Should K-12 Schools Teach Students about Climate Change?
The Texas Board of Education has tentatively rejected some science textbooks, in part, because of their discussion of climate change. Should schools teach about the climate crisis, either in science or social studies classes? Did you learn about climate change in middle or high school? What do think of the Texas Board of Education's concerns and possible actions to prohibit certain science textbooks? Who should learn about climate change? How? Where? Share your ideas.
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2023/11/14/what-will-texas-children-learn-about-climate-change-evolution/
I think that schools should absolutely teach about the climate crisis as I don't see what's wrong with further educating the youth. I briefly learned about climate change in high school but more that is a thing rather than what is actually going on. I think Texas's decision is censorship, much like how banning books should be a thing of the past, prohibiting certain textbooks to be taught on purpose is not solving any problems. Personally I think that everyone should be made aware of climate change and as soon as someone is old enough to retain information, they should learn about climate change. At this point, these is no reason for denying climate change as it is real and can not just simply go away by being ignored.
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that all students should be instructed about the situation that we are living in. With climate change being a big topic, they should most certainly be instructed about the climate crisis. I believe that the Texas Board of Education should rethink their choice to reject some science textbooks that covered climate change so that students can learn the reality of the situation. Hiding the truth about the state of the climate from our children only serves to foster a culture of ignorance and to delay even further any efforts to heal our earth.
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K-12 Schools should absolutely teach students about climate change. It will benefit them allowing them to understand what is happening to our earth and how it all works. I learned a little bit about climate change in high school. I understood what it was and how it worked but I did not really learn too much about it until I took a climate change class this term in college. It would have been nice to know more about climate change because there is so much too it. I certainly think students in high school should learn about climate change, maybe not those who are in middle school since it can be a little complex. At some point, they will learn about it but why not start at a younger age? The Texas Board of Education should really rethink their choices.
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin,
DeleteI agree that it should be essential for schools to teach younger students about climate change. I understand perhaps not at the elementary or middle school level, but high schoolers could absolutely have the option to learn more about it. I also knew the basics on how it worked before college, but I didn't have an more in-depth knowledge before taking SUS 103. A huge aspect of the the climate crisis is the fact that not enough people know or care to learn about something that will certainly effect them--if not currently, then in the future. Teaching it in schools is a good way to mitigate some of this problem, and should be more widespread.
I think that all K-12 school need to teach students about climate change. This is because climate change will affect young people and students the most. I personally was taught about climate change in my high school, they actually offered an entire class focused on it. I think this made me more aware of my actions and want to solve the problem of climate change. In Texas, most of the people who are urging the board to block out education about climate change seem to be motivated for political reasons. As mentioned in the article, one of the chief proponents of the new rules is in charge of regulating natural gas and oil in the state, and as such has a vested interest in their success. Decisions on what should be taught in schools should not come from politicians, but from experts in the fields being taught, such as those who write textbooks. The most important thing is that children are taught the truth, and presenting climate change as something that is up for debate, or questioning its exact origins is at best misrepresenting the truth, and at worst blatant propaganda directed at children.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I wasn't specifically taught about the climate crisis in high school, but I really wish that my school would have offered some sort of climate change class. You made a really interesting point about the fact that the younger generation will be affected the most, so they should be more informed. I would also add that older generations should be educated as well since they are currently the ones with the legislative power needed to lessen the consequences of climate change for the future generations. You also make a great point about how textbooks/curriculum in schools should be decided upon by experts who are dedicated to communicating the truth rather than politicians.
DeleteI believe that schools should teach teach children about the climate change crisis. My personal experience about climate change did not go into depth; however, I was aware of the consequences and effects it had on the world. The decision for the the Texas Board of Education to prohibit certain science books is unethical to me. As a result, the children are stripped of their knowledge and do not have access to that information about the climate change crisis. I fully believe that everyone should have an opportunity to learn about climate change. However, the board not only takes that way from our future generation, but encourages a more "religious perspective" in their textbooks. As board member Evelyn Brooks states, the idea that students should have the opportunity to learn both sides plays a huge role in their education. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement because it gives the students freedom, while also giving them a chance to gain further knowledge about climate change. As a result, students should have the ability to determine right from wrong, truth from falsehoods, and the textbooks that were banned may just be a key part of that.
