THIS IS A TWO-SEMESTER COURSE.

Climate change is one of the most important phenomena to affect children growing up today. Learning about it empowers kids, allowing them to become serious students of what’s happening in their world. And it’s inherently interdisciplinary: studying the science and solutions of climate change touches on topics in chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, physics, sociology, economics, politics, and technology.

This course is designed to introduce students to the science of climate change and the myriad solutions that are already happening or are being developed that can reset the Earth toward a more sustainable and healthy future. Students will develop a keen understanding of what climate change is, how scientists know what’s happening, the impacts on the Earth, and the range of actions needed to reverse, restore, and repair the planet.

The lectures and presentations will be verbal, visual, and graphic and will include age-appropriate videos from scientists, institutions like NASA or NOAA, and other experts in the field. Experiments and imaginative assignments will add fun to the classroom experience. As a final project, the students will be introduced to a fascinating climate simulator tool from MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) that represents a variety of actions to reverse global warming. In so doing, the students will learn how to create their own unique scenarios to lower global temperatures and help save the planet.

Class Meetings: Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Fall Semester: September 10 – December 17, 2026
Spring Semester: January 14 – May 13, 2027

Student Expectations: Students be assigned readings each week and will have frequent homework assignments based on the readings. The assignments may be short written responses or the choice to use other media in response to questions or prompts. In-class discussions, comments, and questions are highly encouraged, and participation is expected.

Student Support: The instructor is available via email.

Feedback/Assessment: Students will receive individualized support and guidance for their writing, thinking, and creativity.

Materials/Supplies: Students will need one or two books (to be determined), which will be available to purchase online.