementation of student-led climate impact projects
• Strategies for fostering collaboration across disciplines
• Tools and resources for ongoing climate education

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for:

• K-12 educators across all disciplines
• Curriculum developers and educational administrators
• Environmental educators and climate activists
• Teacher trainers and professional development specialists
• Anyone interested in integrating climate education into their teaching practice

Real-world Applications

The skills and knowledge gained from this course have immediate and long-lasting applications in the real world. Educators will be able to:

• Design and implement engaging, climate-focused lessons and units
• Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students related to climate issues
• Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to create holistic climate education programs
• Empower students to take action on climate change in their communities
• Prepare students for future careers in sustainability and climate-related fields
• Contribute to creating a more informed and environmentally conscious society
• Adapt their teaching methods to address one of the most pressing global challenges of our time

Syllabus

• Week 1: Climate Basics, Beyond the Science
• Week 2: Teaching Climate and Environmental Justice
• Week 3: Pedagogy and Tools for Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Week 4: Applications in Social Science Curricula
• Week 5: Applications in STEM Curricula
• Week 6: Student-Led Climate Impact Projects