OER Project: Climate

Lesson Plans

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Civics, Geography

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by OER Project

Open Resource

What it is

In this comprehensive online course, students will learn about the causes and effects climate change, the difference between adaptation and mitigation, and the many solutions and actions to address climate change.
The course includes various readings, activities, infographics, videos, and a comprehensive teaching guide for educators.
The course is divided into five units, each with 3-5 online lessons included, which can be explored individually.

Teaching tips

Positives

The online course can be used as a whole or in sections to complement or add lessons to your curriculum.
The teacher portal includes access to forums, a blog, events, and professional development and planning resources for educators.

Additional Prerequisites

Students will need access to the Internet for the interactive parts of the course.
The readings, worksheets, and discussion questions can be completed offline.

Differentiation

This course can be added in at the end of the year, post-exams, or anytime during the year.
The course can be used in science classes during lessons about climate change and human impacts on the environment.
The individual lessons within the units can be integrated into various classes and lessons.
The last unit on taking action can be used for student projects, civics lessons, and career discussions.

From the scientist review

This resource contains activities for students to learn and develop policies for climate action. There is a high confidence in using this resource for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Civics, Geography
Other types: Articles/Websites, Videos, Data, Graphs, and Maps, Activity - Classroom, Worksheets, Interactive Media
Format: PDF
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: OER Project
Authors: OER Project: Climate
Published: November 8, 2022
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · D2.Civ.5.9-12 + 11 more

Core

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D2.Civ.5.9-12Evaluate citizens' and institutions' effectiveness in addressing social and political problems at the local, state, tribal, national, and/or international level.
D4.6.9-12Use disciplinary and interdisciplinary lenses to understand the characteristics and causes of local, regional, and global problems; instances of such problems in multiple contexts; and challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address these problems over time and place.

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.1Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS-LS2-7.Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
HS-CCC-Causeand Effect.2. Cause and effect relationships can be suggested and predicted for complex natural and human designed systems by examining what is known about smaller scale mechanisms within the system.

New Jersey Climate Education Hub

English Language Arts

RI.MF.11–12.6Synthesize complex information across multiple sources and formats to develop ideas, resolve conflicting information, or develop an interpretation that goes beyond explicit text information (e.g., express a personal point of view, or new interpretation of the concept).
W.AW.11-12.1Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
W.WR.11–12.5Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
SL.PE.11-12.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with peers on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Science

HS-ESS3-6.Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
HS-ETS1-1.Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
HS-ETS1-3.Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

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Teaching tips

From the scientist review

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