ReplyDeleteI think that schools need to teach about climate change. Many powerful people deny the issue because it's an uncomfortable problem that can't always be easily seen, and there isn't one cheap and simple solution to fix it. I don't exactly remember when I first heard about the issue of climate change, but I think was pretty young, probably in elementary school. I learned about climate change through a scientific perspective which I believe is the best way to communicate the issue. I think what's happening down in Texas is crazy. I've heard similar stories coming from Florida and I can't help but think its a little ironic, considering both states have ocean borders.
ReplyDeleteThe more you think about the impacts though, the more frustrating the situation in these states becomes. When I was in middle school, a poet and activist named Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner came to our school and gave a presentation about the effects that climate change is having on the Marshall Islands. It was a powerful moment to listen to someone who had experienced climate change first hand, and was really quite sad hearing about the history and projected future of her home. If students aren't able to listen to the real experiences people are having from climate change, they ought to at least be reading about the problem through a textbook that shares accurate information.
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ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to learn some of the basics of climate change in high school. I think that it is super important that all students learn about climate change. This is because it is such a pressing matter. One major thing that supports this fact is the idea that it is no longer just a change in climate but a climate emergency. In an article by the Guardian the author explains that climate change is no longer something of the past. It has become a climate crisis of today. I fully understand that it is a sensitive topic and because of that many major politicians are denying that this crisis is upon us. We need to get over the fact that it is a hard thing to talk about and start doing some talking and take actions to change something. The first step in doing this is to teach students about the harm that human activities are causing to the environment. I think it is foolish to skirt around the issue and pretend it is not something that will affect human civilization as we know it. By banning books that talk about human's role in the climate crisis we are not doing anyone any favors in the matter. We need to teach the students of today about the matter so when they grow up, they can help prevent any further damage. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/16/guardian-language-changes-climate-environment
ReplyDeleteThe debate in Texas over the inclusion of climate change and evolution in science textbooks is a microcosm of a larger national conversation about education and scientific literacy. The decisions of the Texas State Board of Education, especially given its recent shift to the right, reflect broader societal tensions between scientific understanding and political/ideological beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThe article highlights the critical issue of how political interference can potentially limit students' access to accurate and comprehensive science education. This is particularly concerning given the high stakes of climate change and the need for an informed future generation. The pushback against textbooks that emphasize evolution and human-caused climate change emphasizes the challenge of maintaining scientific integrity in educational materials.
The involvement of conservative groups and politicians, who argue for the inclusion of creationism and downplay the role of humans in climate change, raises important questions about the role of education in shaping informed citizens. On the other hand, the advocacy by public education groups for accurate science lessons reflects a commitment to scientific literacy as a foundation for informed decision-making.
This situation in Texas is a call to action for educators, scientists, and policymakers to advocate for science education that equips students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate complex issues like climate change. Ensuring that future generations are well-informed about these crucial topics is essential for the health of our democracy and our planet.
Schools should teach climate change in either science or social studies classes. I did not learn anything about climate change in middle school or in high school. The banning of the book should not be allowed. If we want to teach students about climate change we have to give them access to different view points. I think we should teach highschoolers about climate change. We should teach them in a 9th grade class. We should do this because then they can learn it early and be able to understand the problems that are going on in the world.
