This lesson encourages students to think about representation in a democracy and examine important legislative issues within the structure of a Senate debate. Students will consider the threat posed by climate change and take on the role of Senators to vote on legislation addressing that threat.
Climate Change Video Handout
This handout can be used as part of our Preparing for Environmental Pathways lesson or as an independent activity in your classroom. Students will watch the video linked within and answer questions to deepen their understanding of the climate crisis.
Preparing for Environmental Pathways Lesson 2 Slides
These slides can be used in conjunction with our Preparing for Environmental Pathways lesson plan.
Pathways to Environmental Justice Lesson 1 Slides
These slides can be used in conjunction with the Preparing for Environmental Pathways lesson plan.
Preparing for Pathways to Environmental Justice
Combatting the climate crisis and creating clean energy solutions go hand in hand. The Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s Environmental Pathways program challenges students to consider a path to environmental justice that will work for America’s future.
Climate Policy Research
Students will take part in a jig-saw style activity where they will research a climate policy proposal, gain a deep understanding of their group’s policy, present their policy to the rest of the class, and finish with a short debrief to cement their learning on various climate policies.
Debate and Discussion: Climate and Energy Policy
In this lesson students will examine a pro and con speech about real legislation (the Green New Deal) being discussed in the United States Senate. Students will summarize the speeches, consider their arguments, and use them to enhance their own knowledge of environmental policy.
Climate and Energy Policy Proposals
Students will consider potential policies the United States could implement to combat climate change. Students will watch a short video to gain background knowledge, then examine a list of proposed policies from a real resolution discussed in the Senate, and work in groups to determine which policies are the best.
Background Overview: Climate and Energy Policy
During this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of the history of climate policy in the United States. Students will read a short summary of United States climate policy and examine two visual sources to consider how climate related legislation has impacted the United States.
Climate and Energy Policy Vocabulary
This resource provides students with useful vocabulary words and definitions regarding climate and energy policy.