Our Changing World
Our Changing World is an engaging, hands-on program tailored for students in Grades 3–5 that introduces the science of climate change in a simple, age-appropriate way. Through stories, experiments, creative projects, and local action, students explore how Earth’s climate is changing, why it matters, and how their everyday choices can make a difference. The program emphasizes hope, stewardship, and teamwork, empowering students to become young environmental leaders in their homes and communities.
🎯 Program Goals:
📚 What Students Will Learn:
🧠 Sample Activities:
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Awareness: Help students understand the basic science behind climate change and its effects on people, animals, and ecosystems.
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Connection: Foster a sense of personal connection to nature and the Earth.
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Responsibility: Encourage sustainable habits and responsible choices.
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Empowerment: Inspire students to believe they can be part of positive change.
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Creativity: Use art and storytelling to explore climate topics in meaningful ways.
Students will:
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Understand the difference between weather and climate.
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Learn how human activities contribute to climate change (e.g. pollution, fossil fuels).
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Discover how climate change affects animals, people, and the environment.
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Explore renewable energy, recycling, and ways to reduce waste.
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Learn how to take simple, positive actions to help the planet.
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Practice teamwork and problem-solving through environmental challenges.
1. Weather vs. Climate Sorting Game
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Students sort cards with descriptions or pictures into two groups: "Weather" or "Climate."
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Follow-up discussion helps clarify the concept.
2. Melting Ice Experiment (Sea Ice & Rising Water)
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Use two clear containers—one with ice on land (a rock) and one with ice floating (like sea ice).
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Students observe and record how melting affects water levels differently.
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Discussion on polar ice melt and rising seas.
3. Story Time & Reflection
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Read picture books like "The Tantrum That Saved the World" or "One Plastic Bag", followed by reflective journaling or class discussion.
4. “My Earth Promise” Craft
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Each student decorates a paper leaf with a personal promise to help the Earth.
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Leaves are added to a classroom “Tree of Change.”
🌿 Environmental Connections
🎁 Wrap-Up Projects:
📈 Program Outcomes:
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Nature walks to observe local ecosystems and signs of change (e.g., less snow, new plant types).
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Planting seeds or maintaining a classroom garden to learn about carbon absorption and caring for nature.
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Explore how animals (like polar bears or monarch butterflies) are affected by changes in climate.
1. “Our Earth, Our Voice” Art Show
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Students create posters, dioramas, or digital presentations about a climate-related issue or solution.
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Projects are shared in a school-wide Earth Day event or gallery walk.
2. Class Eco-Pledge Video
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The class writes and records a short video sharing ways they’ll protect the planet.
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Can be shared with families or on school media platforms.
3. Climate Superhero Storybook
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Students write and illustrate their own story about a superhero who saves the Earth.
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Stories are bound into a classroom anthology or shared at a reading event.
By the end of the program, students will:
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Understand key concepts related to climate change and environmental protection.
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Show increased concern for the planet and empathy for people and animals affected by climate issues.
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Make more environmentally responsible choices in their daily lives.
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Demonstrate confidence in talking about Earth-friendly solutions.
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Feel empowered to be young changemakers in their community and home.