Fox Glacier is a striking reminder of Climate Change's impact on one of Aotearoa's natural wonders. "For many people, and young people in particular, climate change is seen as the greatest challenge of our time. To meet this challenge, scientific knowledge and reasoning are essential elements for decision making - individually, communally, and globally" - Agency in the Anthropocene. Supporting document to the PISA 2025 Science Framework. Image source: Adobe Stock.
On 19 November, the Science Learning Hub, in partnership with the New Zealand Association of Science Educators (NZASE), kicked off a webinar series on climate change education with guest expert Associate Professor Chris Eames to support kaiako in this crucial topic amidst the Aotearoa New Zealand science curriculum refresh. This first session explored the question What is climate change?, providing educators with foundational knowledge about this critical global issue as well as some of the science concepts teachers from different year levels could include in their learning programmes. Chris discussed the role of greenhouse gases, the data and causes behind climate change, and key science concepts, such as how radiation interacts with molecules and the points of difference between carbon dioxide and methane.
Chris Eames, a co-author of Agency in the Anthropocene and contributor to the 2025 PISA Science Framework, and Science Learning Hub host Greta Dromgool emphasised the importance of preparing students with the skills and resilience to address this socio-ecological challenge.
This series continues with two sessions tailored to teaching climate change at different levels:
27 November for secondary schools
28 November for primary schools.
Both aim to equip educators with strategies to deliver an internationally recognised curriculum and empower students in understanding and responding to climate change.
Written by Lian Soh