It is an important and relevant topic that offers an excellent opportunity to integrate science and social concepts. Science classes can learn about how the greenhouse effect works, while social studies lessons can examine the changes predicted under climate change and how society will need to adapt. Geography is the perfect subject for investigating how climate change will alter resources, particularly in the areas of agriculture, forestry, and water use. Climate change can also be used as a canvas for any other school subjects, whether it be gouache models illustrating the impacts of different temperatures on a particular site or the subject of an English or French essay. There is no limit to the ways this issue can be included in curriculum activities for all grade levels, elementary as well as secondary.
Climate change is the ideal issue for taking the classroom lessons to activities outside the school.
Students can participate in creating a greener schoolyard that will improve their environment while absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Schools can become involved in programs that encourage students to walk to school and stop idling of cars on school property. The Destination Conservation program, for example, involves students helping schools become more energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money. The government of Canada is committed to increasing public awareness of climate change and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Over the coming months, these organizations will be working together to help distribute the materials to teachers and provide training for use in the classroom.