ReplyDeleteI think it would simply be unfair to students to NOT teach about climate change. The next generation deserves to know what they are up against, that way they are inspired to do something about it. I do believe that acknowledging other beliefs is important, but since public schools are just that (public and funded by tax dollars), there should not be an influence of religious or political bias in education. Texas politicians and advocates pushing to hide the data-backed science simply want to push an agenda and lead the next generation to follow in their path. Only presenting students with biased and controlled information is scary. Children in classrooms should be able to critically evaluate different perspectives they are faced with throughout life, but I don't think they should have to critically evaluate every little thing they are being taught in school. And if they are being taught misinformation, the education system's trustworthiness crumbles.
ReplyDeleteI think that every school should teach about climate change, especially in science class. I wonder if Texas being so reliant on the oil industry has anything to do with this decision, or if there is an oil company behind this. If I was an oil company, I would also be lobbying the Texas Board of Education to remove the discussion of climate change. I was taught about climate change all my life in public school, starting in elementary. Even in high school when I lived in conservative Eastern Washington, we were taught without question that humans were to blame for climate change. It's so foreign to me that it is still up to debate. The state of Texas is doing a disservice to their youth by not teaching them science.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the majority of my fellow classmates, climate change should definitely be taught in schools. To me teaching about climate change is like teaching about modern history, it is something that is 100% happening and students need to be aware of it. Climate change affects so many aspects of everyday life that if it were to not be taught in schools it could seriously harm children in the future, especially in Texas. Even if they do not agree with what is being taught it would help them, Texas is a huge agricultural state and climate change affects the agriculture the most. I believe that education should be as unbiased as possible, and teaching about climate change is no longer biased, it has been proven over and over again as fact, so I believe that it should be taught in school.
ReplyDeleteI believe that climate change is something that should absolutely be taught in schools because it's an extremely relevant topic. I know too many people who are completely uneducated about climate change and its causes/effects. I'm thankful that it's being acknowledged here as much as it is because I've wanted to become more educated about it from an unbiased standpoint. I view the lack of education revolving around climate change as potentially problematic in that America's future will be uninterested in it and not make any effort to fix it. Many people on this blog already mentioned it, but K-12 students should absolutely be educated on climate change because in no way is it better or more beneficial to completely ignore the topic of climate change. All that will result in is the future of America being in the dark about arguably one of the most relevant issues of their/our generation.
ReplyDeleteClimate change is definitely a topic that should be taught in K-12 schools. Although people can have different opinions and stances on the issue of climate change, it should be a topic that is introduced in US school systems with accurate, science-backed information and policies. Many students are aware of the existence of climate change but do not know or understand the severity of the situation due to the consequences of increased greenhouse gas emissions. Another important part of teaching students about climate change is its real-world relevance which can inform students on how they can make a difference regarding the issue of climate change. With more knowledge, support, and action, the consequences of climate change can be more easily mitigated in the US. I really liked this article published by The New York Times in 2021 that offers resources to teach K-12 students about climate change in fascinating and interactive ways that can draw more support and attention to the topic. This is the link to this article: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/04/learning/lesson-plans/resources-for-teaching-about-climate-change-with-the-new-york-times.html.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite resource provided by this article was prompting students to take an online quiz to learn information about their carbon footprints. I took a similar quiz in a science class I took in high school and was able to learn about the specific activities I partake in that emit the most fossil fuels and then make small changes in my personal life. Workings towards drastic changes in climate change outcomes start with small steps, and I think this is a great way to promote this.
I think it is absolutely disgraceful to not teach about climate change. The younger generations are the ones that have to help fix climate change, as we will be the ones to inherit this. People of all ages should be learning about climate change, but it is most crucial to instill this value into children in school so that they take a passion for protecting the Earth and making conscious choices.
ReplyDeleteHere is an article that I found that goes into the issue in Texas: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/11/texas-board-education-climate-change-school-textbooks-vote/
It is crucial that we educate people, especially in an accessible way such as through public education. The decision to censor information on climate change is a negative one. A source I found that supports more of Texas going backwards on their successes with climate change is "Clean Energy is Thriving in Texas. So Why Are State Republicans Trying to Stifle It?" written by Kristoffer Tigue on April 14th, 2023. This article discusses more things that Texas is doing that negatively impacts climate change.
