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My 2050 School's Toolkit
A guide for teachers wanting to engage students in the climate change debate
Secondary, Middle
Description
By 2050 young people will be living with the choices made today. A 13 year old today will be 52 years old in 2050 and may have children of their own. What future would they choose?
My 2050 School's Toolkit lets students decide how they would fuel the world in 2050 and compare their choices to others online. Students explore the challenges we face in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining reliable and secure energy supplies. They grapple with the choices involved using an on-line simulation that requires making decisions with respect to energy supply and demand in order to reach target of reducing greenhouse emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 .
The My2050 world that students choose can be shared on Facebook and Twitter and thereby compare and debate different options.
General Assessment
What skills does this resource explicitly teach?
The resource helps students develop a number of skills such as
- graphing and analyzing data
- controlling variable to reach desired ends
- influencing others
- weighing options and taking and defending a position on an issue
- navigating on-line interactive resources
Strengths
The resource's strengths include the following
- authenticity - the Toolkit experience is based on real issues and possible solutions
- complexity - recognizes the framework in which options may be explored
- relevancy - links possible responses to climate change to local and individual action
- action oriented - students examine how they might influence others and what individual action they may take
- innovative - uses interactive technology to help students realize the options available and the possible impact of each and allow students to join a larger community of students in submitting their response to the challenges presented by the UK Climate Change Act
Weaknesses
The resources weaknesses
- time allotted to each of the activities rather limited but teachers can adjust accordingly
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
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- Alberta
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- Grade 7
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- Science
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- Heat and Temperature
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- Environmental Science
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- Environment and Outdoor Education: Commitment to Action
- Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Investigations
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- Science
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- Science 10: Energy Flow in Global Systems
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- Math
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- Math 20-2: Statistics
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- Data from circle graphs can be used to illustrate proportion and to compare and interpret.
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- Discrete linear relationships can be represented in many connected ways and used to identify and make generalizations
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- Analyzing the validity, reliability, and representation of data enables us to compare and interpret.
- Continuous linear relationships can be identified and represented in many connected ways to identify regularities and make generalizations
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- Environmental Science
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- Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system
- Environmental Science 12: Living sustainably supports the well-being of self, community, and Earth.
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- Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health
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- World Geography: A Human Perspective - World Resources, Energy, and Environment
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- Citizenship and Sustainability: Area of Inquiry: Environment
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- Heat and Temperature
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- Analyzing the validity, reliability, and representation of data enables us to compare and interpret.
- Continuous linear relationships can be identified and represented in many connected ways to identify regularities and make generalizations
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- Challenges in the Global Environment
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- Exploring Canadian Geography: : Managing Canada's Resources and Industries
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- Civics and Citizenship (Open): Civic Awareness
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- Environmental Science (Univ/College Prep.) Conservation of Energy
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- Geography 521A, Global Studies: Physical Patterns of the World
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- What can I do?
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- Geography 631A Global Issues: What Can I Do?
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- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Data from circle graphs can be used to illustrate proportion and to compare and interpret.
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Discrete linear relationships can be represented in many connected ways and used to identify and make generalizations
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Analyzing the validity, reliability, and representation of data enables us to compare and interpret.
- Continuous linear relationships can be identified and represented in many connected ways to identify regularities and make generalizations
- Grade 12
- Step 3Select a subject
- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system
- Environmental Science 12: Living sustainably supports the well-being of self, community, and Earth.
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health
Themes Addressed
Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)
- Climate Change
Citizenship (3)
- Community-Building and Participation
- Ecological Footprint
- Sustainable Consumption
Economics (2)
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Globalization
Energy (3)
- Alternative Energy
- Energy Generation
- Energy Use
Governance (1)
- Government Regulations
Human Health & Environment (1)
- Quality of Life
Human Rights (1)
- Environmental Racism/Justice
Land Use & Natural Resources (1)
- Transportation
Sustainability Education Principles
| Principle | Rating | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Consideration of Alternative Perspectives | Good | No particular point of view is advanced by the resource. A goal is set - to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels - and students establish the level of ambition with respect to supply options (bio-fuel production, nuclear power, clean coal and gas power, wind turbines, etc,) and demand options (business greenness, home efficiency,method of travel, transport fuel, etc.)in order to achieve the desired result.The ensuing discussion among students will serve to outline the spectrum of views within the classroom. The lesson plan, Stakeholders Views - Supply and Demand role play,explores the ways in which people’s values and attitudes differ on the issue of climate change. |
Consideration of Alternative Perspectives:
| ||
| Multiple Dimensions of Problems & Solutions | Good | The simulation is arranged so that students are provided information about the implications of each of the options. While the information is somewhat introductory, it does serve to identify the main considerations attached to each option and can be supplemented by further research. An accompanying lesson plan on the Causes and Effects of Climate Change may be expected to have students understand the social, economic and environmental implications of climate change. The Supply and Demand Role Play will also alert students to the perspective of the various groups represented therein. A 2050 calculator that allows student to see the effects of various energy options on supply, demand and greenhouse gas emissions provides additional information. Links to the government's Stern Report includes further information about the economic, social, and environmental effects of climate change. Further information is available on the Department of Energy and Climate Change Website (DECC) website. The 2050 calculator, the Stern Report and the information found on the Climate Change Website (DECC) website require a degree of sophistication from the student and are therefore more appropriate for the upper range (Ages 14-16) of the intended student audience. |
| Multiple Dimensions of Problems & Solutions: Effectively addresses the environmental, economic and social dimensions of the issue(s) being explored.
