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10 Easy Ways to Engage Your Students in Climate Action

Engaging students in climate action is crucial for creating a sustainable future. By inspiring and empowering the younger generation, we can foster a sense of responsibility and drive positive change. If we teach students how to incorporate climate action into life at school, they will be able to take those ideas into their everyday life and make it a habit.

The majority of teachers think teaching about climate change is important but a national study showed the main reason given for not teaching it is because it is not related to the subject they teach. So we have put together 10 ideas for teachers to incorporate climate action into any classroom.

Here are 10 Easy ways to Engage Students in Climate Action

Incorporate Climate Change into the Curriculum

  • Introduce climate change topics across various subjects to help students understand its impact on different aspects of life.
  • examples include essay assignments for English, carbon footprint calculations for mathematics, current events in social studies, or deforestation issues in geography
  • Foster critical thinking by discussing real-world examples, current events, and scientific studies related to climate change.
  • Encourage debates and group projects that explore climate issues, solutions and strategies for change.

Create a Green Team or “Eco-Club”

  • Establish a student-led green team or eco-club to promote sustainability initiatives within the school community.
  • Allow students to plan and execute eco-friendly projects, such as recycling campaigns, energy-saving initiatives, or school garden programs.
  • Provide opportunities for the team to collaborate with local governments, environmental organizations or participate in community clean-up events.

Organize Field Trips and Outdoor Activities

  • Arrange field trips to environmentally significant places like nature reserves, renewable energy facilities, or organic farms.
  • Encourage outdoor activities that promote a connection with nature, such as hiking, gardening, or bird watching.
  • Foster a sense of awe and appreciation for the environment by allowing students to experience its beauty firsthand.

Engage in Environmental Science Projects

  • Involve students in science initiatives where they can contribute to environmental research and data collection.
  • Encourage participation in projects like tracking local weather patterns, monitoring wildlife populations, or identifying and mapping pollution sources.
  • Discuss the significance of their contributions and how data collection supports scientific understanding and informed decision-making.

Host Guest Speakers and Experts

  • Invite environmental activists, scientists, or local experts to give talks or workshops on climate change and sustainable practices.
  • Arrange interactive sessions where students can ask questions and engage in discussions about environmental issues.
  • Expose students to diverse perspectives and inspire them by showcasing real-life examples of individuals making a difference.

Utilize Technology and Online Resources

  • Integrate technology into the learning process by utilizing online platforms, educational websites, and interactive apps related to climate action.
  • Encourage students to explore informative videos, documentaries, and podcasts that discuss climate change and find solutions.
  • Provide access to virtual simulations or gamified experiences that allow students to understand complex environmental concepts.

Encourage Student-Led Projects

  • Empower students to develop and implement their own climate action projects based on their interests and talents.
  • Provide guidance and resources to help students plan, execute, and evaluate their initiatives.
  • Celebrate their achievements and share success stories within the school community to inspire others.

Students engaged in climate action

Promote Sustainable Habits

  • Educate students about sustainable lifestyle choices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy and water, and adopting eco-friendly transportation.
  • Encourage them to practice these habits at school and educate their families and friends about the importance of sustainable living.
  • Organize challenges or competitions that reward students for adopting and promoting sustainable behaviors.

Climate Action for a Sustainable Future

Engaging students in climate action is vital for creating a sustainable future. By incorporating climate change into the curriculum, establishing student-led initiatives, providing real-life experiences, and leveraging technology, we can empower students to become agents of change.

Through these ten easy ways, we can foster a sense of responsibility, inspire creativity, and instill a lifelong commitment to climate action in our students. Together, we can create a brighter and greener future for generations to come.

For more inspiration, read these blogs from 365give.ca.

The Power of Picking Up Trash to Keep Our Environment Clean

3 Ways Single Use Plastic is a Major Contributor to Climate Change

5 Easy Ways to Give Back to Animals on World Ocean Day

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
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Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)