ReplyDeletehttps://insideclimatenews.org/news/14042023/clean-energy-is-thriving-in-texas-so-why-are-state-republicans-trying-to-stifle-it/
I do believe that there should be early teachings for climate change. I don't know about anyone here, it seems form my conversation with people who live it Oregon it is not a big thing here, but in 6th grade I was required to go on a class trip for the 4-5 days (I cant remember) to stay in the mountains at a lodge and learn all bout nature. Being form Colorado, this is not a rare thing to see; in fact there are 3 separate campus that your school could choice form in Rocky Mountain National park. For this course we took every thing we learned in biology science, and social studies and applied it to the forest that we where staying for the week end. Leading up that week end we would spend about a mouth learning about how climate change and human interaction was effecting the forests and what we could do to help fix them. I believe this to very effect, and should be implemented in states that don't have programs like this, because it gave a connection to what we where learning in a class room and giving real world, hands on experiences like, hiking, trash pickup, zip-lining, planting trees, etc.
ReplyDeleteI believe that educating the public, especially the younger generation, about climate change is important. We are living in a world where the environment is constantly due to climate change and informing of this change is going to be beneficial to what they might have to expect in the future. I personally didn't learn about climate change until my junior year of high school, and that was only because I had taken AP Environmental Sciences. Had I not taken it, I don't think I would've learned it from any other curriculum.
ReplyDeleteIf teaching it in public school was to be a required thing, I do think it should be taught at a younger age, whether that be late elementary school or early middle school. There are many good tools to teach the younger generation about climate change, including videos from programs like PBS and National Geographic, which are very easily digustable for kids.
https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/kqedcl11.sci.ess.atthcoreofclimatechange/at-the-core-of-climate-change/
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/video/climate-101-cause-and-effect/
I don't think schools should be censoring information about climate change but I also believe that they shouldn't be trying to influence students' beliefs on the subject. I think what schools should focus on is to provide facts and data on what is really going on in the world of climate change but leave room for students to use their critical thinking to decide for themselves what to think about the information provided. I am strongly of the opinion that schools should be teaching student s how to think instead of what to think but I also think it is wrong to sensor facts and information that the students could be learning from about our current world.
ReplyDeleteI cannot fathom not informing the new generations of students about not only climate change but also the current climate crisis. Climate change should not be a controversial topic. There has always been some form of climate change on this planet, that is simply how science works; however, humans have vastly exacerbated how much climate change is occurring. Students need to know how the world functions on a scientific level, and the impact that their species has on it.
ReplyDeleteI was first introduced to the topic of climate change in elementary school by reading National Geographic magazines in my free time. I agree with my fellow classmates that climate change should be taught in schools, and I personally think that it should be taught in middle school. Drawing a connection to another once-controversial educational topic, I believe that evolution and climate change are similar in that both are evidence based theories on large-scale processes that are not intuitive and have faced significant public controversy. Just like how evolution is now taught as a component of understanding the world around us, I believe climate change must be taught as a critical piece of understanding the world. If we do not teach children to understand the cause of problems that face us in the future, how will they be able to solve such problems?
ReplyDeleteThe education of children, in elementary, middle and high school, should all be non-partial to any political perspective. So, if you rely on trends of recent years and statistics, you will know that climate change is happening, and the children should be aware of this and be critically thinking and developing opinions on it. Whether or not how imbedded it is in the curriculum is up in the air, but students should gain at the very least basic knowledge of the topic. I personally only learned about climate change for one unit in 6th grade science class, and I wish that it was talked about more because I feel that I can't really have any real contribution to a discussion on the subject.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that we should be teaching more about climate change in K-12 schools. At the same time, I also think that it's important not to focus on the doom and gloom of climate change, and while teaching kids about climate change, we should focus on possible solutions to our problems. Another important idea is how you can help. When I did learn about climate change in school, it kind of felt like there was little I could personally do to help. Learning about how much carbon dioxide companies and countries produce makes personal uses feel insignificant in comparison, and I couldn't vote on legislation or presidents that would help with climate change. I would have benefitted more if my teachers had told me how I could protest or otherwise get involved in the solution, rather than just learning about the problem.