| ||
| Respects Complexity | Good | The simulation assumes that there are no silver bullets in meeting energy reduction targets but rather a mix of options on the supply and demand side are required to reach the CO2 targets. It also helps students recognize the need to balance energy supply and demand and alerts students when, for instance, the cumulative effect of their decisions on demand exceeds the total energy produced by their supply options. |
| Respects Complexity: The complexity of the problems/issues being discussed is respected. | ||
| Acting on Learning | Good | The resource contains a series of lesson plans entitled Spheres of Influence, each of which explores possible student action with respect to climate change. The lesson plans are linked to specific subject areas as outlined below.
As a Summary of Learning exercise students are to write 3 pledges that they will do to support the UK’s target to reduce its CO2 emissions. These could be as an individual, at home, in the school or in the local community. |
| Acting on Learning: Learning moves from understanding issues to working towards positive change — in personal lifestyle, in school, in the community, or for the planet
| ||
| Values Education | Good | One of the Citizenship lesson plans, Where do you stand?, is designed to have students consider their values by occupying a position on a continuum(strongly agree to strongly disagree) in response to a series of statements re. energy policies; to explain why they "stand" where they do; and to move if persuaded by the explanation of those who take other stands. The exercise is then expanded to have students imagine that they are government officials responsible for climate change policies and to "take a stand" that reflects the need for the government to consider the values of citizens. |
| Values Education: Students are explicitly provided with opportunities to identify, clarify and express their own beliefs/values. | ||
| Empathy & Respect for Humans | Satisfactory | The supply and Demand role play lesson helps students understand the concerns of various groups that will be affected by policies designed to combat climate change. |
| Empathy & Respect for Humans: Empathy and respect are fostered for diverse groups of humans (including different genders, ethnic groups, sexual preferences, etc.). | ||
| Personal Affinity with Earth | Good | Student examination of the consequences of climate change may be expected to lead to a heightened understanding of the impact climate change will have on the planet and its occupants -changes in ecosystems,loss of diversity,environmental refugees, etc. Awareness and understanding are a pre-requisite for interest and concern. |
| Personal Affinity with Earth: Encourages a personal affinity with -the natural world.
| ||
| Locally-Focused Learning | Good | The lesson, My2050Town, asks the students to become the council of a town that has decided to convert to renewable energy sources. It makes them aware of compromises which have to be made in the future. A variation of the MY2050Town requires students to research the costs involved in renewable energy and give an estimate for how much their town will need to spend. A further differentiation ask students to imagine that the council’s budget has been cut but they remain committed to renewable energy. With this new budget, how would the energy choices they make be affected? Students will have to change their original choices |
| Locally-Focused Learning: Includes learning experiences that take advantage of issues/elements within the local community.
