En-ROADS Climate Solutions Lab
Activities
45 minutesGrades9, 10, 11, 12Science, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
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Written by Denise Linder
About this lesson
In this activity, students learn to manipulate Climate Interactive’s climate solutions simulator: an online, open-access tool regularly updated with the most current data from a range of credible sources and used by policy professionals across the globe. Students learn about sectors that impact carbon emissions and then explore data-driven climate actions and their predicted results. Students immerse in complex, real-world scenarios, and examine equity and policy considerations as they test their ideas to create a better climate future for all.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
- The climate solutions simulator is an elaborate tool that might seem overwhelming at first. This activity walks students through the principal parts of the simulator so students can make the most of the rich data and understand the complexities of the results.
- Teachers can review Climate Interactive’s User Guide to become familiar with the simulator and any updates to the program before working with students to complete the activity:
- Students work individually or in pairs to follow the steps in this Student Document.
- Teachers guide students through each step using the visual aids in this slideshow and the information in the speaker notes.
- The goal of this activity is for students to learn to manipulate the “sliders” on the simulator and understand how to find and use the data provided in the different graphs. Once they feel confident using the simulator, students make predictions about the impact of actions, then test and reflect on the results.
- Teachers can provide students with this resource to understand the equity impacts of climate change and climate change solutions.
- This activity can be used after a science or social studies lesson on a climate impact, such as ocean acidification or climate migration, in order to find solutions that would have the greatest positive impact on these challenges.
- Students experiencing climate anxiety may find that the practical, real-world solutions in this activity inspire hope. Students can use the SEL reflection questions on the Student Document as journaling prompts to help them process their feelings.
- This activity can be used in a World Languages class or bilingual school since the climate simulator can be changed to multiple languages.
- Students can brainstorm climate priorities as a class, then the teacher can ask students to find the action that has the most positive impact on this priority. Examples of priorities include air pollution, biodiversity loss, and heat waves.
- As a class, students can discuss which solutions they think would be the easiest to implement, and which would be the most difficult. Students can also reflect on the climate solutions that would be the most and least equitable, and why.
- In pairs, students can become “experts” on one of the sliders in the climate solutions simulator. Each of the sliders corresponds to a sector, action, or policy that impacts climate change. Students can research their slider topic and make a poster explaining the benefits and drawbacks of the climate solution represented by their slider. Students can share their findings in a gallery walk.
- Students can use the reflection questions at the end of the activity to write a one-page description of their experience using the computer simulator.
From the scientist review
This simulator is accurate, and credible and will assist students as they visualize the impacts of climate change and explore the sectors that contribute to human-caused climate change. This activity has passed our science credibility review and is suggested for teaching.
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About the teacher writer
Denise Linder
9-12 Chemistry Teacher
I have been teaching HS Chemistry in MA for the past 14 years, along with courses in Biology and Environmental Science. As an advocate for Climate Change education, for both teachers and students, I am always looking for content and opportunities to add climate change information to my professional practice and academic courses. I am also registered as a Climate Interactive En-ROADS Ambassador.
