This class focuses student learning on better understanding Earth as a dynamic system and then challenges students to evaluate how certain factors are connected to and ultimately impact this system. The course curriculum is anchored in the scientific investigation of Earth’s energy budget, carbon chemistry, paleoclimatology and climate data sources. Through this science, students have the opportunity to interpret current research and evaluate the latest news and then work together to investigate decision-making processes around public policy that will impact their future.

A major project in this course allows each student to research and evaluate a specific climate change impact story of their choice. Across both terms, course assignments guide students to develop a comprehensive climate story that ultimately can be shared publically using the Google Earth tool. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and advocate for those in their story via public policy proposal as they participate in a climate summit at the end of the course. Students will take away from the course newfound knowledge and confidence that will allow them to communicate about climate issues in meaningful ways.

This course is considered Honors Level.

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