First grade class at Slackwood Elementary learning about lettuce - Desiree Rios, New York Times
Survey Results Support Climate Change Education
Yale’s Climate Change Communication Program sponsors a Six Americans Super Short Survey Yay (SASSY) survey. Over the past decade, SASSY results show a trend of increasing concern among Americans about climate change.
In a poll of teachers conducted by NPR in 2019, 86% of teachers and 80% of parents believe climate change should be taught in schools. However, 55% of teachers stated they do not include any climate change materials in their curriculum. Much of the discrepancy is due to teachers feeling that they don’t have the materials or expertise to teach about the climate crisis. New standards in New Jersey are addressing this need.
Cause and effect activity at Slackwood Elementary School - Desiree Rios, New York Times
New Jersey Paves the Way in Climate Change Education
In 2020, New Jersey became the first state to require public schools to teach all students about climate change in 7 out of 9 subject areas. This summer, the state board of education will vote on whether to include the remaining two subject areas – English Language Arts and Math – to include climate action education.
Most climate change education in schools is directed at high school and middle school students rather than elementary students. The New Jersey Board of Education requires climate change education to be taught in Kindergarten through 12 grades.
The “Climate Corner” at Slackwood Elementary - Desiree Rios, New York Times
Action-Focused Not Doom and Gloom
New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) are designed to help students of all ages understand “how and why climate change happens, the impact it has on our local and global communities and to act in informed and sustainable ways” (New Jersey Department of Education). The standards encourage districts to design interdisciplinary units that focus on action rather than “doom and gloom.”
Empowering Younger Students
Teacher at Slackwood Elementary School reading “If Sharks Disappeared” by Lily Williams - Desiree Rios, New York Times
New lessons across disciplines show how “...climate change can be taught to the youngest learners without freaking them out” and empowers students to create innovative solutions (New York Times).
Dr Lauren Madden, professor of elementary science education at the College of New Jersey, supports climate change education beginning in the early grades. Dr Madden notes: “When we shield [children] from so much, they’re not ready to unpack it when they learn about it, and it becomes more scary than when they understand they’re in a position where they can actively think about solutions.” She continues, “When you take kids seriously that way, and trust them with that information, you can allow them to feel empowered to make locally relevant solutions” (New York Times).
Additionally, it’s important to give teachers the professional development they need to have a positive impact. Schools that support teacher learning on climate change that’s grounded in real life, relevant local issues are preparing their students to become future environmental stewards of the Earth.
For additional climate change information, see these articles:
Penguins in Your Fridge? These 7-Year-Olds Have Climate Solutions. - New York Times
Most Teachers Don't Teach Climate Change; 4 In 5 Parents Wish They Did - NPR
Climate Change Standards by Grade Band - New Jersey Department of Education
Are Americans Concerned About Climate Change? Try the SASSY Survey - Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants
Try Positive Psychology for Better Climate Conversations - Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants
Six Americas Super Short Survey (SASSY!) - Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
Article by Celia Hoffman, Middlebury College ‘25, Sustainability Intern, Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants
