Our Changing Planet: What is Climate Change?
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about the environment and climate change.
- Talk about why climate change is happening and how it affects us.
- Read a story about a community working together to help the environment.
- Listen to a conversation about climate change solutions.
- Write about how you can help fight climate change.
Key Words:
- Climate change: Big changes in the Earth’s weather over a long time.
- Global warming: The Earth’s temperature getting warmer.
- Greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat and make the Earth warmer. (Examples: carbon dioxide from cars and factories)
- Fossil fuels: Fuels like coal, oil, and gas that cause pollution.
- Renewable energy: Clean energy that comes from the sun, wind, and water.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What are some things that are causing climate change? (Burning fossil fuels, cutting down trees, pollution.)
- How does climate change affect the weather? (More extreme weather like heatwaves, droughts, floods.)
- What are some things we can do to help stop climate change? (Use less energy, recycle, plant trees.)
Let’s Read!
The people in Greenhaven noticed their town was getting hotter, and the weather was strange. They learned this was because of climate change. So they started planting trees, recycling, and using solar panels for electricity. Everyone worked together to make their town greener and healthier.
Questions About the Reading:
- What did the people in Greenhaven notice about their town?
- What did they do to help?
- Do you think it’s important for everyone to work together to fight climate change? Why?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of people discussing solutions for climate change, like using less plastic and driving electric cars.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a scientist who studies climate change. The other is a reporter asking questions about what we can do.
Example:
- Reporter: “What’s the most important thing people can do to help the environment?”
- Scientist: “The most important thing is to use less energy and switch to renewable sources like solar and wind power.”
Homework:
Write a short letter to the future. Imagine it’s the year 2050. Tell people what you did to help fight climate change.
Example:
Dear People of 2050, I hope you’re living in a clean and healthy world. When I was younger, we faced a big problem called climate change. But we all worked together to use less energy, recycle, and plant trees. I’m proud of the changes we made to protect our planet.
Extra Fun:
If you can, find out about an organization in your community that is working to protect the environment. Maybe you can join them and help too!
