Empowering Young Adolescents on Environmental Issues: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Studying environmental issues can increase student engagement and academic achievement across the middle school curriculum because it taps into areas of interest and concern for young adolescents. In this experiential session, engage in multidisciplinary lessons that develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, while building their environmental literacy. Topics include population trends, natural resource use, climate and more. The presented activities stimulate creative thinking and motivate students to consider possibilities for creating sustainable societies. They address content in several disciplines including science, mathematics, social studies and English language arts. Activity formats include modeling and group simulations, data analysis, concept mapping, and collaborative games. Participants will receive lesson plans and background reading in an electronic format, all aligned to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.