Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!
Meet Global Warming's Six Americas
Provided by: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication |Published on: April 27, 2021
Lesson Plans Grades 6-8
Synopsis
- Students will read an article from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication on Global Warming's Six Americas, six profiles that show Americans' views on climate change.
- Students will learn about the common traits, beliefs, and effective communication strategies for each of the six profiles.
Subjects: Social Studies
Authors: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
Region: North America, United States
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The Student Page format is well-organized and easy to read.
- The Educator Page's Tips for Success section has several excellent ideas for using the information from the Student Page.
Additional Prerequisites
- Teachers may want to explain that the Six Americas profiles reflect the traits of the majority of people who responded to the survey in the same way, but the profiles do not reflect every single person that falls into each category. For example, a person could be non-religious and well-educated and still be "disengaged" because of their climate beliefs.
- On the Educator Page, the link to the Global Warming's Six Americas data is outdated. For the most Global Warming's Six Americas data, please go here.
Differentiation
- Art classes could make visual representations of the Six Americas. The artwork could be figurative or abstract.
- Advisory or life skills classes could use this article in a discussion about respectful communication. Students could discuss why people have certain beliefs and why they might feel attacked if someone disagrees with them.
- Students can take the Six Americas Super Short Survey to discover their own Six Americas profile.
- Other resources on this topic include this text on evidence-based climate communication tips and this TED video on the importance of talking about climate change.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
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.