| ||
| Past, Present & Future | Good | Certain of the additional resources provide data (an interactive display of statistics that show global CO2 emissions since 1820) that would allow teachers and students to explore the pattern of climate change in the past and the possible explanations for that change but the focus of this resource is on the future - how do we reduce the UK's carbon emissions by 80% below the 1990 levels by 2050? what are the options? what lifestyle changes may be required? how do we maintain reliable and secure energy supplies? |
| Past, Present & Future: Promotes an understanding of the past, a sense of the present, and a positive vision for the future. | ||
Pedagogical Approaches
| Principle | Rating | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Open-Ended Instruction | Very Good | The main component of the resource is a lesson based on an online simulation that allows students to face the challenges involved in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining reliable and secure energy supplies. Students consider the combination of supply and demand options available and make their choices.according to what they understand as "the best solution".On completion they may submit their My World solution online. Once the simulation is complete, students discuss the criteria they used to achieve their ideal solution; the key messages suggested by their efforts;whether they need additional information to make better choices; if they would be happy to live in the world they created; and would they be willing to make the changes indicated. This process has the effect of ensuring that students recognize that the challenge is great, the solution complex, and the required commitment life changing. |
| Open-Ended Instruction
: Lessons are structured so that multiple/complex answers are possible; students are not steered toward one 'right' answer. | ||
| Integrated Learning | Very Good | The resource includes,in addition to the simulation, a series of lesson plans or "plenary activities" organized according to subject areas (Citizenship, Geography, Science and Math). Within these lesson plans, students consider where they stand on selected issues, how they might influence others, the different values and attitudes reflected in the climate change debate, the financial and social costs of various "solutions", the relative merits of different energy sources, or they develop graphs that illustrate the data submitted by others who have participated in the My2050World simulation. |
| Integrated Learning: Learning brings together content and skills from more than one subject area
| ||
| Inquiry Learning | Good | The resource defines the issue/topic that students must address- how to reach the 2050 targets with respect to carbon emissions-but the simulation is designed to have students determine how to best reach the target within the restraints imposed. The "ah-hah" moment(s) are likely to occur when students come to realize the complexity of the challenge and the implications of different choices. |
| Inquiry Learning: Learning is directed by questions, problems, or challenges that students work to address.
| ||
| Differentiated Instruction | Good | Each of the subject lesson plans include two options that allow teachers to choose that most appropriate for their class. Each of these optional lesson plans consists of the core lesson, a variation on that core, and a further differentiation. |
| Differentiated Instruction: Activities address a range of student learning styles, abilities and readiness.
| ||
| Experiential Learning | Satisfactory | The core of the resource is the My2050 simulation in which students choose among energy supply and demand options to reach the intended goal of CO2 reductions. The plenary activities include opportunities for role play |
| Experiential Learning: Authentic learning experiences are provided
| ||
| Cooperative Learning | Satisfactory | Many of the Plenary activities rely on student grouping to accomplish the tasks involved. Students are arranged in groups to role play the position representative of various interests in debating the need to adjust energy supply and demand; to decide collectively what individual action might take to reduce C02 emissions; to promote alternative energy;to analyze My2050World data; and to create My2050Town. |
| Cooperative Learning: Group and cooperative learning strategies are a priority.
| ||
| Assessment & Evaluation | Poor/Not considered | The teacher-directed discussion that is part of the simulation and each of the Plenary Activities provide opportunities for formative evaluation of student understanding. The Activities also generate student "products" that can form part of the evaluation process. The Summary of Learning serves as a final evaluation in asking students to complete pledge cards in which they commit to support the efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in their home, school or community. |
| Assessment & Evaluation: Tools are provided that help students and teachers to capture formative and summative information about students' learning and performance. These tools may include reflection questions, checklists, rubrics, etc. | ||
| Peer Teaching | Satisfactory | The Plenary Activities provide considerable opportunities for student interaction. Students are asked to defend their solutions to the energy challenges; to explain how they would influence others,to articulate the perspectives of the stakeholders they role play and their position on energy issues; to share their research on energy alternatives,the conclusions they reach from their data analysis, and the image they have of My Town 2050. The Optional Extra Activities outline opportunities in their school and the local primary school to raise the awareness of and understanding of the challenges related to reducing CO2 emissions and the solutions that may help realize the established targets with respect to reducing those emissions. |
| Peer Teaching: Provides opportunities for students to actively present their knowledge and skills to peers and/or act as teachers and mentors.
| ||
| Case Studies | Very Good | The My2050 Toolkit has students focus on a real challenge - reaching the targets demanded by the UK Climate Change Act of 2008. This allows students to examine and discuss a number of issues related to the climate change debate and to contribute their suggestions as to meet those challenges. |
| Case Studies: Relevant case studies are included. Case studies are thorough descriptions of real events from real situations that students use to explore concepts in an authentic context. | ||
| Locus of Control | Satisfactory | While the resource delineates the parameters of the study -possible responses to UK Climate Change Act - the on-line simulation, My2050 Toolkit, respects student autonomy in allowing students to determine how to best navigate the energy supply and demand paradigm to meet the Act's goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The variations and differentiations included in each of the Plenary Activities has the possibility of further student input in the direction of the resource. |
| Locus of Control: Meaningful opportunities are provided for students to choose elements of program content, the medium in which they wish to work, and/or to go deeper into a chosen issue. | ||
