Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!
Climate Change in the American Mind, April 2022
Provided by: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication |Published on: February 1, 2023
Scientific Reports Grades 9-12, ap-college
Synopsis
- This detailed report explains the results of a survey of about 1,000 Americans and their opinions about global warming and climate change.
- The survey asked questions about people's beliefs, emotional responses, and perceived risks related to climate change and global warming.
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, Mathematics
Authors: Anthony Leiserowitz, Edward Maibach, Seth Rosenthal, John Kotcher, Jennifer Carman, Liz Neyens, Teresa Myers, Matthew Goldberg, Eryn Campbell, Karine Lacroix and Jennifer Marlon
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This paper offers interesting insights into how Americans think about our changing climate.
- Students will be able to read and interpret data regarding a survey that covers many facets of climate change opinion.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should be able to read many types of graphs and charts.
- Students should have some prior knowledge of how surveys are conducted.
- The paper is lengthy but it can be downloaded for use offline or accessed using the interactive table of contents.
Differentiation
- Cross-curricular connections can be made in math classes discussing data analysis or in social studies classes thinking about how different cultures or groups of people think differently.
- Language arts classes could use this paper when working on informational and technical reading strategies.
- Try using the Executive Summary section for a class discussion. Students can discuss how American opinions are changing, what opinions were and were not surprising, and what these opinions mean for climate action in the United States.
- As an extension, have students conduct a corresponding survey of their own. Using the questions provided, students can ask a set number of family members or friends and report their findings back to the class. You can even create a class report of your findings using a graphics tool.
Scientist Notes
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication conducts scientific research on public opinion and behavior. They also engage the public in climate change science and solutions, in partnerships with governments, media, companies, and civil society.
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
