Literary Studies for a Sustainable Future: An Introductory Course with Social Justice …
Literary Studies for a Sustainable Future: An Introductory Course with Social Justice and Ecocriticism Intersections is a university literature textbook that offers a sampling of the vast array of storytelling and literary traditions from around the world. Led by course outcomes, the book’s readings, activities, and assignments aim to establish a 21st century framework. Novice literary scholars establish correlations between local and regional literature with those from distant lands on relevant concerns and topics, like those outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through songs and folklore, film clips, poetry, myth, storytelling, and satirical theater, its chapters feature key literary texts and terms to present literature as vital community-sustaining cultural expressions. Learners witness the roles literature has in climate, ecology, and social justice challenges.
This project relates to Ecology Standards and Literacy Goals. I have combined several …
This project relates to Ecology Standards and Literacy Goals. I have combined several different levels of this project so that the activity can be adapted for different levels. I have used the activity primarily with High School students and introductory-level biology with college/university students. The content could also be adapted for middle and elementary students. I would choose a book for the students on these lower levels but that is also an option at the higher levels as well.
To prepare for this writing assignment, students do a series of discussion …
To prepare for this writing assignment, students do a series of discussion section and homework assignments designed to familiarize them with scientific literature, literature reviews and the reading and interpretation of scientific papers and figures. In class students received a lecture on the example literature review providing continuity of topical content, in more depth than class lecture. The condensed literature review exercise serves as preparation for their term project, which includes a term paper and a presentation on a climate related topic of their choice. The topic content could be exchanged for any other for this writing exercise.
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This is a classroom activity about the forcing mechanisms for the most …
This is a classroom activity about the forcing mechanisms for the most recent cold period: the Little Ice Age (1350-1850). Students receive data about tree ring records, solar activity, and volcanic eruptions during this time period. By comparing and contrasting time intervals when tree growth was at a minimum, solar activity was low, and major volcanic eruptions occurred, they draw conclusions about possible natural causes of climate change and identify factors that may indicate climate change.
Many introductory environmental studies courses begin with climate change, perhaps because it …
Many introductory environmental studies courses begin with climate change, perhaps because it is the environmental issue with which students have the most familiarity and concern, and because climate change impacts virtually all of Earth's socio-ecological systems. Pedagogically, this presents a challenge. Understanding climate science requires complex systems thinking that challenges students intellectually. Learning about climate change also presents a psychological and emotional challenge as it forces students and instructors to confront the reality of an uncertain future. This activity introduces students to climate change in a new way â by beginning not with the science of climate change, nor with the data and figures depicting climate change projections, but instead with people's lived experiences of climate change. At its core, this three-day class activity relies on a set of narratives to teach students about the effects of climate change. These narratives include videos, radio interviews, and news articles in which people already living through the effects of climate change -- displacement, drought, food insecurity, etc. -- describe their experiences. In some ways, this de-centering of climate science in favor of the voices of those on the front lines of climate change is a radical approach. And yet, I find that introducing climate change this way makes the science feel more relevant, meaningful and accessible, especially for those students fearful of or disinterested in science. I hope that by starting with these narratives, we might humanize climate change and tap into students' empathy to make them more open for looking at opportunities for agency and change-making around climate change. I am grateful to the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences members for providing suggestions for many of the climate change narratives included in this teaching activity.
Interactive map tool to assess how rising stream temperatures could affect native …
Interactive map tool to assess how rising stream temperatures could affect native fish of the Northwest. Lesson concepts include the relationship between water temperatures, dissolved oxygen levels in streams, and the impacts of changing temperatures on native fish. Focused skills include use of an interactive map to assess how stream temperatures are expected to change and the impacts on native fish.
Freshmen enrolled in the Spaceship Earth Living Learning Community conduct research on …
Freshmen enrolled in the Spaceship Earth Living Learning Community conduct research on a real project that is formulated and conducted during a 2-semester academic year.
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In this video segment adapted from the Alaska Native Heritage Center, discover …
In this video segment adapted from the Alaska Native Heritage Center, discover the connections between Alaska Native subsistence culture and the natural cycle of the seasons.
This interactive visualization provides a clear, well-documented snapshot of current and projected …
This interactive visualization provides a clear, well-documented snapshot of current and projected values of several climate variables for local areas in California. The climate variables include observed and projected temperatures, projected snowpack, areas vulnerable to flooding due to sea level rise, and projected increase in wildfires. The projected values come from expert sources and well-established climate models.
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students explore an interactive map, learn about Cancer …
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students explore an interactive map, learn about Cancer Alley, and take concrete action to address environmental injustice.
SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson introduces students to environmental justice and asks them to use an EPA mapping tool that shows how polluted an area is. The lesson also includes a video resource from Vox that highlights the area of Louisiana known as “Cancer Alley." To be as perfectly clear as possible, vast amounts of data and evidence show that people of color are disproportionately affected by pollution in the United States, and that higher exposure to pollutants directly correlates to higher incidence of disease. This video was produced in May of 2020, which is quite early on in the pandemic, and as such, some of the numbers presented in it are outdated. This outdated data is only for the numbers given when speaking on COVID-19 mortality rates. For example, the video says that Louisiana’s population is 32% Black (still correct) but Black people account for 56% of COVID-19 deaths. This is no longer the case as of July 2022, and according to data obtained from Louisiana’s government website, Black citizens account for 34% of deaths. While this is still disproportional, it is not as large of a disparity as when the video was produced. The same is true for Michigan, where Black residents now account for 17.5% of deaths but make up 14% of the population (data from michigan.gov). So, while this lesson highlights the importance of environmental justice and is overall scientifically sound, please just take note of the changes in the COVID-19 data.
POSITIVES: -This lesson clearly connects redlining and environmental racism. -This lesson shows a concrete example of the effects of systemic racism in the United States. ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:Some students may never have discussed racism and climate change before. Meet your students where they are and encourage them to ask good questions. -When teaching this sequence, it’s important to acknowledge the historical facts that have led to this injustice. Here are some resources to help you: -Dr. Ibram X. Kendi defines racist policy as “any measure that produces or sustains racial inequity between racial groups.” (Source: Article from Penguin Publishing Company) -Government entities suppressed the Black vote through different means until the Voting Rights Act in 1965. (Source: history.com) -Redlining was outlawed by the Fair Housing Act in 1968. (Source: ThoughtCo)
DIFFERENTIATION: -It may be necessary to offer the letter-writing as an extension or an extra credit opportunity. -Be sensitive to the needs of your students, as systemic racism affects them in different ways.
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn Spanish phrases about animals, climates, and …
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn Spanish phrases about animals, climates, and simple actions to save energy at home.
SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson provides elementary knowledge on climate change and biodiversity conservation. It allows students to identify and classify animals in respect to their habitats and climatic zones. All materials in the lesson have been reviewed appropriately and are suitable for teaching. This lesson has passed our science review credibility process.
Esta lección proporciona conocimientos elementales sobre el cambio climático y la conservación de la biodiversidad. Permite a los estudiantes identificar y clasificar animales con respecto a sus hábitats y zonas climáticas. Todos los materiales de la lección han sido revisados apropiadamente y son adecuados para la enseñanza. Esta lección ha pasado nuestro proceso de credibilidad de revisión científica.
POSITIVES: -This lesson creates a collaborative learning environment as students engage with a variety of modalities. -The games and activities promote engagement and participation from all learners. -The lesson introduces students to an authentic Spanish language story from Chile. -The photographs of animals name the specific places where the animals live.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: -Students need no prior knowledge to complete the lesson. -Teachers may wish to print the Teacher Slideshow to hang in the room to reinforce the concepts and vocabulary. -Some students may find the “¿Dónde está mi clima” game upsetting if they are unable to find a climate that matches their assigned animal. Teachers can choose some students to role-play the activity in front of the class instead.
DIFFERENTIATION: -Teachers can easily expand the lesson to include short sentences and more active vocabulary. -For the postcard activity, students can cut and paste phrases provided by the teacher or copy the words by hand.
This video and accompanying essay review the impacts of rising surface air …
This video and accompanying essay review the impacts of rising surface air temperatures and thawing permafrost on ecosystems, geology, and native populations in Alaska.
In this video Paul Andersen explains how biodiversity measures the variety of …
In this video Paul Andersen explains how biodiversity measures the variety of genes, species, and ecosystems on the planet. Biodiversity provides resources and ecosystem services for humans on the planet. He also explains how biodiversity is decreasing on the planet due to habitat destruction, invasive species, climate change, over harvesting, and pollution. Relevant treaties and laws designed to preserved biodiversity is also included.
Short Description: A research report into the role of Pacific Northwest forests …
Short Description: A research report into the role of Pacific Northwest forests in the fight against climate change completed by English 121 students at the University of Washington.
Word Count: 40200
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To inform and empower the public on the complex issue of climate …
To inform and empower the public on the complex issue of climate change, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has created a Climate Portal, an online home for timely, science-based information about the causes and consequences of climate change—and what can be done to address it. Whether you are new to climate change or ready for a deeper exploration, the MIT Climate Portal offers a virtual place to ground your knowledge and ask your questions of experts. It also highlights MIT’s latest climate change research and initiatives for action. The MIT Climate Portal is managed by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative, with support from the MIT Office of the Vice President for Research.
One of a suite of online climate interactive simulations, this Greenhouse Gas …
One of a suite of online climate interactive simulations, this Greenhouse Gas Simulator uses the bathtub model to demonstrate how atmospheric concentrations of CO2 will continue to rise unless they are lowered to match the amount of CO2 that can be removed through natural processes.
This climate model simulates the Earth's climate system by allowing users to …
This climate model simulates the Earth's climate system by allowing users to toggle different influences on climate (e.g. oceans, atmospheric gases) based on model version used.
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