ReplyDeleteThis isn't the first I've heard about educational textbooks being rejected in primary schools, and the situation is deeply saddening for me. I found another article discussing this very issue from the guardian here:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/17/texas-republican-school-board-climate-textbooks
I am passionate in the belief that students of all education levels should be taught about the nature of the world we live in, and that includes the changes it is undergoing as the result of our influence. I personally learned about climate change in middle school, which was a sobering but ultimately invaluable experience for me. The Texas Board of Education's concerns about the book's covering of evolution and manmade climate change ultimately stems from a fear of change. This mindset has no place in educational facilities, which are places of learning and by extension, should be hubs of change.
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ReplyDeleteI see that schools should take it into account. Students can study the scientific theories behind climate change in science studies, including the greenhouse effect, increasing sea levels, and ecosystem effects. However, social studies curricula can delve into the political and socioeconomic aspects of the climate problem, as well as its consequences for many nations, localities, and international laws. The effects of climate change go beyond classroom walls. People of all ages and backgrounds must become knowledgeable about the climate disaster due to its global aspect. This encompasses not only the student body but also parents, teachers, and the wider community. Furthermore, utilizing experiential learning techniques like field trips, role-playing, and practical exercises can improve students' comprehension and interest in the subject. https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/
ReplyDeleteIt is essential to teach pupils about the climate problem in order for them to comprehend and deal with environmental issues. I think social studies and science curricula should include climate change in order to provide students a thorough knowledge of the issue's social and scientific underpinnings. In my case, learning about climate change in high school had a big impact on how conscious I was of world concerns. The Texas Board of Education's worries over specific scientific textbooks are concerning as limiting information might make it more difficult for pupils to interact with important subjects. All pupils should get instruction on climate change in order to empower them to contribute to sustainable practices and make informed decisions. To provide a comprehensive education on the climate catastrophe, it is imperative that curriculum developers give priority to objective, scientifically verified knowledge.
ReplyDeleteAssuming all of the textbooks are backed by credible sources and have been peer-reviewed, I can see no reason why schools should be banning these textbooks from schools. Seeing how climate change is a worldwide and current issue, schools should definitely inform children about climate change. I learned about climate change throughout grade school, middle school, and high school. I cannot imagine entering into adulthood without having schools educate me about the human impact on climate change. It seems like the concerns of the Texas Board of Education stem from religious beliefs surrounding creationism and evolution. Everyone needs to learn about climate change because climate change is affecting everyone.
ReplyDeleteI believe that schools should teach about climate change because there is so much research that supports it. It would be doing a disservice to our children to willfully not teach them all the facts. By keeping people ignorant, they will either grow up and never learn about it, grow up and consume misinformation and disinformation about it, or they will learn the facts and be resentful that their schools never taught them. I learned about climate change in high school; I may have learned about it in middle school, but I don’t remember. I took AP Environmental Science in high school, and I am so grateful for it because it not only taught me what is happening to our planet but why it is happening. I can’t think of any reason why the Texas Board of Education could reasonably be weary of teaching its students science. By not delivering students factual information, they are left to research it on their own (most likely using the internet) and are at risk of being misled. I think that everyone should learn about climate change because everyone has the right to knowledge. One book I can recommend that is amazing and discusses this topic is the book Sea of Change by Sylvia A. Earle. I think this book would resonate with a lot of people because she has personal stories in it, so people may relate to it more and be emotionally moved. Looking at graphs and hearing numbers doesn’t affect people the way that personal accounts and descriptions do.
