Youth Climate Summit Toolkit
The Youth Climate Summit is an educational conference for youth, produced by community organizations to create an opportunity for learning, dialogue and action on climate change. The tools in this kit provide an essential framework for a successful Summit.
PBS LearningMedia Resources
These resources, provided by PBS LearningMedia are designed to help you bring The Resilient Ones: A Generation Takes on Climate Change into the classroom. PBS LearningMedia is a free service provided to educators by Mountain Lake PBS.
1. Carbon Footprint
You Can Make a Difference
Grade Levels: K-12
Doing your part to help the planet cool down starts with understanding something called your "carbon footprint."
Managing Your Energy Budget
Grade Levels: 6-12
Students will experience an inequitable resource distribution (using a circular treat like cake or pizza) and electronically calculate their own Ecological Footprint.
Understanding Air: Climate Change and Modeling Combustion with LEGO Bricks
Grade Levels: 5-8
In this lesson, students learn about the components of air and the chemical reactions that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. They model combustion using LEGO bricks, and explore the connection between carbon dioxide, climate change, and environmental health.
2. Early Indicators of Climate Change
Uncertainty in Climate Change Modeling
Grade Levels: 6-12
Learn why trout are important indicators in Wisconsin’s changing climate, and why the uncertainty of global climate models complicates predictions about their survival.
Seasons on Earth
Grade Levels: 6-12
Students study satellite data and explore an example of long-term climate change to learn about the seasons, changes in climate, and the role of Earth’s tilted axis.
3. Rapid Change Over the Last Several Decades
Climate of the Future is in our Hands
Grade Levels: K-12
We already know that rapid climate change is happening, but how bad could it get? The answer lies with us, human beings. That's because the decisions we make now will determine if the effects of rapid climate change are mild or extreme.
Rapid Climate Change and the Oceans
Grade Levels: K-12
Oceans cover about 70 percent of the planet, and they are bursting with life. Life on land is dependent on the oceans, too. But climate change threatens the ocean ecosystem and poses threats to the entire planet.
4. Global Impacts of Climate Change
Global Warming
Grade Levels: 9-12
Students examine the issue of global warming. They calculate how much carbon dioxide all the machines they use produce in one day.
The Effects of Global Warming in Alaska
Grade Levels: 6-12
In this media-rich lesson, students learn how global warming is changing the Alaskan environment and examine the consequences of climate change on the region's human and wildlife inhabitants.
Global Climate Change: Understanding the Greenhouse Effect
Grade Levels: 6-12
Students study past climate change, explore the effect of greenhouse gases on Earth's atmosphere today, and consider human impact on global warming.
5. Adaptation Strategies
Scientists Use Elephant Seals to Monitor Oceans [Audio]
Grade Levels: 4-12
Scientists want to use the migrating species, the Elephant Seals, to monitor what is happening in the oceans and see how the seals are adapting: "All Things Considered" audio broadcast.