Free interactive tool developed to help teachers explore climate change

A new free interactive tool has been developed for curriculum developers and teachers to explore the concepts of ‘climate change’ as well as the links between them.

The Climate Change Concept Association Tool, developed by the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS), is available through the RMetS’ MetLink education resource platform.

Teaching Climate Change Holistically

With climate change a pressing global concern, it is paramount that educators can access tools that enhance the effectiveness of climate change education and help to improve the climate literacy of school leavers. At an international scale, the United Nations‘ (UN’s) Conference of the Parties (COP) process under the Paris Agreement now requires all countries to report on their Action for Climate Empowerment – including education.

RMetS said the new Climate Change Concept Association Tool provides an opportunity to explore and evaluate the coverage of various aspects of climate change within proposed curricula. It enables curriculum developers to identify gaps, missed links, duplication, or inadequate progression in their approach to teaching the subject across different subjects and levels.

For example, in geography, the tool can help non-specialist teachers to appreciate the relevance of climate change to a broad range of topics, including migration and tourism. Alternatively, someone developing a new scheme of work and wanting to include the impacts of climate change might use the tool to explore new angles, links or approaches to use.

Comprehensive glossary and teaching resources via RMetS MetLink

To further support teachers, MetLink offers a comprehensive glossary of all the concepts featured within the tool as well as a wealth of climate change teaching resources.

The Climate Concept Association Tool complements the Royal Meteorological Society’s ongoing research into the changing climate literacy of school leavers across the UK. It also complements and feeds into the forthcoming NCEAP report, which will provide an overview of opportunities for climate education within the English National Curriculum.

Professor Sylvia Knight, head of education at the Royal Meteorological Society, said: “We are committed to improving the climate literacy of school leavers in the UK, and in helping often non-specialist, time-pressured teachers to deliver accurate and relevant climate change education.

“The new Climate Concept Association Tool will helps curriculum developers to take a holistic approach to the subject.”

To find out more about the tool and try it, click here.