ReplyDeleteYes I absolutely believe that k-12 schools should teach about change, especially once your in middle school, essentially 6th grade and up every kid being raised nowadays ether watches tv enough to know about climate change on the news or has their own devices where they hear enough about it on their own. Everyone should learn about climate change, especially young individuals who are in school to learn, it will impact there future the most out of anyone. They are in school to learn just because some adults in power do not like what the reality is they shouldn't ignore it and block the students from learning about. They are going to find out and learn about it either way so why not teach them about it in school. I as well as everyone I personally know learned about climate change in middle school and highschool and we are all able to do our research and make informed decisions about the topic. Climate change is important and shouldn't be swept under the rug.
ReplyDeleteI personally learned about climate change while I was in elementary school and I believe that it was the right decision by my teacher and the school board to teach us about our world at uch a young age. Learning about climate change is learning about the world we will inherit and its about learning how we can save our futures. I believe that we should teach kids about how as much as companies want individuals to believe its their fault, its more about the policies that we make and how companies treat our planet. We must teach our kids to stand up for what they believe in, and I do not believe that texas omiting certain science books to avoid the issue will solve anything. In fact I believe that it will only further divide our politics and create a confusing atmosphere for children growing up, with the rest of the world contradicting their schools. I believe that we should teach children about climate change as soon as possible and maintain climate change as an issue throughout all of our schooling, becuase the next generation must understand the gravity of the situation to help us fix it.
ReplyDeleteThe next generation is the generation that will lead the world into it's next phase, if they are not aware of out current problems they will be unable to fix them. If I was not taught about climate change I may not have learned or cared about it until much later, which is most likely the case with many people my age. It is more our problem than the previous generations, and I think it is their job to educate us about it.
ReplyDeletehttps://news.climate.columbia.edu/2023/02/09/climate-education-in-the-u-s-where-it-stands-and-why-it-matters/#:~:text=This%20is%20because%20educated%20youth,than%20many%20other%20single%20solutions.
I feel any censorship should be viewed with heavy skepticism. Whether about climate change or any other topic. While I might agree school libraries should not have porn on their shelves, I still think one should allow a wide, unrestricted, variety of views in school libraries. Whether or not you agree with a topic logically, morally, or religously it should have nothing to do with whether or not a book is allowed. By attempting to censor certain books, Texas is attempting to stifle the foundation of our democracy. In order to be a good citizen that can think critically about a variety of topics life will throw at you, one must be exposed to a wide variety of topics.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, climate change books should be allowed in schools and taught as early as students can understand the issue.
School is meant to, among many things, educate people so they can make informed decisions in their lives. Climate change is an issue that eventually is going to effect everyone. Because of this, it is really important that everyone learns about it in school. Most credible scientists say that climate change is very real, and caused by humans. There is very little evidence to the contrary. Because of this, it is reasonable to call it a scientific fact, and facts should be taught in school. It is crucially important to inform people about climate change because they need to make informed decisions. If we do not educate them, then by the time they learn about climate change, it is likely to be too late.
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ReplyDeleteK-12 schools should strategically tailor their approach to teaching about climate change based on the age and developmental stage of the students. While high school students are at an age where they begin to have a larger carbon footprint due to activities like driving and increased socializing, it is appropriate to introduce them to the complexities and scientific details of climate change. At this stage, they are better equipped to understand the broader implications and are in a position to make more impactful personal and collective decisions.
For younger students, the focus should be on cultivating a foundational respect and care for the environment. Teaching elementary and middle school students about basic practices to keep the earth safe—such as recycling, conserving water, and protecting wildlife—helps instill environmentally friendly habits without overwhelming them with the potentially frightening aspects of climate change. This approach ensures that children grow up with a sense of responsibility towards the planet, setting them on the right path early on, and preparing them for more in-depth learning as they mature. Below is a link to an article detailing the impact of driving on the environment thus the necessity to teach new drivers and the lack of necessity in telling younger children who don't contribute a carbon foot print by themselves.