Colorful Climates: Teaching Climate Change through Art
Friday, Feb 02, 2024
Colorful Climates: Teaching Climate Change through Art professional development workshop presents a transformative approach to teaching complex climate science concepts through the lens of art. This immersive session aims to empower STEM teachers with new tools to communicate the nuances of climate change effectively, making this global crisis more tangible and comprehensible for students. The workshop begins with a warm welcome, an orientation to the day's agenda, and an introduction to the innovative concept of teaching science through art. An initial pre-workshop survey will assess current understanding and attitudes towards teaching climate change, providing valuable insights for the facilitators. The first half of the day delves into the foundations of climate change teaching, focusing on a local perspective to make the topic more relatable, exploring the unique habitats of Florida, highlighting their characteristics and the specific climate change challenges they face. The afternoon portion engages educators in a species study, correlating the effects of climate change with local biodiversity. To encourage creativity and consolidation of learning, teachers will contribute to the installation of a mural, visualizing their understanding of the local impacts of climate change. The workshop proceeds to highlight the interconnectedness of life and the environment, emphasizing the far-reaching impacts of climate change on ecosystems. Teachers will also explore ways of advocating for climate action within their classrooms, preparing students to be informed and proactive citizens. This is a unique opportunity for STEM educators to enrich their instructional repertoire, combining the power of art with the urgency of climate science, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for our planet in their students.