Don't Throw Away Your Refrigerator
Provided by: MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative|Published on: January 16, 2024|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, English Language Arts
Authors: MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This teacher guide includes six activities to accompany a TIL podcast episode regarding the danger of refrigerants in our landfills, especially as they leak from dumped refrigerators.
- Students will read about the Montreal Protocol, analyze data on temperature anomalies and the presence of refrigerants in the atmosphere, evaluate the influence of molecular structure on a chemical's ability to trap heat, and contribute to a citizen investigation of refrigerants in local supermarkets.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The podcast, although presenting possibly upsetting information for sensitive students, ends on a positive note.
- The web page includes a complete transcript and background resources for teachers to deepen their understanding.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students can stream the podcast via many clickable apps included on the page.
- Students should have some prior knowledge of greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect.
- Because the vocabulary is rigorous, a definition list will be appropriate.
Differentiation
- English teachers can have students create a T-chart of the positives and negatives of both refrigerators and air conditioners as they listen to the podcast. Then, they can create academic paragraphs based on their notes.
- The United Nations is mentioned, so Social Studies teachers can have students research other measures the UN has taken in response to climate change.
- Art teachers can utilize the information as a basis for a unit on art as social action. Students can listen to the podcast, complete the investigation activity, and then create posters and digital ads as a call to action regarding safe ways to dispose of refrigerators.
This resource discusses the history of refrigerants, how they work, and their impact on the ozone hole. The example of the ozone hole is a hopeful example of how the world can work together to solve a climate crisis and can provide students some hope in climate discussions. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
