Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!

Maine Youth Voices for Climate Justice

Provided by: Maine Climate Action Now

Videos Grades 6-8, 9-12

Synopsis

This four-part video series includes videos ranging from 6 minutes to 15 minutes, where Maine-based youth activists and filmmakers talk about the impacts of, and solutions to, climate change in Maine.
The first three videos discuss the observations of change, the importance of including youth in decision-making, youth coping with their feelings, and the importance of sustainable societies like Deer Isle.
Students will learn how climate change in Maine is creating warmer winters and impacting recreation activities like cross-country skiing, warming the ocean and affecting the lobster industry in places like Penobscot Bay Stonington, and Peaks Island, and increasing hazardous outdoor conditions and reducing tourism in places like Acadia National Park.
The collection also includes a video by Andy Burt, who highlights climate solutions in Maine, such as sustainable energy solutions in the Boothbay region, net-zero housing solutions in Cumberland, permaculture, kelp farming in Chebeague Island, sustainable transportation solutions in South Paris, and a solar farm in Farmington.

Subjects: Biology, Geography

Authors: Down to Earth Storytelling, Isaac Russell

Region: Maine, Maine - Northern, Maine - Southern Interior, Maine - Coastal

Languages: English

Positives

These interviews platform BIPOC and female Mainers.
Hearing the students talk so passionately about climate change and the need for action is powerful and inspiring.
The final video ends on a hopeful note, which can help students feel empowered and hopeful rather than overwhelmed.

Prerequisites

Students should understand the causes of climate change and the general impacts of climate change, such as rising ocean temperatures, warmer winters, increased natural disasters, and higher frequency of heat waves.
The Maine Roadtrip To The Future video is missing from the collection. Teachers can find it HERE.

Differentiation & Implementation

Hovering over the description of each video will prompt a discussion question. Teachers can post or project these questions for students to refer to as they watch the videos and then discuss them.
Alternatively, if teachers are short on time, these videos can be used in a flipped classroom model, and students can watch the videos as homework and prepare for a discussion the next class period.
Students may feel strong emotions after hearing about all of the impacts. These students may benefit from using the Climate Emotions Wheel to help identify, process, and channel the big emotions that come from climate change education.
Social studies classes can use this video series to inspire students to want to take action and begin the Civics and Climate Action Learning Lab Lessons to show how action can be taken through policies and civic action.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format